Natasha said: "I cried at first when I was at the hairdresser's to get it cut.
"I was afraid I wouldn't like it, and I was also scared I might not get the money I wanted for it.
"Getting it cut has given me a new life. I used to be afraid every time I went out that someone would grab my hair or try to cut it off, but now I can do a lot of things which I couldn't do before.
"I'm having cycling lessons and I've been able to go to the beach and swim without being afraid of getting my hair wet."
Her mum Catarina said: "I never put her under pressure to get it cut but she was like a prisoner and wanted to do the things other girls her age do."
The family are also finally able to switch on the fan in their house without fear that Natasha's locks will get caught in it.
