Port Douglas' Harriet Ferguson has raised just under $6,000 for cancer awareness and research as part of the World's Greatest Shave fundraiser at the weekend.

More than 100 well-wishers looked on at the Central Hotel as Ms Ferguson's bright red hair fell to the floor of the bar.

Before the event, Ms Ferguson tied her hair into three individual braids which were clipped off one at a time.

Her 65-centimetre long locks will be used to make wigs for people who have lost hair during cancer treatment.

Money raised from the World's Greatest Shave funds blood cancer research and free support through the Leukaemia Foundation.

More than 150,000 people were sponsored to shave or colour their hair in 2014.