A Concord hairstylist whose shop is a couple of doors away from one of John Edwards's campaign offices hopes to turn a moment of campaign embarrassment for Edwards into money for charity.

David Holden, who owns Hair Biz on Main Street, is challenging presidential candidates to come in for a $400 haircut, promising to donate all of the proceeds to autism research.

"They don't even have to get a haircut," said Holden, who has a son with the developmental disability. "They can just send us a check and I'll give 100 percent of the money to the Autism Society of New Hampshire."

Edwards inadvertently made news and late-night comedy shows in April, when his campaign spending reports included two $400 haircuts. The campaign said it erred in paying the bills and said the candidate would reimburse it.

The celebrity Beverly Hills stylist who cuts Edwards's hair said the haircuts cost so much because he went to Edwards, rather than Edwards coming to his salon a block off Rodeo Drive. Edwards said he didn't know the price would be that high.

Edwards won't have far to go if he wants to take Holden up on his challenge. The former North Carolina senator's Concord campaign office is 24 steps away.

Holden said $400 is a base figure. He hopes candidates donate more.

Holden, who said he hasn't settled on a presidential candidate, said the challenge is not a shot at Edwards, just an attempt to help a good cause.

"It's all for charity," he said.