Donate Your Hair to a Good Cause

Many people are suffering from cancer and have lost their hair due to the effects of chemotherapy. Many other children and adults suffer from Alopecia, an auto-immune disease that causes permanent hair loss of which there is no known cause or cure. If you have long hair, you can help by donating your hair to make a wig. It's a wonderful deed that with the potential to change someone's life for the better.

Steps

Preparation

  1. Do your research. Look up organizations that make wigs for people with cancer, Alopecia, etc. Find one that you like and know the requirements for a hair donation. The policies vary amongst organizations, and some may or may not take your hair.
    • Two organizations, Pantene and CWHL (Children With Hair Loss) accept donations of {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} or more. Locks of Love and Wigs for Kids accept donations only of 10 and 12 inches, respectively.
    • If it's curly, pull it straight to measure.
  2. Prepare your hair. Make sure your hair is not chemically damaged (dyed repeatedly), very dead (split ends), or dirty, and is at least {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} long (depending on the organization). Hair like this is often not accepted. Be sure you don't waste your hair or your efforts!
    • There is a difference between colored and bleached hair. Each organization is different, but just because you've colored your hair doesn't necessarily mean that you're out of the running to help.
    • Gray hair is appreciated just as much!
  3. Fill out the form. Most organizations have a form online that you can fill out to accompany your donation. If you want to remain completely anonymous you may choose to do so, but if you want verification that your donation was received, this step is necessary.
    • This may be as simple as including your name and address. And if it takes a couple of months to hear back, don't fret. Sometimes the organizations are running low on help and it takes time to get everything organized. You can always call or inquire online if you're curious.

Donation

  1. Cut it. Go to the salon where you plan on getting your hair cut and be sure to tell them that your hair is going to be donated. They will first measure your hair to make sure it's the required length, and will then put your hair in a loose ponytail or two braids.
    • Your hair will be cut right above the ponytail rings, and the stylist can not let the hair touch the floor. Your hair must be dry before tying it with a rubber band and placing it in an air-tight plastic bag.
  2. Send it off. Mail or give it, in person, to an organization that specializes in making wigs for cancer patients. Be happy that you have helped a cause. Consider regrowing it to help again next year.
    • Make sure you have the required postage! Take it to your local post office, obtain a padded envelope, and they'll help you out from there.
  3. Spread the word. Hair is needed from men and women of all ages and races. Let your friends know what you're up to and perhaps they'll be inspired to help, too.
    • An estimated 80% of donations come from children looking to help other children.[1] If you know someone who might be interested, let them know how easy the process was and how good it feels to help.

Tips

  • Some places cut your hair for free if you donate it, so if you don't know where to go, look up places that do that. And sometimes the organizations themselves will cut it for you.
  • Remember that all in all, it's just hair. It will grow back.
  • Realize that one wig takes several hair donations to create.
  • Be sure you really want to do this!
  • Usually, people with more permanent hair loss (e.g. hair loss from diseases like Alopecia) are given priority over long-term but less permanent hair loss (e.g. hair loss from procedures such as chemotherapy where hair can eventually be grown back).
  • If you're still in school, your school may host a fundraiser that gives you the opportunity to do this.
  • If your under the age of eighteen ask your parents first. There's a 50% chance it will go either way.

Warnings

  • Whether you're donating, hair or anything else, please do your own research on any charity you donate to. Some charities may use more money for "overhead costs" than the actual charitable work they do. Some may have practices or views that you disagree with and some are just outright scams.
  • In the hair donation sector, some charities are said to sell some of the donated hair they receive to commercial wig manufacturers. Research online with reputable websites to find the best place to send your shorn locks.
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the charity you are trying to donate your hair to meets their standards.
  • Hair that has fallen on the floor is unacceptable for donation.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html
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