Why I Donate Hair
Who knew that getting a haircut could help others? It's a way to help children and adults who may be experiencing an illness or disease that affects hair growth or causes hair loss.
Women and men alike may donate hair for these children, and even other kids can do so. However, it may be discouraging to many to grow out your hair and then cut most of it off; such a move can be too drastic all at once.
I donate my hair about every 2 years (that's about how long it takes for me to grow my hair out enough to have the minimum required length of 8-10 inches... and about the time it gets so long that I can't wait to chop it off!). I've probably donated more than 10 times over the years. I think it's a great way to help others; to you it may just be hair, but to them it can be what they need to succeed and progress.
There are a few general guidelines to meet and keep in mind when donating your hair:
- Anyone can cut your hair just so long as it meets the guidelines. (My first-year college roommate cut my hair!)
- Depending on the organization, colored, treated or permed hair is ok. However, bleached hair is not.
- Dreadlocks are not accepted.
- Hair doesn't have to have just been cut to donate it.
- Please don't get hair from the ground!
- Make sure the hair is in a ponytail or braid when sent.
- Don't send synthetic hair, or hair with extensions in it.
- If your hair is layered, the shortest pieces must be at least the minimum number of inches inches long.
- If your hair is curly or wavy, you can pull it straight to measure the inches.
- Shorter hair in layers, and gray hair may be sold to offset manufacturing costs.
I think people with long hair should seriously consider donating. Even middle schoolers do it frequently. You may love your long hair, but think of it this way: you can always grow it out, but some can't.
Where can I donate hair?
- Locks of Love Since 1997
Locks of Love Since 1997 | Since 1997 - Home - Wigs For Kids
Find out how you can make a difference in a child's life—through hair or financial donations. Wigs For Kids helps children look themselves and live their lives. - Children With Hair Loss
Covering Young Heads To Heal Young Hearts! Michigan 501(c)3 - Locks of Love helps disadvantaged children suffering from medical hair loss
- Where To Donate Hair: 5 Helpful Hair Organizations