how much length to donate hair

by Dr. Ryder Schuppe 6 min read

Make sure hair is a minimum of 12 inches for proper hair donation length. We encourage you to wait and grow a longer ponytail (14+ inches) to have the most impact on a child in need. Pull curly hair straight for a more accurate measurement.

What is the minimum length for donating hair?

1. Start Your Donation with Hair Length. If you’re interested in donating your hair to kids in need, your first step is to set a length goal. While we accept hair donations of 12 inches or longer, we encourage you to donate 14+ inches of hair; the more length you can donate, the more of an impact you will make. 2.

How long does your hair have to be to donate it?

Typically, most hair donation organizations require your hair to be at least 12 inches long. However, some accept hair donations starting at 10 inches. 2. Keep your locks clean. One of the keys to a successful hair donation is to ensure that your hair is clean and dry.

How to cut long hair off to donate it?

Guidelines for Measuring and Cutting Your Hair Donation Make sure hair is a minimum of 12 inches for proper hair donation length. We encourage you to wait and grow a longer ponytail (14+ inches) to have the most impact on a child in need. Pull curly hair straight for a …

How many inches of hair to donate?

Mar 25, 2022 · In general, though, the minimum hair length for donation ranges from 8 to 12 inches, but it varies from place to place and also fluctuates based on the need. At Hair We Share, this length has ...

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Start Your Donation With Hair Length

If you’re interested in donating your hair to kids in need, your first step is to set a length goal. While we accept hair donations of 12 inches or...

Get in Contact With A Hair Professional

We rely on talented hair professionals to properly cut the hair ponytails and braids that are then donated to Wigs for Kids. The professional you c...

Send in Your Hair Donation

Mail the hair with the required hair donation form (linked below) in a sealed envelope or a small shipping box (special containers or insurance are...

How to donate hair to a salon?

Before you head to the salon, make sure to: 1 Wash and dry your hair. After you wash your hair, don’t use any hair products, such as hairspray, gel, or mousse. Hair that’s donated must be completely dry before it’s shipped so it doesn’t mold and become unusable. 2 Pack your supplies. Bring the organization’s hair-cutting guidelines, a ruler, ponytail holders, and a resealable plastic bag. 3 Have a hairstyle in mind. Cutting your hair for a cause can make you feel great, but you also need to know what kind of style you want when you walk out of the salon. This can help you avoid having any regrets from donating your hair.

What to do before going to a hair salon?

Before you head to the salon, make sure to: Wash and dry your hair. After you wash your hair, don’t use any hair products, such as hairspray, gel, or mousse. Hair that’s donated must be completely dry before it’s shipped so it doesn’t mold and become unusable. Pack your supplies.

Can organizations take hair that has been colored?

You may need to find out if an organization will or will not take hair that’s been colored, permed, highlighted, bleached, or dreadlocked. Also, some organizations accept gray hair or hair with a certain percentage of gray in it, while others don’t accept it at all.

Do you need a hairstylist to do a donation cut?

Make sure that you and your hairstylist follow the donation cut instructions. A hairstylist doesn’t need special training to do a donation cut, but be sure to tell your hairstylist the reason for your haircut and the guidelines of the organization you’ve selected.

WHY YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER DONATING YOUR HAIR

Hair donation is a beautiful and selfless act. It allows you to help individuals who are experiencing hair loss due to alopecia, cancer treatments, and other conditions.

WHERE TO DONATE HAIR

If you are interested in hair donation, the first step is determining where to donate your hair. There are various hair donation companies that are ready and willing to accept your gift. You’ll want to take this step first instead of cutting because different organizations will have different rules and guidelines.

HOW TO DONATE HAIR

You need to know a few things to ensure that your hair can be eligible for donation. Keep these seven tips in mind.

CAN YOU DONATE DYED HAIR?

When it comes to the topic of hair donation, “Can you donate dyed hair?” is one of the most-asked questions. While you may have heard having colored hair rules you out, that isn’t quite the case. This is another topic that is impacted by the organization you choose.

Can you donate six inches of hair?

Many think that they cannot donate their hair due to length, treatment, coloring, or gray hair. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide so that no matter what kind of hair you have to donate, if it’s 6 inches long (yes, just SIX inches long!) or longer, you can donate your hair!

Is Pantene Pro V good for your hair?

The result was the Pantene Pro V shampoo which cleans and nourishes, leaving the hair shiny and healthy. The shampoo is meant for daily use, and is appropriate for all hair types. It’s a quick, easy, one-stop solution for daily hair care. Works like any other shampoo – lather, wait, rinse.

Does Pantene Pro V make your hair fall out?

The main reason behind it is that Pantene ingredients includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and sodium. … Additionally, in most of the cases people wash their hair with Pantene on daily basis which is damaging for the hair and makes your hair weak and dry, thus ultimately they fall out.

Does Pantene Beautiful Lengths still accept hair?

Hair donations will no longer be accepted after December 31, 2018. Through the passion and generosity of donors all over the US and Canada, we are pleased to share that we are able and committed to meet the future real-hair wig needs of the American and Canadian Cancer Societies for the next four years.

Can I donate less than 12 inches of hair?

Donation length requirements vary from eight inches to 12 inches. Curly hair can be straightened prior to measuring in order to meet donation requirements. Layers are typically okay, as long as the shortest layer is at least the minimum required length. Hair must be clean and dry.

Is Pantene Pro V shampoo good for hair?

The result was the Pantene Pro V shampoo which cleans and nourishes, leaving the hair shiny and healthy. The shampoo is meant for daily use, and is appropriate for all hair types. It’s a quick, easy, one-stop solution for daily hair care. Works like any other shampoo – lather, wait, rinse.

Why is Pantene the worst shampoo?

After an amount of research I haven’t done since college, several Pantene Pro-V shampoo and conditioners contain unhealthy ingredients such as sulfates and long-ass words that end in “-cone.” Silicones are what make you feel easy, breezy, beautiful with shiny hair, BUT over time they act as plastic coats that cause …

How many donations do you need to make a wig?

It can take five to six donations to make one wig. There may also be different rules when it comes to layered, colored and chemically processed hair, as well as the amount of gray hair permitted. Children's hair makes for ideal donations since it tends to be unprocessed and healthier.

Why do nonprofits give away wigs?

Because these nonprofits give away their wigs for free and don't turn anyone eligible away, monetary donations are needed more than ever. The pandemic has been a double whammy for charities, limiting their ability to fundraise while shrinking the donor base.

How many inches does Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids take?

Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan can take donations as short as seven inches to make short wigs that many boys prefer, but at least 10 inches is requested. Wigs & Wishes requires a minimum of 12 inches, while Pink Heart Funds requires 13 inches to meet the demand for longer wigs.

How many days a week does Varney work?

The need -- and the hope that hair provides -- keeps Varney working seven days a week. Slightly more than half of the children she serves have been diagnosed with cancer, while the rest have lost hair from alopecia, trichotillomania, lupus, blood disorders and dog bites.

Can hair be bundled after cutting?

Wet or damp donations can breed mold or mildew and have to be thrown out. Securing hair is also key, especially before cutting. Hair cannot be bundled after it has been on the floor.

Is pink heart wig hard to maintain?

It ultimately makes the wig too hard to maintain, especially for kids. And you don't have to be in the United States to help. All three charities accept hair donated from around the world. Pink Heart Funds has received donations from Ireland, Germany and the Philippines.

Who is Maggie Varney?

Maggie Varney, right, founder of Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan , teaches volunteer Lamaine Lockhart how to make a plaster mold for a wig. (CNN) As people stay home and skip the salon or barbershop, some hair-focused non-profits are seeing one bright spot in the pandemic: more donated hair going to those who need it.

Why Should You Donate Hair for Cancer?

Receiving chemotherapy is both a physically and emotionally trying experience. A wig is a symbol of hope for a cancer patient who is already going through so much. Hair loss isn’t just a matter of vanity; it can severely affect mental health.

Who Can Donate Hair for Cancer?

Anyone anywhere can be a donor, regardless of your age, ethnicity, or hair type. Many organizations will accept gray hair or hair with a certain percentage of gray in it. Organizations that cater specifically to children, of course, will not be able to use gray hair for the obvious reasons.

What Organizations Accept Hair Donations for Cancer?

Several non-profit organizations use donated hair to create free or low-cost wigs for people with cancer and other conditions. Each organization has its own mission and different requirements for donations. Each will also serve different causes, like childhood cancers, burn victims or conditions like alopecia areata and trichotillomania.

How Do I Donate My Hair to Cancer Patients?

Though you can cut your hair at home, I recommend going to a salon to make sure the hair donation process is done correctly. You’re making a considerable contribution, so you might as well treat yourself! Go to a salon that you’re used to.

What if My Hair is Not Usable?

Hair donation isn’t for everyone. You could have the best of intentions, but your hair may not be up for the task. Perhaps you’ve color-treated your hair for years, or maybe it just refuses to grow. There are still ways that you can help. Donated human hair only makes up about 30% of the manufacturing costs of making a hairpiece.

Over To You!

When salons shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many women chose to let their hair grow. Now that things are opening back up, organizations are seeing a boom in hair donations. Now is the perfect time to get a fresh start with a new haircut!

How many ponytails does it take to make a wig?

It actually takes about 10 to 12 ponytails to make one wig. If you watch the first Facebook Live video embedded in this story, you can see how my stylist segmented the hair before he cut it. The hair has to be completely dry before you send it, too, so it doesn't get moldy. They have to throw hair away if it is.

Where are Hair U Wear wigs made?

Hair U Wear made the wigs at its factory in Indonesia and then shipped them back to Pantene, which gave the well-traveled hair to the American Cancer Society to distribute at its wig banks across the US. You can see which groups each organizations provides wigs to in the table above.

Can you stretch curly hair?

You can stretch curly hair out to reach the minimum length, but the shortest layers have to meet that number or they probably won't be used . Make sure you put the hair in multiple ponytails or rubber bands before you cut it so it stays together when you send it in.

Does Locks of Love charge for wigs?

Locks of Love doesn't charge kids for the wigs — but they do sometimes sell the hair if it's too short or grey. Once I dug into why, though, it made sense. "Shorter hair will be separated from the ponytails and sold to offset the manufacturing costs.

Why do people lose their hair?

Alopecia areata, cancer radiation therapy and severe burns are just some of the reasons why someone can lose their hair. And hair loss is not just a cosmetic concern — it can also seriously affect someone's mental health. But you can make a difference by choosing to donate your locks.

How many people have alopecia areata?

Nearly 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with the autoimmune disease alopecia areata, which can cause permanent hair loss. Hair We Share designs customized human-hair wigs and donates them to people struggling with hair loss who have a financial need. Ponytails must be packaged in a plastic bag to be accepted.

What is a natural hair wig?

The natural hair wigs are carefully designed to mimic each child's own hair and stay comfortably in place during sports or playground activities. "I've donated my hair multiple times and am growing it out now to donate again," said Rachel Timmerman of The Analytical Mommy. "The donation process is super easy.

What is wigs for kids?

For over 30 years, Wigs for Kids — one of the most established hair-donation organizations — has been creating and giving wigs to children who have suffered serious hair loss. The natural hair wigs are carefully designed to mimic each child's own hair and stay comfortably in place during sports or playground activities.

What is matter of trust?

Matter of Trust is a different kind of hair donation organization that's intent on improving the environment. It collects clippings from groomers, salons and individuals and felts the natural fibers into mats that can be used to soak up petrochemical pollutants and oil spills from waterways.

What is Locks of Love?

Locks of Love understands how detrimental hair loss can be to self-confidence. Since 1997, it's been tailoring hair donations and fashioning wigs, especially for disadvantaged children. Locks of Love make the hair donation process pretty straightforward, with specific instructions listed on its website.

Why did Pink Heart Funds stop accepting donations?

After 12 years of accepting human hair donations, Pink Heart Funds has had to stop accepting donations due to its factory shutting down amid the pandemic.

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