how to donate hair to charity

by Stacey Schumm 7 min read

The Hair Donating Process
  1. Hair must be clean and dry. ...
  2. Tie hair into at least four sections (six are even better) around the head for a more generous donation. ...
  3. Make sure each ponytail or braid is tightly secured. ...
  4. Cut hair above the rubber band.
  5. Wrap all ponytails in one piece of tissue paper and seal in a plastic bag.
Dec 9, 2020

What to know before donating your hair to charity?

Feb 25, 2020 · Research hair donation organizations to find the right fit for your hair. Make sure your hair donation meets an organization's specifications. Submit hair that is healthy, trimmed, clean, dry, and at least 8 inches long. Follow shipping instructions exactly. Don'ts Assume an organization accepts dyed, gray, or too short hair.

Where is the best place to donate hair?

Apr 26, 2018 · 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. Bring the organization’s hair-cutting guidelines, a ruler, ponytail holders, and a resealable plastic bag.

How to get a free haircut with donation?

Mar 22, 2021 · A charity is more likely to use your donation if the hair is in good condition, so snip the split ends off. Pull curly hair straight to check the length — many organizations don't accept hair less than 12 inches long. Bleached hair is rarely accepted — it's not strong enough to withstand the process.

What is the best hair donation organization?

You can find an excellent Hair Donation Specialist by clicking the “Find a Specialist” button below. 3. Send in Your Hair Donation Place the dry ponytail in a sealed Ziploc bag and then inside a sealed envelope addressed to: Wigs For Kids — Hair Donations 24231 Center Ridge Road Westlake, Ohio 44145 Get Your Donation Barcode

image

How long does hair have to be to donate?

Donated hair needs to be a minimum length when straightened, usually from 8 to 14 inches (about 21 to 36 centimeters). Find out what the chosen organization requires.Apr 26, 2018

Does donating hair do anything?

The Children's Cancer Research Fund has stated that 80 percent of childhood cancers can be cured or treated successfully. By donating your hair, money, or time, you will be doing something to help a sick child start to feel like a regular kid again.Aug 18, 2020

Can I sell my hair?

Can you sell your hair for money? Yes, it is possible! In fact, many people around the world have earned extra money by selling their hair to online buyers.Nov 11, 2021

Should I straighten my hair before donating it?

Hair Requirements: Donated hair must be a minimum of 8 inches long (measure hair from just above the elastic band of the ponytail to the ends). Wavy/curly hair texture is fine—you may straighten hair to measure. Hair should be freshly washed and completely dry, without any styling products.Jan 1, 2006

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.

How to donate hair?

How to Donate Your Hair 1 Ensure your hair is healthy. 2 Triple check donation requirements and keep hair clean dry before you send it off. 3 Check that your salon is familiar with the hair donation process before you make the chop. 4 A charity is more likely to use your donation if the hair is in good condition, so snip the split ends off. 5 Pull curly hair straight to check the length — many organizations don't accept hair less than 12 inches long. 6 Bleached hair is rarely accepted — it's not strong enough to withstand the process. 7 Check how much gray hair a charity accepts before cutting.

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.

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.

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.

Who is Regina Villemure?

After learning her 3-year-old niece had Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia, Regina Villemure (a hair replacement system specialist) started Children With Hair Loss. The nonprofit has grown, and Villemure's niece is now a survivor of more than 30 years. CWH is also one of the few organizations that accept less lengthy hair donations of 8 to 10 inches.

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 Chai Lifeline?

Chai Lifeline works tirelessly to meet the emotional, financial, and social needs of families living with loss or illness. Based in New York, the leading international network focuses its attention on supporting children. The charity understands that when someone has patchy, balding spots, it can draw unwanted attention. Hair loss can also impact mental health, which can stunt physical recovery.

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. 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 contact must follow these steps for cutting and donating your hair or ponytail.

3. Send in Your Hair Donation

Place the dry ponytail in a sealed ziplock bag and then inside a sealed envelope addressed to:

Do you have to tell your hairdresser you want to donate?

You will need to tell your hairdresser, or whomever is cutting your hair, that you want to donate before they start, because there are a few guidelines. For example, the hair has to be dry when it is cut, which is atypical.

Does the Duchess of Cambridge have a ponytail?

F ollowing in the footsteps of Harry Styles, The Duchess of Cambridge has reportedly donated her similarly lustrous, brunette ponytail to Little Princess Trust, a charity that gives free real-hair wigs to children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment or other illnesses. Since 2006, the charity has provided 5,500 wigs for children ...

Did Kate Middleton donate her hair?

Kate Middleton has reportedly donated her locks to an organisation that provides wigs to children who have lost their hair. If you’re going for the chop, here’s how you can follow suit.

How to donate hair?

Below are the most common stipulations for hair donations: 1 Make sure hair is a minimum of 12 inches for proper hair donation length. Pull curly hair straight for a more accurate measurement. 2 Hair cannot be permed, color-treated, or highlighted. 3 Temporary coloring or highlights that wash out are acceptable but must be completely washed out before cutting. 4 Gray hair is accepted.

Can hair grow back?

In short, your hair will grow back, but the knowledge that you helped someone will live on forever.

When did Wigs for Kids start?

To help heal the pain of hair loss, Wigs for Kids has been serving children with hair loss since 1981 .Their underlying belief is that kids shouldn’t have to worry about how they look, particularly during a health crisis.

How many children do Chai Lifeline help?

Make a difference to the lives of seriously ill children and donate hair to Chai Lifeline. This global charity helps 4,300 children and their families in the U.S. It’s a thoughtful way to help families and children have the happy and normal life they deserve. The gift of giving a wig is one of the many ways this charity helps improve the lives ...

What is Matter of Trust?

Matter of Trust is an ecological public charity, that uses everyday items to clean up the environment. Hair is amongst the long list of items they accept, including hemp, fur and feathers. In turn, these materials are used to keep storm drains clear, and help soak up oil spills, in an eco-savvy way.

What is Locks of Love?

Hair loss can be devastating for individuals, especially young children. Locks of Love helps youngsters find a sense of normalcy and confidence by utilizing donated ponytails. Made into wigs designed for children, these are made for financially disadvantaged children.

What to use for donating hair?

If you’re interested in donating your hair, proper maintenance is the first step. Cartier, a stylist for nearly three decades, recommends using a sulfate-free shampoo, “good” conditioner, and heat protectant for regular haircare. Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids also recommends using high-quality dryers and tools, regular brushing and limiting exposure to heat damage.

How much does a wig cost?

Wigs are expensive. Depending on how they’re made, each wig can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars. Because these nonprofits give away their wigs for free and don’t turn anyone eligible away, monetary donations are needed more than ever.

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.

What is wigs for kids?

For over 30 years, Wigs For Kids has been providing Hair Replacement Systems and support for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Alopecia , Trichotillomania, burns and other medical issues at no cost to children or their families.

How long do wigs for kids last?

Some with autoimmune diseases, such as Alopecia, need the help of Wigs For Kids help until they reach age 18, while other children with temporary hair loss due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy may only need treatment for a couple of years.

Do donations help with hair replacement?

Financial donations allow us to create these custom hair pieces at no cost to the family. Funds not only help cover the expense of creating the Hair Replacement System , they also help us pay for products, services, and support.

image