how to donate my hair

by Mrs. Katlyn Heathcote DDS 4 min read

Ready to Donate Your 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 ...
  • 2. Get in Contact with a Hair Professional.
  • 3. Send in Your Hair Donation.

In general, organizations ask that donated hair be bundled into a ponytail or braid that's tightly secured with rubber bands at both ends. Loose hair or clippings from the floor aren't accepted.
...
Before you head to the salon, make sure to:
  1. Wash and dry your hair. ...
  2. Pack your supplies. ...
  3. Have a hairstyle in mind.
Apr 26, 2018

Full Answer

Can I get money for donating my hair?

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.

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

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 much do you get to donate hair?

Where is the best place to donate hair?

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How do I donate my hair properly?

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

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.

What is the most popular hair donation organization?

Locks of Love may be the most popular hair donation organization. Since 1997, Locks of Love has made hundreds of wigs, or “prostheses” as they call them, each year. This organization creates wigs from real hair specifically for children to address issues with “traditional” wigs that are too large, too rough and not offered in children’s styles. 6 

What is hair we share?

Founded in 2014, Hair We Share donates real hair wigs to children under 18 and adults facing financial hardships. Most wigs go to people who have medical conditions or chemo-related hair loss, or who have experienced trauma, such as burns, that prevent hair regrowth. 9  Hair We Share has some “donation salons” across the United States that properly cut and ship hair. Acceptable hair must be at least 12 inches long and not dyed or bleached. You can also cut and send your hair, but do check out the process first. 10  They also offer a unique “Track Your Ponytail” program so that donors can see exactly what their donation is doing. 10 

How many ponytails does it take to make a wig?

In fact, according to Locks of Love, it takes 10 to 12 ponytails to make one wig. 5 . This is why donating those long locks is so important; the more healthy hair that is donated, the more women and children can regain confidence as they fight their battles.

When was Wigs for Kids founded?

Founded in 1981 , Wigs for Kids is one of the longest-running hair donation organizations in the U.S. Founded by Jeffrey Paul and his wife, the organization has developed wigs for kids that can “withstand typical kid activities.” They do not outsource their wig creation to manufacturers, and the wigs are designed for high levels of activity, 7 

Is Locks of Love a hair donation?

Locks of Love is one organization synonymous with hair donation, but it is not the only one you can choose to support. In fact, you may find that a Locks of Love donation is not the right fit for your hair, so it is essential to do your research.

Does Children with Hair Loss have wigs?

Since 2000, Children With Hair Loss has gifted real hair wigs to children and young adults facing medically-related hair loss. 11  In 2019, they donated 608 wigs to children all over the U.S. 12  Their wigs also come with a “care kit” so that children can maintain their wigs for many years. Children With Hair Loss also has an extensive list of salon partners that make it easy for donors to cut and donate their hair.

Does hair loss affect self esteem?

In fact, studies show that losing hair during cancer treatments makes patients feel sicker and affects their self-esteem drastically. 1  People with naturally-occurring or chemo-induced alopecia have higher levels of anxiety and depression, lower self-esteem, and poor body image—just to name a few. 2 .

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:

How many inches of hair do you need for a wig for kids?

Wigs for Kids makes wigs for kids under 18 who’ve lost their hair due to medical reasons. They require at least 12 inches of hair that is not dyed, bleached, or highlighted. To donate your hair, the hair must be bound in a ponytail.

What is Beyoutiful Foundation?

BeYOUtiful Foundation provides online education (cutting, styling, utilizing wigs, and dealing with chemo hair) to local cancer survivors, while also making wigs for women of all ages who are dealing with the realities of the disease.

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