where can i donate my hair?

by Beau Stokes DVM 9 min read

Where to Donate Your Hair

  1. Wigs for Kids. Another good organization to consider is Wigs for Kids is another great hair donation organization. ...
  2. Locks of Love. Locks of Love is one of the most reputable and oldest hair donation charities. ...
  3. Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan. ...
  4. Children With Hair Loss. ...
  5. Hair We Share. ...

More items...

Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California is happy to recommend Wigs for Kids as your recipient of your hair donation. Wigs for Kids is an organization that is dedicated to helping children look themselves and live their lives through the provision of wigs.

Full Answer

Where is the best place to donate your hair?

Feb 25, 2020 · These are not the only options for hair donations, but they are national donor organizations, which means you can donate from anywhere. If you want to make a local impact, you can search for local hair donation organizations or drives. Locks of Love Locks of Love may be the most popular hair donation organization.

How long does your hair have to be for donation?

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 Are you ready to donate? Click on the button below to fill out our Hair Donation form.

How to get a free haircut with donation?

Apr 26, 2018 · Some hair donation organizations offer a list of specific salons that will do the cut—sometimes at a discount—and package and ship the hair for you. If your hairstylist hasn’t done a donation cut before, you can print out the guidelines from the …

Does locks of Love sell donated hair?

Dec 09, 2020 · Tie hair into at least four sections (six are even better) around the head for a more generous donation. Hair pulled into one ponytail or a braid results in a loss of up to four inches of hair. To separate your hair correctly, make a center part. Starting from the center part, part your hair again over the top of each ear.

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How long does your hair have to be to donate?

8 to 14 inchesDonated 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. Are there types of hair I can't donate? Some organizations may not take hair that is colored/bleached, permed, dreadlocked, or gray.Apr 26, 2018

How do I know if I can donate my hair?

Make sure hair is a minimum of 12 inches for proper hair donation length. Pull curly hair straight for a more accurate measurement. Hair cannot be permed, color-treated, or highlighted. Temporary coloring or highlights that wash out are acceptable but must be completely washed out before cutting.Dec 9, 2020

How can I get my hair to donate?

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. Start the measuring tape at the start of the ponytail.

Can you donate black hair?

The Little Princess Trust is delighted to announce that it can now use Afro hair donations in its wigs after trials resulted in a breakthrough success. The Little Princess Trust has always offered Afro style wigs to its young recipients using straight hair which was later curled into the requested style.Apr 8, 2021

Can you sell your 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

How do I cut my hair for Locks of Love?

1:434:35How To Donate Your Hair To Locks Of Love - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow before you do cut it you have to make sure it's clean and dry and now you can cut it at a salonMoreNow before you do cut it you have to make sure it's clean and dry and now you can cut it at a salon or at your house by yourself have someone else do it what I did I just went to a salon.

Is Locks of Love good?

“Don't get me wrong, Locks of Love is still an organization that does good for children who don't have hair, but it's reputation is based on false information. Instead of clearing up the myths, they are profiting from them,” says Tempel.Nov 12, 2007

Is 12 inch hair long?

12 Inches Hair At 12 inches, your hair is a bit longer than shoulder length. Expect it to touch your shoulders or brush the tops of your shoulder blades. As far as length goes, 12 inches of hair is right in the middle. It's just the perfect choice for anyone who wants a genuine medium-length haircut.Jan 2, 2022

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?

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 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.

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.

How to donate hair?

Before you chop your hair and send it off, do make sure that you check the donation requirements of your preferred charity. In general, the following guidelines are common for all organizations that accept hair: 1 Hair has to be put into a ponytail or braid and cut above the ponytail holder. 2 Donation length requirements vary from eight inches to 12 inches. 3 Curly hair can be straightened prior to measuring in order to meet donation requirements. 4 Layers are typically okay, as long as the shortest layer is at least the minimum required length. 5 Hair must be clean and dry. 6 Hair cannot be chemically altered. 7 Hair must be natural - synthetics are typically not accepted. 8 Hair that is from the floor is unusable. 9 Your cut off ponytail or braid should be packaged in a zippered plastic baggie and then put in a padded envelope 10 While it's generally not required, it's always appreciated if you send a small donation along with your hair to help defray costs for the organization.

What is a child with hair loss?

Children With Hair Loss is a nonprofit hair donation charity that provides wigs for children in need throughout the U.S. The program offers both long term hair replacement packages and short-term options for children who have lost their hair temporarily. The organization supports itself through generous donations, partnering with the community and by selling branded merchandise. If you'd like to make a hair donation, ensure that your ponytail is at least eight-inches long, and send it to:

Why are wigs for kids important?

Wigs for Kids exists to help children who are struggling with the repercussions of hair loss caused by any condition, including burn accidents, cancer or alopecia. Similar to Locks of Love, Wigs for Kids provides hair systems.

What is Locks of Love?

The mission of Locks of Love is to make hair prostheses for financially disadvantaged children who suffer long-term hair loss from any illness. Hair donations must be at least 10 inches long and bound in a ponytail or braid. All hair colors (except gray) and textures are welcome. You can even donate your permed or colored hair ...

What is Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids?

Wigs 4 Kids is a non-profit organization that serves children ages 18 and under who live in Michigan and are suffering from hair loss. While the program is focused on the state of Michigan, its scope is far reaching.

What is angel hair for kids?

Angel Hair for Kids is an arm of A Child's Voice Foundation. The foundation itself has several programs, one of which is Angel Hair. Angel Hair provides hair for financially disadvantaged children in Canada. If you are in Canada and would like to help, you can send your hair donation to:

Can curly hair be straightened?

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. Hair cannot be chemically altered. Hair must be natural - synthetics are typically not accepted.

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 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 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.

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 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?

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.

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.

How long does a hair donation need to be?

Often, Chimera has to explain to them that hair donations need to be, at minimum, eight inches long. “With eight inches of hair, we only end up with a four- to six- inch wig, and most of the people getting wigs are women and young girls. Most of them want long hair,” Chimera explained.

Who is Suzanne Chimera?

Suzanne Chimera is co-founder of the Long Island-based Hair We Share , which makes wigs out of donated hair and provides them at no cost to adults and children with medical hair loss.

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