Many people suffer from cancer and lose hair due to the effects of chemotherapy. Many children and other adults suffer from Alopecia, an immune disease that causes permanent hair loss without a definite cause or cure. If you have long hair, you can help by donating your hair to make a wig. This is a good act that has the potential to change one's life for the better.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Before Cutting Hair
Step 1. Do your research
Find out which organizations make wigs for people with cancer, Alopecia, etc. Choose one you like and find out the conditions for donating hair. Policies on this may vary by organization, and some may or may not accept your hair.
- Two organizations, Pantene and CWHL (Children With Hair Loss) accept donations of 8 cm or more. Locks of Love and Wigs for Kids only accept 10- and 12-inch donations, respectively.
- If your hair is curly, pull it straight to measure it.
Step 2. Prepare your hair
Make sure your hair is not chemically damaged (frequently dyed), dead (braided), or dirty, at least 8 cm long (depending on organization). Hair like this is often not welcome. Make sure you don't waste your hair or effort.
- There is a difference between colored hair and bleached hair. Every organization is different, but just because you color your hair doesn't mean you can't help out.
- Gray hair is also valued equally!
Step 3. Fill in the form
Most organizations have an online form that you can fill out and provide with your donation. If you want to remain anonymous, you can do so, but if you want to verify that your donation has been received, this step is necessary.
This step can be as simple as just listing your name and address. And if you have to wait about two months for an answer, don't worry. Sometimes organizations like this lack people to help and need time to get things in order. You can always call or ask online if you want to know
Method 2 of 2: Hair Cutting Process
Step 1. Cut the hair
Go to the salon where you plan to cut your hair and be sure to let them know that your haircut will be donated. They'll first make sure the hair is the right length, and then tie it in a loose ponytail or two braids.
Your hair will be cut in a ponytail ring, and a hairdresser should not let the hair touch the ground. Your hair must be dry before tying it with a rubber band and placing it in an airtight plastic bag.
Step 2. Submit your hair
Send it or give it directly to an organization that specializes in making wigs for cancer patients. Be happy that you have helped with a charity. Consider growing your hair back to donate again the following year.
Make sure you have enough stamps! Take it to the local post office, buy a padded envelope and the post office clerk will help you from there
Step 3. Spread the word about it
Hair is required of both men and women regardless of age and race. Tell your friends your goals and maybe they'll be inspired to help too.
Approximately 80% of donations come from children who want to help other children. If you know someone who might be interested in the program, let them know how easy the process is and how fun it can be to help others
Tips
- Some places get your hair cut for free if you know you'll be donating it, so if you don't know where to get your hair cut, find out about places like this. And sometimes the organizing organization itself organizes a free haircut program.
- Remember that it's just your hair after all. Hair will grow back.
- Be aware that making one wig requires several donations of hair.
- Make sure you really want to do this!
- Generally, people with permanent hair loss problems (e.g. loss due to a disease such as Alopecia) are given priority over long-term hair loss that is less permanent (e.g. hair loss from procedures such as chemotherapy in which hair can grow back).
- If you are still in school, your school can host a fundraising event that gives you the opportunity to do this.
Warning
- In the hair donation sector, several charities are reported to have sold the donated hair they received to manufacturers of commercial wigs. Do some online research with reputable websites to find the best places to receive your hair.
- Whether you're donating hair or something else, please do some research first about the charity you're donating to. Some charities may spend more money on "operating expenses" than actual charity work. Some may have practices or views you don't agree with and some may be charitable scams.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the charity you want to donate hair to meets their standards.
- Hair that has fallen to the ground cannot be accepted as a donation.
