Losing a few strands of hair is a small sacrifice to make if it can help someone battling cancer feel their best. For those wondering where to donate hair, the following list provides 10 reputable organizations that accept hair donations.
1. Pantene Beautiful Lengths
- Website: https://www.pantene.com/en-us/beautiful-lengths-donate-hair
- Hair Requirements: 8 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: Pantene partners with the American Cancer Society to create free wigs for cancer patients
2. Locks of Love
- Website: https://locksoflove.org/donate-hair/
- Hair Requirements: 10 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: Locks of Love provides hairpieces to children with long-term medical hair loss conditions
3. Wigs for Kids
- Website: https://www.wigsforkids.org/how-to-help/donate-your-hair/
- Hair Requirements: 12 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: Wigs for Kids provides custom-sized hairpieces to children who have lost their hair due to illness or medical treatments
4. Matter of Trust
- Website: https://www.matteroftrust.org/donate-hair/
- Hair Requirements: 10 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: Matter of Trust creates wigs and other hairpieces for cancer patients and others who have experienced hair loss
5. Hair We Share
- Website: https://www.hairweshare.org/donate-your-hair/
- Hair Requirements: 12 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: Hair We Share provides free wigs to underprivileged children and adults who have lost their hair due to illnesses or treatments
6. Children With Hair Loss
- Website: https://childrenwithhairloss.us/donate-hair/
- Hair Requirements: 8 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: Children With Hair Loss provides wigs and other hairpieces to children with medical-related hair loss
7. National Alopecia Areata Foundation
- Website: https://www.naaf.org/get-involved/donate-your-hair
- Hair Requirements: 6 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: The National Alopecia Areata Foundation supports research and provides support to people affected by alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss
8. Angel Hair for Kids
- Website: https://www.angelhairforkids.org/donate/
- Hair Requirements: 10 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: Angel Hair for Kids provides hairpieces to children with cancer and other medical conditions that cause hair loss
9. Samfund
- Website: https://www.samfund.org/hair-donation/
- Hair Requirements: 8 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: Samfund provides free wigs and other hairpieces to women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment
10. Hair Donation USA
- Website: https://www.hairdonationusa.com/
- Hair Requirements: 8 inches minimum, clean, dry, and in a ponytail or braid
- Donation Impact: Hair Donation USA creates wigs for cancer patients and supports research into treatments for hair loss
Donating hair is a selfless act that can make a significant difference in the life of someone who has lost their hair. Consider the following reasons to donate:
- Provide Comfort and Confidence: Losing hair can be a traumatic experience, especially for children. A wig can help restore a sense of normalcy and boost self-esteem.
- Support Cancer Patients: Cancer treatment often leads to hair loss. Donating hair for wigs can provide a sense of hope and support to those going through a challenging time.
- Meet Hair Requirements: Many organizations have specific hair requirements for donations, such as length, cleanliness, and texture. Meeting these requirements ensures that the donated hair can be used to create high-quality wigs.
- Spread Awareness: Donating hair raises awareness about hair loss and its impact on people’s lives. It also encourages others to get involved in helping those in need.
Before donating hair, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure its quality:
- Wash and Dry Your Hair: Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner, and allow it to dry completely. Avoid using styling products or chemicals.
- Remove Tangles: Use a wide-toothed comb or brush to gently remove any tangles or knots.
- Cut Your Hair: Tie your hair into a ponytail or braid, and have a professional stylist cut it to the minimum length required for donation.
- Package Your Hair: Place your hair in a clean plastic bag or envelope, and label it with your contact information.
If you’ve already donated hair, consider sharing your experience and encouraging others to do the same. Here are some ways to spread the word:
- Talk to Friends and Family: Share your story and explain the importance of hair donation.
- Use Social Media: Post about your donation on social media platforms and use relevant hashtags like #HairDonation or #MakeADifference.
- Host a Hair Donation Event: Organize a hair donation event at your school, workplace, or community center.
- Partner with Local Businesses: Reach out to local businesses and ask them to display flyers or provide incentives for hair donations.
- Create a Donation Fundraiser: Start a fundraiser to raise awareness about hair donation and collect donations to support organizations that provide wigs to those in need.
Donating hair is a simple but impactful gesture that can bring comfort and confidence to people who have lost their hair. By choosing one of the reputable organizations listed above, you can ensure that your donation will make a real difference in their lives. Remember, even a few inches of hair can go a long way in making a positive impact on the world. Consider donating today and help someone in need feel more like themselves.
Q: How often can I donate hair?
A: Most organizations require a waiting period of 6-12 months between donations.
Q: Can I donate dyed hair?
A: Some organizations accept dyed hair, while others do not. Check with the individual organization for their specific requirements.
Q: Does it cost money to donate hair?
A: No, donating hair is free. The organizations listed above typically cover the cost of postage and processing.
Q: How can I maximize my hair’s length for donation?
A: Avoid haircuts for as long as possible, and trim your hair only when necessary. Use gentle hair care products and refrain from heat styling.
Q: What other ways can I help cancer patients?
A: In addition to donating hair, there are many other ways to support cancer patients, such as volunteering your time, donating money, providing meals, or simply offering emotional support.