best place to donate hair

Whether you’re looking to make a stylish change or simply declutter your hair, donating your locks can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only can you revamp your look, but you can also help those in need and make a tangible difference in their lives.

With so many charities accepting hair donations, it can be tough to know where to start. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 best places to donate hair, each with its own unique mission and impact:

1. Locks of Love: Founded in 1997, Locks of Love is one of the most well-known hair donation charities. They provide custom-made hairpieces to children with medical hair loss, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or suffering from burns. Over the years, Locks of Love has distributed over 50,000 hairpieces, bringing joy and confidence to countless children.

2. Children with Hair Loss (CWHL): CWHL is dedicated to helping children with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. They provide free hairpieces to children up to the age of 21, empowering them to embrace their unique beauty. To date, CWHL has distributed over 20,000 hairpieces, restoring a sense of normalcy and self-esteem to young lives.

   

3. Wig for Kids: Wig for Kids is a non-profit organization that provides free custom-made wigs to children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions or treatments. Their mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to feel confident and comfortable, regardless of their hair loss. Since its inception, Wig for Kids has distributed over 16,000 wigs, bringing smiles and support to children in need.

4. Hair We Share: Hair We Share is a non-profit organization that provides wigs to women and children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment, alopecia, or other medical conditions. Their wigs are custom-fitted and made from real human hair, ensuring a comfortable and natural look. To date, Hair We Share has distributed over 10,000 wigs, empowering women and children to feel confident and beautiful.

5. Pantene Beautiful Lengths: Pantene Beautiful Lengths is a long-standing program that partners with the American Cancer Society to collect hair donations and create wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment. Since its launch in 2006, Pantene Beautiful Lengths has collected over 1.5 million ponytails, transforming them into over 50,000 wigs. These wigs are available free of charge to women in need through the American Cancer Society’s wig banks.

6. Make-A-Wish Foundation: Make-A-Wish Foundation is known for granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. In addition to granting wishes that involve travel, toys, or experiences, Make-A-Wish also grants wishes for custom-made wigs. These wigs can provide a sense of comfort and confidence to children who have lost their hair due to medical treatments.

   

7. National Hair Donation Exchange (NHDE): NHDE is a non-profit organization that helps bridge the gap between hair donors and organizations in need of donated hair. They maintain a database of hair donation charities and provide resources and support to make the hair donation process seamless. NHDE has facilitated the delivery of over 1,000 wigs to organizations across the United States.

8. Sammy’s Hope: Sammy’s Hope is a non-profit organization that provides free medical wigs to low-income women and children undergoing cancer treatment. They understand the financial burden that cancer treatment can impose on families, and their mission is to alleviate that burden by providing wigs that restore a sense of normalcy and dignity. To date, Sammy’s Hope has distributed over 10,000 wigs, helping women and children regain their confidence and self-esteem.

When selecting a hair donation charity, consider the following factors:

• Mission and Impact: Research the charity’s mission and impact to ensure that it aligns with your values and goals.
• Eligibility Criteria: Make sure you meet the charity’s eligibility criteria for hair donations, such as minimum hair length and hair type.
• Hair Processing: Understand the charity’s hair processing methods and how donated hair is used.
• Financial Transparency: Review the charity’s financial statements and ensure that donations are used effectively and responsibly.

To ensure a successful hair donation, avoid the following common mistakes:

• Donating Too Little Hair: Most charities require a minimum hair donation of 8 inches. Make sure your hair meets the minimum length requirement to maximize the impact of your donation.
• Not Braiding or Ponytailing Hair: Braid or ponytail your hair securely before cutting it to prevent tangling and maintain the quality of the hair.
• Bleaching or Coloring Hair: Avoid bleaching or coloring your hair before donating it, as it can damage the hair and make it less suitable for wig-making.
• Ignoring Hair Donation Guidelines: Carefully follow the charity’s hair donation guidelines to ensure that your hair is in good condition and meets their specifications.

1. How long does my hair need to be to donate?

Most charities require a minimum hair donation of 8 inches, but some may accept shorter lengths.

2. Can I donate hair that has been bleached or colored?

Bleached or colored hair can be donated, but it is important to inform the charity beforehand. Bleaching or coloring can damage the hair, so it may not be suitable for wig-making.

3. Is there a cost to donate my hair?

Donating your hair is typically free of charge. However, some charities may charge a small processing fee to cover the cost of shipping and handling.

4. What happens to donated hair?

Donated hair is usually used to create wigs for people who have lost their hair due to medical conditions or treatments.

5. How can I make my hair donation more impactful?

Consider donating hair to a charity that aligns with your values and goals. Research the charity’s mission and impact to make an informed choice.

6. Are hair donations tax-deductible?

Hair donations may be tax-deductible, but it depends on the specific charity. Consult with a tax professional for guidance.

Tables

Table 1: Summary of Hair Donation Charities

Table 2: Minimum Hair Donation Lengths

Table 3: Hair Donation Guidelines

Table 4: Impact of Hair Donations