Donating your hair is an incredibly selfless act that can make a world of difference in the lives of others. It can help cancer patients who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatments, children with alopecia, and individuals who have suffered severe burns or other hair-loss conditions. If you’re considering donating your hair, here are the 10 best organizations that will ensure your donation is used to help those in need:
1. Children With Hair Loss (CWHL)
- CUT FOR A CAUSE: CWHL provides wigs to children and young adults who have lost their hair due to medical conditions or treatments.
- IMPACT: Over 50,000 children and young adults have received wigs from CWHL since 1988.
- DONATION REQUIREMENTS: Hair must be at least 8 inches long and in good condition.
2. Locks of Love
- A HAIR-RAISING MISSION: Locks of Love creates wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments or other medical conditions.
- REACH: Over 60,000 wigs have been distributed to children in the United States and Canada since 1997.
- DONATION REQUIREMENTS: Hair must be at least 10 inches long and in a natural color.
3. Wigs for Kids
- CHANGING LIVES, ONE STRAND AT A TIME: Wigs for Kids provides wigs and support services to children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments or other medical conditions.
- COMMITMENT: Over 30,000 wigs have been distributed to children in all 50 states since 2002.
- DONATION REQUIREMENTS: Hair must be at least 12 inches long and in good condition.
4. Matter of Trust
- BEAUTY FOR A PURPOSE: Matter of Trust creates wigs for low-income cancer patients who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatments.
- SUPPORT: Over 90,000 wigs have been distributed to cancer patients since 2007.
- DONATION REQUIREMENTS: Hair must be at least 8 inches long and in good condition.
5. American Cancer Society
- HOPE IN A STRAND: The American Cancer Society provides wigs and other support services to cancer patients.
- NETWORK: Over 100,000 wigs have been distributed to cancer patients through the American Cancer Society’s wig banks.
- DONATION REQUIREMENTS: Hair must be at least 8 inches long and in good condition.
6. Pantene Beautiful Lengths
- HAIR THAT HELPS: Pantene Beautiful Lengths partners with the American Cancer Society to provide free wigs to cancer patients.
- IMPACT: Over 600,000 ponytail donations have been received since 1998, creating over 325,000 wigs.
- DONATION REQUIREMENTS: Hair must be at least 8 inches long and in good condition.
7. Hair We Share
- EMPOWERING THROUGH HAIR: Hair We Share provides custom-made wigs for children and adults who have lost their hair due to medical conditions.
- PERSONALIZED CARE: Each wig is designed specifically for the individual, taking into account their hair type, color, and style.
- DONATION REQUIREMENTS: Hair must be at least 10 inches long and in clean condition.
8. Rapunzel Project
- DONATE YOUR LOCKS, CHANGE LIVES: The Rapunzel Project provides wigs for children and young adults who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments or other medical conditions.
- ACHIEVEMENT: Over 10,000 wigs have been distributed to children and young adults since 2004.
- DONATION REQUIREMENTS: Hair must be at least 12 inches long and in good condition.
9. Braid to Give
- HAIR WITH HEART: Braid to Give creates and donates wigs to children and young adults who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments or other medical conditions.
- SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY: Over 1,000 wigs have been distributed since 2015, each made with love by a team of volunteer braiders.
- DONATION REQUIREMENTS: Hair must be at least 10 inches long and in good condition.
10. HairDonation Connect
- A BRIDGE TO HOPE: HairDonation Connect serves as a connector between hair donors and organizations that make wigs for those in need.
- MATCHING SERVICE: Hair donors can register their donations, which are then matched with organizations based on their needs.
- FLEXIBILITY: HairDonation Connect allows donors to choose which organization their hair will benefit.
Donating your hair is a rewarding act that has numerous benefits:
- Supports cancer patients: Donated hair is used to create wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatments.
- Improves mental and emotional well-being: Wearing a wig can help cancer patients feel more confident, improve their self-esteem, and cope with the emotional toll of hair loss.
- Empowers children with medical conditions: Donated hair is used to create wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions such as alopecia. These wigs can help children feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.
- Makes a tangible difference: Donating your hair is a tangible way to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
- Creates a sense of community: Many hair donation organizations foster a sense of community among donors and recipients, creating a connection between those who give and those who benefit.
The process of donating hair is simple and straightforward:
- Choose an organization: Select one of the organizations listed above or research other reputable hair donation organizations.
- Meet donation requirements: Ensure your hair meets the length and condition requirements of the organization you choose.
- Prepare your hair: Wash and dry your hair thoroughly. Avoid using styling products or hairspray.
- Cut your hair: Cut off the specified length of hair according to the organization’s instructions. Ponytails or braids are typically required.
- Package and send your hair: Package your hair securely and mail it to the organization’s designated address.
In addition to donating your hair, there are several other ways to support organizations that provide wigs for those in need:
- Volunteer your time: Many hair donation organizations rely on volunteers to help with tasks such as wig making, packaging, and shipping.
- Make a financial donation: Financial donations help organizations cover the costs of wig making, distribution, and other related expenses.
- Spread the word: Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of hair donation and encourage them to get involved.
Donating your hair is a compassionate and impactful act. By contributing your locks, you can help cancer patients, children with alopecia, and others regain their confidence and well-being. Choose one of the reputable organizations listed above, follow their donation instructions, and experience the joy of giving back in a meaningful way.