Donate Hair For Cancer

As chemotherapy treatments can cause hair loss, many cancer patients find wigs made from donated hair to be an invaluable way of feeling more like themselves and more confident again.

Criteria for Donating Hair

Before cutting your hair for donation, it is wise to speak to the organization you wish to donate it to and assess their requirements for hair donors. Some organizations only accept gray or long locks of hair, while others won’t buy wigs that have been colored or highlighted. Most agencies require at least 12 inches of donated hair in a ponytail or braid form for donation, securely fastened with rubber bands at both ends for accurate measurement. Curly locks should be pulled straight for precise measuring purposes. It is also vital that the donated locks be parched before sending them off, as wet locks can mold during shipping – please don’t donate dreadlocks, wigs, or extensions, as these donations are not accepted!

How to Donate Hair

Many organizations that create hair wigs for people going through cancer or other medical treatments will gladly accept your donation of non-chemically treated hair. However, requirements vary between organizations and may depend on factors like preferred chemical treatment type and length (for instance, some require at least 10 inches of long hair, while some specify tight ponytails with rubber bands at both ends to qualify). Also, please remember that loose clippings from the floor won’t be accepted! Some organizations partner with local salons that offer free haircuts for donors, while regular hairdressers can do it as part of charity donations. Bring the organization’s guidelines, ruler, and plastic bag when visiting a salon appointment – wet hair can mold or warp during transport! Additionally, ensure your donation arrives clean and dry to avoid issues during the processing and shipping.

Where to Donate Hair

Nonprofit organizations frequently accept donated hair donations to create wigs for people experiencing medical hair loss, including alopecia (an autoimmune disease causing hair loss), cancer, or burns. When choosing an organization, ensure there are guidelines, including minimum length requirements and whether dyed or permed hair is acceptable. Before visiting a salon for a haircut, print and bring in the donation guidelines from your selected organization to ensure the stylist cuts your hair to match their requirements. Also, bring along a ruler so you can accurately measure your hair as necessary – and pull curly locks straight to get an accurate measurement, as some organizations cannot accept hair beyond specific lengths. When you’re ready to donate your hair, cut it into multiple ponytails and secure each with two rubber bands at both ends, leaving no loose clippings on the bottom. Bundle all ponytails up in a sealable plastic bag before placing them in an envelope for mailing.

Hair Length Requirements

Cancer treatment can be uncomfortable, and numerous patients experience hair loss, an unfortunate side effect of chemotherapy treatments. While hair loss may make patients self-conscious or attract unwanted attention, a quality human hair wig can make patients feel confident and normal and allow them to focus more fully on their health during treatment. If you want to donate your hair, it is essential to meet the requirements set by the organization. Be sure to bring guidelines, a ruler, and a ponytail holder from said organization when visiting a salon; most organizations require at least 8 inches of long hair. For an accurate measurement, if you have curly locks, be sure to pull straight back for precise measurement.