Young people aren’t just collecting coins for Unicef or washing cars to raise funds; they are now growing out their locks to donate them to children with cancer.
Wigs for Kids
Wigs for Kids utilizes donated ponytails to craft custom hairpieces that mimic children’s natural locks in appearance and durability. Donated hair must be at least 12 inches in length, and curly or straight texture is accepted.
Wigs for Kids provides hair replacement solutions to children who have experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy, trichotillomania, burns, or other medical issues. Their specially designed wigs enable children to participate safely in everyday activities like swimming, gymnastics, and dancing. Hand-tied strands are used to fashion each wig, which will then be styled to the child’s head by our volunteer wig makers. Although this process is time-consuming and costly, this nonprofit relies on monetary and hair donations to provide children in need with custom-made wigs that meet their specifications.
hair donors have two options when donating their locks – participating in salons or at home. The organization requires at least 12 inches of uncolored, permed, or gray hair separated into four or more sections for more generous donations. When given at home, it should also be dry to prevent mold growth.
Matter of Trust
hair loss can make children and teenagers the target of cruel bullying, so Regina Villemure created Children With Hair Loss as a nonprofit organization offering replacement systems to children suffering from alopecia, cancer treatment, and other forms of long-term hair loss. CWH requires that donated hair be at least 10 inches long without dyes or perms and cannot have been colored or permed before being submitted for donation.
Matter of Trust is an eco-friendly organization that uses clippings of hair from salons and pet groomers, fur, fleece feathers, and laundry lint to craft felted recycled fiber mats that absorb major oil spills in oceans and waterways. Additionally, through its Clean Wave Program, the organization helps prevent pollution from storm drains and waterways. As its requirements are more relaxed than other organizations’ requirements, it also permits shorter hair.
Pink Heart Fund
This organization provides hair systems to children with alopecia areata or chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Additionally, resources are provided to assist families in coping with emotional stress related to grieving the loss of a loved one.
Minimum length requirements vary by charity, with most asking that hair be at least 8 inches long before being bunched into a ponytail or braid for donation. Permed, dyed, or bleached styles cannot be accepted as these may alter how the cut measures up. If your locks have waves or curls, it might be beneficial to straighten them before measuring so your amount fits their criteria. Place the ponytails in a sealable plastic bag or padded envelope and follow the shipping instructions on your chosen charity’s website. Remember to include any required donor forms – these can often be found online or by hair stylists!
Donating hair is an act of generosity that can nearly instantly impact someone’s life!
KidSnips
KidSnips was established 22 years ago as a family-owned salon group dedicated to making haircuts enjoyable for children and parents. Kim and Jill, the two moms behind this venture, became frustrated after searching in vain for a kid-first salon where their children could receive quality cuts in an easy, cost-effective setting with stylists who truly understood children.
Their solution? Create one themselves! And so began an incredible success story that now spans seven locations throughout Chicagoland – though even as their business has expanded, their founders remain present each day to ensure each customer receives a fantastic haircut experience.
Jill and Kim each have three children of their own now, so they understand the importance of making haircuts an enjoyable experience for children! Jill and Kim enjoy sharing videos from TikTok with followers. And it brings great pleasure when customers let them know that KidSnips has made getting haircuts much less stressful!
