Can't Give Money to Charity? Consider Donating Your Hair Instead
Why is donating hair a great way to help others without monetary loss?
This is a fair question. Lots of children suffer from hair loss due to a variety of different causes. Due to this, they suffer all sorts of mistreatment that other children do not encounter, simply because they are different. By donating hair, you can help to create a custom-fit wig for one of these children and make their life a little better. All it costs is the price of a haircut and sending it, and there are even some places that will cut hair free if it is being donated and even send it for you. I have donated my hair twice, in 2004 and 2006 and I plan to do it again in March 2008.
What are the causes of hair loss in children that would require them to have a wig?
There are many things that can cause childhood hair loss. Some of these include chemotherapy for cancer treatment, lupus, hydrocephalus, trichotillomania, alopecia, burns and several others.
Where can I donate my hair?
If you are interested in donating your hair to charity, there are two well-known charities for doing this, Locks of Love and Wigs4Kids. Both are reputable organizations which accept real hair used to make realistic wigs for children age seventeen and under.
What are the requirements for hair donation?
In general, both organizations have similar rules. Both require at least ten inches, braided or in a ponytail, clean and thoroughly dried. Wigs4Kids does not accept colored hair where Locks of Love does. Neither accepts hair that has been treated with chemicals or bleached. Wigs4Kids does not accept hair that was cut long ago but Locks of Love will take it, provided that it has been stored in a ponytail or braid. Both ask that donated hair be sent in a plastic bag, in the ponytail or braid that was cut off.
So you see the benefit of hair donation, a way to give to charity without giving money. All you have to lose is your hair and that will grow back. That is why I do it once every two years. I hope that you will consider the advantages of being a hair donor and give your hair to those needy children.
Published by Amanda RM
I am a legally blind individual who loves to be creative and help other people. I love creative writing and am always looking for ways to become inspired. View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentI doubt what you are saying is true, but even if it is, your hair just gets thrown away when it is cut anyway, so what have you got to lose? Besides, those companies that supposedly buy your hair are a bit fishy to me. In addition, the reason 80% of hair is thrown away, if that's true, is probably because people send them in colored hair or otherwise chemically treated or hair that is constantly blow dried or put in a pony tail which makes it dry and easily breakable. They do not use this type of hair, so only people with healthy, untreated hair should consider donating it.
ATTN: Locks of Love sells or throws away 80% of the hair they get so do not donate your hair! If you want to help,sell your hair online and send the money for cancer or hair loss research!I think more people know about LOL now and general scams going on about hair donation! Keep your hair long! DO NOT DONATE HAIR!It is so sad to read all the comments about how people think it is going to a good cause! Your heart was in the right place, but do your research next time!
This is a fantastic way to give to such a worthwhile cause and cost you little to nothing. I will be donating my hair for the third time this fall, and it makes me feel wonderful knowing that some child will get a beautiful wig and a chance because of my gift! Everyone should do this if they can grow their hair that long!
I think this is a spendid idea, love this, love this, and love this idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good idea. I have always wondered, but never had the guts yet to donate my hair. Not that I am being selfish, I think my hair is not lovely enough to give away. I am glad you pointed out the details on how. 10 or so more inches and I am there :)
Believe it or not, my husband has done this.
A very wothwhile cause that costs very little but can mean a lot to others! I donate every two years!