Hair Donation to Cancer Patients

Arranging a hair donation to cancer patients can be a touching way to show support for a loved one with cancer or it can be an admirable service project to arrange to help worthwhile organizations. Not every hair donation is suitable, however, and knowing the types of hair needed and how to donate it is critical to a useful and meaningful donation.

Donate your hair to bring a smile to cancer patients.

Every year, thousands of individuals trim, shave, and crop their locks in order to make a hair donation to cancer patients. This can be done for a number of personal, admirable reasons:

• In memory of a cancer victim
• As a symbol of solidarity with a friend or relative with cancer
• In cheerful celebration of being a long term cancer survivor
• As a service project for a volunteer group

Whatever the reason, donating hair for cancer victims is a great way to help different organizations provide free or low cost wigs and hairpieces to individuals with cancer.

Different organizations have different requirements for the type of hair they need to make wigs and hairpieces for cancer patients. The minimum length can vary from 8 to 12 inches, and most natural colors of hair are desirable. It can take between six and twenty hair donations to make a wig, depending on the thickness, length, texture, and condition of the donated hair, and more donations are always welcome.

Depending on the organization, different types of hair may not be suitable to make wigs for cancer patients. For example, gray hair may not be accepted by organizations that make wigs for children, because it is not an appropriate hair color for kids. Other types of hair that may not be acceptable include:

• Chemically Damaged Hair: Making a wig can be stressful on the hair, and severely damaged hair is often too brittle to withstand the manufacturing process. Hair that has been permed may be unsuitable, or product damage could render hair useless for donating. Consult a stylist to see if your hair is damaged before making a donation.
• Dyed or Color Treated Hair: Some manufacturers dye the hair donations they receive in order to make high quality wigs, and hair that is already dyed or has been subjected to color treatments such as hair highlights will absorb dyes differently and will not hold color as well as untreated hair. The same problem can occur with bleached hair as well.
• Dreadlocks: To make a wig efficiently, hair must be aligned in the same direction and the twists necessary to form dreadlocks cannot be easily undone to make a wig without damaging the hair. Similarly, micro braids should be removed before hair is cut to donate.
• Hair Extensions: Hair that has been artificially lengthened with hair extensions is not suitable for making a hair donation unless the extensions are removed.

Different organizations have different requirements and guidelines for donating hair. For exact specifications, contact each organization directly for their most recent donation suggestions.

To make an effective, useful hair donation:

• Eat a diet for healthy hair for several weeks prior to donating to be sure your hair is in top condition.
• Consider growing your hair long before donating, so you can be sure to meet the minimum length requirement for the donations. Curly hair can be stretched out to measure before cutting.
• Trim split ends before making the donation cut.
• Be sure hair is clean and dry before donating.
• Bind hair in a ponytail or braid before cutting. Some organizations will ask that hair also be bound in the center of the ponytail and at both ends to keep it secure.

Your donation can help.

• Cut the hair above the elastic so it is held together firmly after cutting.
• Place the hair gently in a padded envelope or plastic bag.
• Mail it to the proper receiving address of the desired organization.

Several organizations accept hair donations for cancer patients. Each organization has a slightly different approach to the process, and each one benefits different individuals.

• Locks of Love
• Pantene Beautiful Lengths
• Childhood Leukemia Foundation
• Children With Hair Loss
• Wigs for Kids
• Wigs 4 Kids

In addition to these organizations, consider contact local oncology research centers or hospitals for more information on local wig manufacturers and donation possibilities.

If you can’t donate your hair to cancer patients, there are a number of other ways you can help these worthy causes without making the snip yourself.

• Arrange an Event: Contact local service organizations, hair salons, and beauty schools about arranging a hair donation event featuring free or discounted hair cuts for participants.
• Financial Donations: Donate financially to one of these organizations, or arrange a donation drive to support their operating costs.
• Volunteer: Spend time with cancer victims by volunteering at local hospitals and care facilities.
• Toy Drives: Other donations, such as toys, games, and books, can bring smiles into the lives of young cancer patients.

Making a hair donation to cancer patients is an incredible personal sacrifice that can bring great joy and comfort to someone suffering from this disease or other hair loss conditions. By offering a hair donation or arranging another way to contribute, you can make a difference.

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