Hair Donation to Cancer Patients

Those who donate hair to cancer patients give more than their hair. They give cancer patients back their self-esteem.

Learn more about hair donation.

During cancer treatment, medical intervention aimed at killing off rapidly multiplying cancer cells also kills off the cells that help hair grow. Patient’s hair falls out, leaving them bald. This can be devastating to some people, especially children. Wigs made from man made substitutes may not be available or affordable for all people. Many charities were created to collect human hair and make it into wigs.

Any color or texture of hair is acceptable to make wigs, with the exception of bleached hair. Bleaching changes the chemical composition of hair and many charities do not accept it because it interacts with other chemicals used during the wig-making process. Color treated hair or gray hair is usually fine.

To donate your hair, first check with one of the many charities that donate hair to cancer patients. Each charity posts specific guidelines on their website. Most request that hair be 8 to 10 inches or longer.

When you’re ready to donate your hair, make an appointment with your usual stylist. Download or print the charity’s guidelines to take with you to your appointment. You may want to let your stylist know ahead of time that you’re donating your hair. Most have helped other clients donate hair at some point in time and may already be familiar with the process.

Your stylist will bundle your hair into a pony tail using an elastic band or rubber band and cut it off in one length. If your hair is layered, the stylist may make several smaller pony tails, each gathered with an elastic band, grouping the hair together by layer length. Any layers 8 to 10 inches or longer can be donated. The hair is then sent to the charity, usually in a plastic bag sealed inside a padded envelope. Some charities provide a donation form that should also be included in the envelope

If for any reason your hair cannot be used by the charity you’ve picked, some sell the hair to other wig makers or for other purposes, and use the money to pay for other activities directly related to the charity.

There are charities to help cancer victims from all walks of life. Check out the following charities that accept hair donations before choosing one to support.

One of the best-known charities for hair donation is Locks of Love. This non profit organization provides hair prosthesis to disadvantaged children age 18 and younger. They are not affiliated with any hair care company or hair products manufacturer.

According to the organization’s website, new hair pieces can cost between $3,500 to $6,000. To families whose finances are already devastated paying for the cost of cancer treatment, these prices may be out of range. Locks of Love provides hair pieces for children at no cost to the child.

Donation is simple, and guidelines, as well as donation forms and the mailing address, are available on the charity’s website.

The Pantene hair care products company runs a program called Beautiful Lengths that also collects hair donations for cancer patients. Wigs made from donated hair is distributed to cancer patients through the American Cancer Society’s wig bank. Some salons host hair donation days. Check with your salon to find out more.

Beauty may be only skin deep, but to someone undergoing cancer treatment, losing their hair may be the last straw. Most people intuitively know that when they look good, they feel good. Many children who lose their hair to chemotherapy are teased by other children and just want to feel normal again. Having a natural hair wig improves their appearance and raises their self esteem. Donating your hair to charity is one of the most personal and loving things you can do for people suffering from cancer.

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