Welcome to my journey through the heartfelt act of donating hair. Having watched a family member battle cancer and witness the emotional toll of losing hair during treatment, I was inspired to contribute in a meaningful way.
Over the years, I have donated my hair four times, and each time, the experience has been profoundly rewarding.
In this blog, I will share with you the 15 best places to donate hair based on my personal experiences and extensive research. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to make another precious donation, I’ll guide you through the thoughtful process of who to donate to and how to go about it, ensuring your generous gift makes the most significant impact.
My Personal Picks and Reflections to Donate Hair
1. Angel Hair for Kids
During my latest hair donation journey, I donated to Angel Hair for Kids, a Canadian organization that provides high-quality wigs to children in need due to medical conditions. It touched my heart to know that such a small act on my part could bring immense joy and confidence to a child. For those in Canada looking to donate, they accept hair that is slightly colored or grey, but not perms or bleached hair, with a minimum required length of 12 inches.
2. Chai Lifeline
I have always admired the work of Chai Lifeline, which serves not only children but also adults, empowering them through their challenging treatments. The organization’s embrace especially reaches out to the Jewish community across the Northeast U.S., providing support and high-quality wigs crafted from donated hair. Ready to inspire, Chai Lifeline requires a minimum of 14 inches of hair.
3. Children With Hair Loss
Next on my bucket list of hair donations is Children With Hair Loss. This organization provides human hair replacements at no cost to children and young adults. What’s remarkable is how they accept various hair conditions – layered, color-treated, or grey, granting the gift of confidence with a minimum requirement of 8 inches. Their inclusive approach makes them an exemplary option for first-time and repeat donors alike.
4. Crowns of Courage
The touching story of Crowns of Courage is what drew me closer to the cause. They provide halo wigs at no cost, which are more comfortable for children undergoing chemotherapy. Knowing that a 10-inch long donation could potentially bring a significant difference in a young child’s life during such a challenging period is profoundly humbling.
5. Green Circle Salons
Green Circle Salons has a unique take by using hair to create environment-friendly products like stormwater filters and insulation. While they operate differently by collecting directly from salons, their innovative approach towards sustainability is something that piqued my interest, prompting me to discuss collaborative opportunities with my local salons.
6. Hair Donation Ottawa
Hair Donation Ottawa caught my eye as they raise funds for cancer research while also providing wigs and promoting sustainability through their partnership with Green Circle Salons. With a 5-inch minimum length requirement, it’s accessible for more frequent donors and those with shorter growth cycles.
7. Hair We Share
A memorable part of my hair donation journey was when I participated in the Hair We Share’s ponytail tracking program. Donating 12 inches of hair, I was later able to see the wig made from my hair, which was an incredibly fulfilling experience. They uniquely support individuals facing financial hardships by offering wigs made from donated hair, including permed and grey but non-bleached hair.
8. Little Princess Trust
Across the pond in the UK, the Little Princess Trust provides a beacon of hope by giving free real hair wigs to young people up to 24 years old who have lost their hair due to medical reasons. The transformative power of receiving a wig from them could give someone the courage to face the world with confidence. They require a generous donation of 7 to 12 inches or more, focusing on quality and care.
9. Locks of Love
An organization I’m gearing up to donate to next is Locks of Love. Known for helping financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss, they create a massive impact with a minimum hair length of 10 inches. Their approach to not only providing wigs but also boosting self-esteem is commendable.
10. Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan resonates with my desire to see children smile despite the battle with disease, as they provide no-charge custom-fitted wigs. Knowing that each strand of hair donated helps weave a fabric of hope for these children pulls at my heartstrings. They accept layered hair but require it to be uncolored and chemically untreated for the past two years, with a preference for donations that are at least 10 inches long.
11. Matter of Trust
Matter of Trust’s innovative approach to environmental caregiving through its Clean Wave program uses hair donations to create mats used in cleaning up oil spills. This program has enlightened me on the versatility and utility of hair beyond cosmetic purposes, accepting any hair length over 3 inches.
12. Pink Heart Funds
My journey also led me to admire Pink Heart Funds, which provides wigs for women and children undergoing hair loss from chemotherapy. Their passion for restoring dignity and confidence to cancer fighters is deeply moving. They accept hair donations of at least 14 inches, colored or grey, illustrating a broader inclusion criterion.
13. Sustainable Salons
Sustainable Salons in Australia and New Zealand showed me how hair donations could tackle alopecia and cancer-related challenges. They not only recycle hair but ensure it supports charitable causes, making a significant impact by requiring a minimum of about 8 inches of hair.
14. Wigs & Wishes
Wigs &Wishes profoundly impact individuals battling cancer by offering both wigs and fulfilling wishes, enhancing their spiritual and emotional strength. The requirement of a 12-inch minimum hair length ensures substantial contributions that can transform into beautiful, full wigs, embodying resilience and hope.
15. Wigs for Kids
The rigorous standards set by Wigs for Kids requiring at least 12 inches of unchemically treated hairunderscore the importance of quality in their heartfelt mission to assist children. As this organization aligns so closely with my values, it’s clear why they reside at the top of my future donation list.
Conclusion:
Reflecting on these experiences and learning about each organization’s unique mission and impact makes each hair donation an insightful journey. More than just cutting and sending off hair, it involves understanding the poignant stories behind each strand received and the life-altering encouragement it provides.
As my hair grows yet again, my connection to these causes deepens, driving me to continue contributing to these incredible efforts around the world. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to consider the powerful impact a simple haircut can have on someone’s life.
Whether it’s by regaining self-esteem, supporting groundbreaking research, or contributing to environmental conservation, the act of donating hair weaves together a tape stationary of philanthropy filled with strands of kindness, resilience, and unity.
FAQs
Where is the best place to donate hair?
How do I donate my hair properly?
Each strand of hair should be able to be combed through individually. If your hair is layered, you’ll need to organize it into multiple ponytails. For those with curly hair, you can straighten it to ensure it measures at least 10 inches. Any shorter pieces that are separated from the ponytails might be sold to help with the manufacturing costs.
What hair Cannot be donated?
Hair that is donated must not be permanently dyed, color treated, or highlighted. However, temporary color treatments or highlights are allowed if they are fully washed out prior to cutting. Donations can include gray hair.
What hair donation takes 8 inches?
Children With Hair Loss mandates that donated hair must be at least 8 inches long; any hair shorter than this will not be utilized by the manufacturer in making the product.
