How to Make a Locks of Love Donation

Have you ever thought about making a Locks of Love donation? Thinking about changing your hairstyle to prepare for the hot days of summer? If this involves getting your long hair cut, why not donate the hair to a child that could use it?

With February being the "month of love," why not offer love and compassion in such a simple way? Learn the steps for making a Locks of Love donation and changing a child's self image forever.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The Desire to Help a Child
• Plastic Bag (quart size Ziploc)
• Padded Envelope
• Scissors/Hairstylist
• Measuring Tape
• 2-4 Ponytail Holders

1. 
   See Your Regular Stylist to Make a Locks of Love Donation

   Consult your stylist.
   
   Once the decision is made to cut your hair for for Locks of Love, consult the Salon or Stylist you use on a regular basis. Explain your plans of making a Locks of Love donation.
   
   Most stylists are able to give solid, sound predictions about whether or not your hair can be used.

2. 
   Have your hair cut according to guidelines for a Locks of Love donation.

   Make the hair appointment. If you have at least 10 inches of hair that you're willing to cut, make the appointment.
   
   Schedule a time when the haircut can take a few extra minutes. This is to prepare the hair according to guidelines for a Locks of Love Donation.

3. 
   The Preparation to Make a Locks of Love Donation

   Allow the stylist to measure 10 inches of your hair. To make a Locks of Love donation, once you are in the chair for a haircut the stylist measures off 10 inches with a measuring tape.
   
   A ponytail holder marks the spot. If your hair is particularly long or thick, two 10 inch ponytails, one on each side, may be used. Have the stylist place ponytail holders every 3 to 4 inches, all the way down, so the hair doesn't come out.

4. 
   After your Locks of Love donation is cut off, it's time for a new style.

   Get a new hairstyle. After your hair has been cut, you are ready for a new hairstyle. Or, maybe you want the same style, only shorter.

5. 
   Mail Your Locks of Love Donation

   Prepare the hair for shipment. Once the stylist has the ponytail off, place in quart size Ziploc bag.
   
   Place the Ziploc bag in a padded envelope and mail your Locks of Love donation. (Please see resources for the Locks of Love Donations link at the bottom of this article.)

Tips & Warnings

• There are not many restrictions on hair for a Locks of Love donation. Hair accepted includes: gray, colored, curly, men's, women's, and children's.
• You will receive a Thank You note from Locks of Love to show appreciation.
• Hair that is bleached may not be submitted
• For a complete listing of conditions or to learn more about how to help a financially strained child afford hair, please visit the Locks of Love Donations link in resources

Resources

• Make a Locks of Love Donation

[harrietcat]

on 2/28/2009 I'm thinking about doing this myself now... I think I'm too old for long hair now. :( 5*

[Wasatch]

on 2/23/2009 Great program. I have a friend who does this as often as her hair grows long.

[ManyMusings]

on 2/16/2009 Great post! I have known several people that have done this. Sadly my hair is never long enough to do it myself. Even if I were to let it grow, it hasn't ever been any longer than right between my shoulder blades...5*

[msmabry]

on 2/16/2009 I will pass this information on. Thanks. 5*

[goodselfme]

on 2/15/2009 good post!