How to Donate Hair to Charity
Donating hair is a great way to make a huge difference in someone's life.
Your donated hair will be used to make wigs, and other hair pieces for men, women, and children who have lost their natural hair due to illness.
If you are growing your hair with the sole intention of donating it, then try to minimize your use of chemicals.
For the most part, dyed and highlighted hair can be used, but bleached or over processed hair may not be suitable for wigs - check your charity of choice for specifics.
There are lots of organizations that accept donated hair, you will find a list in the resource box. Do a little homework to find the organization that you would like donate hair to. All of the websites for the charities will have information on their guidelines for accepting donated hair, but most of the instructions are similar.
If you are concerned because you have dyed, highlighted, or gray hair, then make sure that the organization you are fond of accepts your type of hair.
If not, then just donate to another organization; there are a lot of people that will appreciate your hair so don't take it personal.
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Instructions
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Depending on which charity you choose your the hair must be a minimum length, usually 8 - 10 inches. So make sure that your hair is long enough to make the minimum length when it is tied in braid or ponytail.
Also when you cut your hair, keep in mind that you may have to cut your hair pretty short. If you think it may bother you to have such short hair, then consider letting your hair grow a little longer before donating.
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Patience is key to growing your hair. The average person grows about 0.4 inch of hair every month. So it may take up to two years for your hair to grow at the minimum length needed to donate.
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Go online and find the website of the charity you are planning to donate to and print instructions on how to donate hair, this may include a donor application that you can fill out to receive a thank you note or letter after they receive your donated hair.
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When you are ready to get your hair cut, make an appointment with your stylist and let him or her know beforehand that you plan to donate your hair.
Some salons offer you a free hair cut if you are donating your hair. If you are interested in this, then visit the charity websites to see if they list salons in your area or just ask your own salon if they offer this deal.
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Look through magazines for a short hair style that you would like once you've cut your hair. Having a hair cut in mind will also help your stylist to understand how to approach cutting the hair you are donating.
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Have your hair washed, clean, and dry before preparing it for cutting.
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Separate your hair into three sections and plait a tight braid. You can also make several little braids using your hair to get a more even cut.
If you have layers, then consider braids for each layered length of hair.
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When your stylist is done braiding your hair, measure each braid to make sure that they are the minimum amount of inches required.
Then take another rubber band and secure it at the top of the braid. This is to ensure that once you cut the braid, your hair will be securely tied on each end.
Non-profits cannot accept hair unless it is in a braid or ponytail.
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Now have your stylist carefully cut off the braids. Once your braids are cut, have your stylist just cut and style your hair as you wish.
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Take the braids home and place them in a clean zip lock bag and in a padded envelope.
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Address the envelope to the non-profit organization of your choice then take your package to the post office and send it off!
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Resources
Comments
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mustafa115
Feb 15, 2009
This is so great.. I donated hair to Locks of Love once. Thanks for sharing! 5*
