I discovered Locks of Love when I was around eight years old. I was getting my hair cut short and saw that if you were cutting off a lot, you could donate it to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization based in the US that accepts donations of human hair and uses them to make wigs for children with medical conditions (such as alopecia areata, cancer, and burns) that have caused them to lose their hair. I was immediately intrigued and wanted to help be a part of such a wonderful idea. Even though I was still a kid, I saw a chance to make a difference.
The stylist put my hair in a low ponytail and snipped it off. It was that was easy!
“While wearing a hairpiece is certainly not a cure for these children, it can help restore some of the normalcy to their everyday lives that most of us take for granted.”
– Locks of Love
If you want to help provide a quality wig to kids in need it literally just takes minutes. One of the things about being a kid and having a charitable heart is that it can be a challenge to find ways you can help out. Most of us don’t have jobs or maybe even an allowance – we may have some birthday money but it doesn’t seem like enough to make a difference. Donating your hair is free and painless.
I got my hair cut and donated through the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon, but you can always send your hair in yourself, or use a salon that donates to Locks of Love or another hair donation organization. All of the requirements are listed in their donation guidelines, which is a part of the hair donation form. The main requirement for most donation organizations is you must cut off at least 10 inches of your hair. Cutting your long hair can be a big decision, but it’s so worth it when you know it’s going to help kids in need. And isn’t it time for a new look anyway? New year, new you, right?
Looking for a place to start?
1. Get all the details on donating your hair to Locks of Love and fill out the donation form.
2. Or check out Wigs for Kids another non-profit dedicated to giving wigs to kids facing hair loss due to cancer.
3. Is your hair too short to donate now? Look at donation guidelines and start taking care of your hair to make the best donation possible in the future!
