How to Donate Hair

Certain medical illnesses may cause hair loss in children and adults. Alopecia areata is a medical condition which causes permanent hair loss. This illness has no known cure. Hence, children suffering from this disease often have self-esteem issues. Similarly, cancer patients who experience extensive hair loss following a chemotherapy session also struggle with their self image. These people can greatly benefit from donated hair. Some organizations accept natural hair donated by donors like us and make them into hair pieces for the needy patients. There are many young men and women who especially grow their hair for the purpose of donating. However, if you are not aware of the guidelines for hair donation the whole effort along with your precious locks can go waste. I

Places to Donate Hair

The first thing you need to know as soon as you make a decision to donate hair is where to donate hair? There are several organizations which accept donor hair and make them into hairpieces for people suffering from permanent hair loss. Locks of Love is an organization which makes hairpieces for underprivileged children (under 21 years of age) suffering from alopecia areata or any other illness which leads to long term hair loss. This organization operates in United States and Canada. The organization receives over 1000 donated hair locks everyday. However, it is possible to make only a few hundred wigs from several thousands of donated locks. Several donor locks are used for making a single wig or hair extensions.

If you are particularly interested in donating hair for cancer patients, then Pantene Beautiful Lengths is a good place to start with. This is an initiative taken by Pantene along with wig manufacturer HairUwear for making hairpieces for women battling cancer. Their wigs are made available through select American Cancer Society wig banks. The guidelines for accepting donor hair are more or less the same for all organizations. However, it is recommended that you carefully read the guidelines for the particular organization you wish to donate your hair for. Given below are the common guidelines for donating hair.

• Minimum length to donate hair is 10'' (8 to 12'' in some cases). Curly hair should be pulled straight to measure length.
• Hair should be either braided or tied in a pony tail and cut just above the braid rings.
• Colored hair are acceptable in some organizations, however bleached hair are unusable.
• Hair should be healthy without too many split ends.
• Gray hair up to 5% are permissible in some organizations.
• Dreadlocks are not acceptable. Layered hair are acceptable provided the longest layer is at least 10''.
• The donor must observe all the packaging norms.

How to Donate Hair

Now that you are well acquainted with the guidelines regarding hair donation, the rest should be easy. Although, some organizations may cut your hair for you, your local barber can do the job just as fine. Before cutting your hair, wash them thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner. Do not use any styling products on your hair. Thoroughly dry your hair and only then allow the barber to cut them. Divide your hair into ponytails or braids. Ask the barber to cut your hair just above the rings of braid or ponytails. Make sure your hair do not touch the floor. Tie the ponytail with rubber bands on both ends. Place it in a clean plastic zip-lock bag. Put the bag in a padded envelope along with the donation form and other documents if required. You can either mail this envelope to the respective organization or you can deliver it in person.

Hope the above tips help you in hair donation for cancer patients or people suffering from irreversible hair loss. Often, some organizations prioritize patients of alopecia areata or similar disorders over cancer patients, as chemotherapy patients have a very good chance of regrowing their hair back naturally.