July 6, 2012
Giving back can come in many different forms and donating hair is a simple and yet wonderful way to make someone happy. I first came across Locks of Love in an article when I was 10 years old. The name and the message of the organization resonated with me and it was then that I made up my mind to donate my hair. In the Summer of 2008, I donated 15 inches of my hair for the first time. As I write this, I am sporting a new, much shorter haircut. This is the third time that I’ve donated my hair to Locks of Love, bringing the total to about 40 inches donated.
Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that creates hairpieces for under 21-year-olds who are financially disadvantaged and living with long-term hair loss, primarily alopecia areata.
Growing up can be very difficult and coping with hair loss can make it that much harder. I do believe that allowing children to have customized, comfortable and natural hairpieces can help build self-esteem and confidence. If you were going to cut your long hair anyway, think about making a donation ! There are a number of different organizations that accept donations of hair and they each have their own requirements.
Quick facts when donating hair to Locks of Love:
- You need at least 10 inches from tip to tip (there is no maximum)
- Hair needs to be in a ponytail or braided (loose hairs are not usable)
- Hair that has been bleached is not usable
For detailed instructions on acceptable hair donations, click here.
[As a side note, Charity Navigator has an online review on Locks of Love.]
