How to Donate Your Hair to Charity

on September 17, 2009 at 7:30 AM

Whether you've been planning to cut your long hair into a shorter style or you simply want to make a difference in the lives of children, why not consider donating your chopped locks? Here's how one CafeMom donated her hair to help children in need.

"I've been growing my hair out specifically to donate. My hair grows quickly and it's healthy," says CafeMom bamsmom2001. "Since hair is something I can have easily, it made sense to donate to children who can't. It's so painless and easy to do!"

CafeMom bamsmom2001 and her long "before" hair

So bamsmom2001 recently went from long hair to short hair and mailed off a 12-inch ponytail to charity. She donated her hair to Locks of Love, who makes hairpieces for children with hair loss due to any medical condition. "I think it's a very important charity."

Wondering how to donate the hair you cut off?

"Donating is easy," explains bamsmom2001. "You have to have at least a 10-inch ponytail to donate. Layered hair is fine, as long as the longest layer is 10 inches."

The ponytail, ready to be donated to Locks of Love

"Print out the donation application on locksoflove.org and fill it out.

You pull your hair into a low ponytail, then a braid, then cut it (or have your hair stylist cut it) above the ponytail holder. Put the ponytail into a plastic bag, and put it and the donation form into a mailing envelope. Then mail it in. They mail a thank you card after they receive the donation."

bamsmom2001 and her cute "after" hairstyle

Wow, this good deed sure left bamsmom2001 looking terrific. Didn't it?

Have you ever donated your hair to charity? Would you consider it now?

Related posts:

Need Money? Sell Your Hair!

Makeover Mom: Going from Long Hair to Short

HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DONATED HAIR TO LOCKS OF LOVE?

About the author Sheri Reed

is a writer and the Entertainment, News & Sports editor for The Stir. She loves a good film, watches lots of good TV and follows Ryan Gosling's every move because she has to -- for work.

Filed Under: hair

Comments (9)

proud2Bmomma

on Sep 17, 2009 at 11:17 AM

I have donated my hair to charity bu I selected Pantene's program instead of Locks of Love. I know several that have donated to them and I think they are a worthy charity but I did not like that they charged for their wigs. The price is income based but I liked that Pantene's wigs are completely free to those that get them. And they all go to women fighting cancer. Plus, they only require 8 inches instead of 10 and my hair was RIGHT on the border for the 10 inch Locks of Love donation. Here is the link for Pantene's program. http://www.beautifullengths.com/en_US/requirements.jsp

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sodapple

on Sep 17, 2009 at 11:55 AM

i would love to donate hair, sadly once my hair gets past my shoulder it starts hurting, maily because i keep it on a high ponytail and the weight hits me =-/ and then i have to cut it. i pray to do it one day =-D

Cafe Kim

on Sep 17, 2009 at 11:58 AM

Proud2Bmomma, I donated my hair to Pantene's program, too! I chose that one because I thought I only had 8 inches to give, but then it turned out to be 13! I look sort of hideous in short hair, and it's just growing back now (after two years!) so I'm hesitating to do it again. But it's for such a good cause...I need to gear up for it again!

on Sep 17, 2009 at 11:04 PM

It was a pretty big deal for me to let my hair grow long enough to be able to donate it. I get head aches when it gets long like that. I would love to do it again but I'm not sure I have the patience to let it grow again.

Sodapple - when mine is longer, I can't put it in pony tails. I twist it up and use a claw clip. Its the only way I can keep it out of my face and put it up without getting a head ache. I don't know if you have tried those or not but get the ones that are flat where it rests against your head.

Nonmember comment from Jack

on Sep 18, 2009 at 12:35 PM

For some more inspiration, I invite you to check out this video -- ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/1277 -- about the "aha moment" of one woman, facing cancer herself, who decided to donate her hair. Pretty special. All the best -- jack@ahamoment.com

luvmybabies107

on Sep 18, 2009 at 4:53 PM

I have donated my hair to charity and it feels really great when you do it! I was very very fortunate in that I was able to meet the little girl (who had alopecia) who recieved the wig from my hair. It was a very, humbling moment for me, and one that I will never forget!
Yeah to Natalie for doing such a wonderful thing, and what a beautiful women she is!!

toadilypeachy.

on Sep 18, 2009 at 5:14 PM

This is so great! My daughter has been wanting to do this for years! She's asked beauticians about it and none were familiar with the company.. Never even thought about going online!

I think you're even more beautiful with short hair!