Hair Donation: Everything You Need to Know About How to Donate Hair

Have you ever thought about donating your hair to a good cause? If you have long, healthy locks that you’re planning to chop off, you might want to consider giving them to someone who needs them more. Hair donation is a generous act that can make a huge difference in the lives of people who have lost their hair due to medical conditions, such as cancer, alopecia, or burns.

But how do you donate your hair? What are the requirements and the process? Where can you send your hair? In this blog post, we will answer all these questions and more. Read on to find out everything you need to know about hair donation.

What are the benefits of hair donation?

Hair donation has many benefits, both for the donor and the recipient. Here are some of them:

• You can help someone feel more confident and comfortable. Losing hair can be a traumatic and stressful experience, especially for children and women. It can affect their self-esteem, social interactions, and emotional well-being. By donating your hair, you can help someone regain their sense of identity and dignity. You can also show them that they are not alone and that someone cares for them.
• You can support a noble cause. Many organizations that accept hair donations use them to make wigs for people who cannot afford them. These wigs are given for free or at a low cost to those who need them. By donating your hair, you can contribute to a charitable mission that aims to improve the quality of life of people who are suffering from hair loss.
• You can refresh your look and feel good. Donating your hair can also be a great opportunity to try a new hairstyle and have some fun. You can experiment with different lengths, colors, and cuts that suit your personality and preferences. You can also enjoy the feeling of having lighter and healthier hair. Plus, you can feel good knowing that you have done something good for someone else.

What are the requirements for hair donation?

Before you decide to donate your hair, you need to make sure that you meet the requirements set by the organization of your choice. Different organizations may have different criteria, but here are some general guidelines that apply to most of them:

• Your hair must be long enough. The minimum length for hair donation is usually 10 to 12 inches, measured from the tip to the base of the ponytail. This is because shorter hair cannot be used to make a wig, as it will fall out or look uneven. Some organizations may accept shorter hair, but they will use it for other purposes, such as research or composting.
• Your hair must be clean and dry. Before you cut your hair, you need to wash it with shampoo and conditioner, and make sure that it is completely dry. Do not use any styling products, such as gel, wax, hairspray, or leave-in conditioner, as they can damage the hair or make it difficult to process. Wet or dirty hair can also get moldy or contaminated during transit or storage, which will make it unusable.
• Your hair must be healthy and natural. Ideally, your hair should be virgin, meaning that it has never been dyed, bleached, permed, or chemically treated in any way. This is because processed hair tends to be weaker and more prone to breakage. It also requires more time and money to turn it into a wig. Some organizations may accept colored or treated hair, as long as it is in good condition and in natural shades. However, they may not be able to use it for wigs, but for other products, such as extensions or accessories.

How do you donate your hair?

Once you have checked that you meet the requirements for hair donation, you can proceed to the following steps:

• Choose an organization to donate to. There are many organizations that accept hair donations, both locally and internationally. You can do some research online or ask your friends and family for recommendations. Some of the factors that you may want to consider are the mission, vision, and values of the organization, the quality and type of wigs they produce, the recipients they serve, and the feedback they receive from donors and beneficiaries. You can also check their website or social media pages for more information and updates.
• Fill out a form and follow the instructions. Most organizations require you to fill out a form online or offline, where you provide your personal details, such as your name, address, contact number, and email. You may also need to indicate the length and condition of your hair, and the reason why you are donating. Some organizations may also ask you to attach a photo of your hair or a copy of your ID. Make sure that you read and follow the instructions carefully, and that you provide accurate and complete information.
• Cut and secure your hair. You can either cut your hair yourself or ask a professional hairstylist to do it for you. If you choose the latter option, make sure that you inform them that you are donating your hair, and that they follow the guidelines of the organization. The general procedure is to tie your hair into a ponytail or a braid, and then cut it above the elastic band. You can also divide your hair into several sections, if it is very thick or layered. Make sure that you measure your hair before and after cutting, to ensure that it meets the minimum length requirement.
• Package and ship your hair. After cutting your hair, place it in a resealable plastic bag, and squeeze out the air. Then, put it in a padded envelope or a box, and label it with your name and the name of the organization. You may also need to include a printout of your form, a receipt, or a tracking number, depending on the organization. Finally, ship your hair to the address provided by the organization, and wait for a confirmation or a thank you note.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about hair donation:

• How long does it take to grow 10 inches of hair? The average rate of hair growth is about half an inch per month, which means that it can take about 20 months or almost two years to grow 10 inches of hair. However, this may vary depending on your genetics, diet, lifestyle, and hair care routine. To speed up the process, you can try to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, take vitamins and supplements, massage your scalp, trim your split ends, and avoid heat and chemical damage.
• How many hair donations are needed to make one wig? The number of hair donations needed to make one wig depends on the length, thickness, and quality of the hair, as well as the size and style of the wig. Generally, it takes about 10 to 15 hair donations to make one wig, but it can be more or less depending on the factors mentioned above. Some organizations may also mix human hair with synthetic hair to create more volume and variety.
• How long does it take to make a wig from donated hair? The process of making a wig from donated hair can take several months, depending on the organization and the demand. The hair has to go through various stages, such as sorting, washing, drying, cutting, coloring, blending, sewing, styling, and quality checking. Each stage requires careful attention and skill, to ensure that the wig is durable, comfortable, and natural-looking.
• Who can receive a wig made from donated hair? The recipients of wigs made from donated hair are usually people who have lost their hair due to medical conditions, such as cancer, alopecia, or burns. Some organizations may also cater to people who have experienced hair loss due to accidents, trauma, or abuse. The eligibility and application process may vary depending on the organization, but generally, the recipients have to provide proof of their condition, such as a medical certificate, a prescription, or a letter from their doctor. Some organizations may also have age, income, or location restrictions.

Conclusion

Hair donation is a wonderful way to share your hair with someone who needs it more. It can have a positive impact on both the donor and the recipient, as well as the society and the environment. If you are interested in donating your hair, make sure that you follow the requirements and the process of the organization of your choice. You can also do some research and ask around for more information and tips. Remember, your hair is a precious gift that can make someone smile and feel beautiful. 💇‍♀️