How To Donate Your Hair For Cancer Patients

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Today we are talking about how to donate hair for cancer patients, and for how to donate hair for wigs for cancer patients. We are covering all the questions we found out the answers to when we first started researching about donating hair. 

Our journey began we Sammie donated her hair in honor of a friend’s dad who got leukemia. Luckily he is now in remission. I am fortunate to have healthy lifestyle, family, kids and grand kids. Which always makes me feel blessed.

Donating Hair

Our family has empathy for others not as lucky. We have known people who have suffered many challenges, fought leukemia, tumors…The challenges of fighting cancer isn’t easy. I hate to hear when someone loses their battle.

Sammie talked about donating her hair for wigs for cancer patients. She logically thought about the timing and when she wanted to cut her hair to donate it. She went online to research where and how to donate her hair for people and kids fighting cancer who needed wigs. She also looked at various hairstyles from short hair to pixie cuts, under cuts and buzz styles. She was going to own this decision all the way to the big snip, for hair donation.

We learned quite a bit about hair donation when researching the subject. We thought we would share our findings to make it easier if you or your kids decide to donate your hair.

How and where to donate hair for cancer patients

Donating Hair Myth Buster

I thought some of these styles Sammie was looking at might not suit her. I let her talk about her choices with the hairdresser. I knew in my heart that it’s just hair. She can always grow it back, if she didn’t like it. I had a moment, that moment of worry for her as any mom would. Would she regret doing this? But, agreed this was a great decision made by my daughter, Sammie. 

Honestly, I really wasn’t worried about how she looked with short hair. She is very self confident, owning her self as a person for who she is. I wasn’t even worried what others might think. As a mom I just wanted her to be happy. I am proud to have supported her choice and decision to help others. 

When the day came to go get her haircut she asked if her friend could come and video the process. I said of course. (we’ll share that on our Facebook page) When we arrived at the salon we made sure our hairdresser was fine with us videoing her. She said yes. Everyone was excited for Sammie’s decision to donate her long, wavy hair. I think she was a bit nervous.

I was taking her photos after we arrived home with my camera vs cell at the salon. I asked her how she felt about her decision about donating hair and the haircut. She just put her hand on her head and said good! Really good. I couldn’t believe I captured that moment, of true bliss with her decision. 

Everything you need to know about donating your hair

• Most places prefer hair to be natural, non colored or not lightened by bleaching

• There are places that do take colored hair and grey hair

• Double check inches needed to donate (as some need 6 inches, others 8, 10 and 12 inches)

• Be prepared to have it cut: Have clean, dry hair pull it into a pony tail or braid *some donation places even have hair cut specifics (using a hair dresser they know how to part and cut the hair properly for the donation process) 

• Have a clean, new plastic bag to put it into

• Pick your place of donation (list below)

• Follow their guidelines for sending it in

• Consider adding a cash donation

Donating Hair

How To Donate Hair

1. Search out hairstyles you like

2. Talk over the style choice with your hairdresser 

3. Let your hair dresser know what style / when you will cut your hair for donation and set the appointment

4. Use the above recommendations for preparing your hair, knowing the length you need and where to donate it prior to your cut

5. Enjoy your new hairstyle

6. Be proud of your choice

Sammie’s natural hair has curl so when it wasn’t straightened it looked like this at first. Also in this image she’s not wearing glasses and has makeup on. No matter how she feels on a given day she’s rocking the short hair. She doesn’t care if it’s messy or styled. She doesn’t care if she isn’t wearing makeup. Or just rolling out of bed, throwing on a beanie and going.

Sammie grew out her hair slightly. She just got a pixie cut to grow it out. She had discussed plans for how to grow out her hair with her hair dresser in advance. If you go really short it’s a great idea to discuss cut/ growth plans with your hair dresser in advance.

• Can’t donate your hair? There are other ways to help. Get your hair cut on days where salons are doing it for raising funds for cancer research; they donate 100% of the funds for cancer research.
• Or make a cash donation to the charity of your choice. 
• Remember, it doesn’t matter how old you are. Anyone can consider donating their hair.
• A few years ago my granddaughter donated her long, thick blonde hair. Cutting off 12 inches. My niece cut her long hair to chin length, then donated it. I am growing mine longer to donate too.

All the girls in my family that have donated hair were really excited about their choice to help others struggling with cancer and help them to have “real” hair for wigs. 

Places To Donate Your Hair

• Children With Hair Loss

• Wigs For Kids

• Locks of Love

• DreadLocksofLove

• Childhood Leukemia Foundation 4Kids

• Pantene Beautiful Lengths

Here’s an update of how Sammie had her hair styled and supported cancer research this past weekend. Many and most hair salons know about how to cut hair for donations. Just be sure to ask your hairdresser or go to an event for hair donation like this one hosted by Ulta salon. 

Need hairstyle ideas if donating or growing your hair back out?

• Hairstyles for long hair
• Pinterest – Hairstyles (short, medium and long hair styles.)
• New here? Be sure to subscribe

Have you ever considered donating hair?

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