How to Donate Hair

Wigs for Kids who Lost Their Hair due to Cancer or Alopecia

Here’s my hair on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning before I cut it short to donate for wigs for kids who lost their hair due to cancer or alopecia:

Tuesday Afternoon Hair

Wednesday Morning Hair

I used this article to research organizations that provide wigs for patients with cancer and alopecia and accept hair donations: https://www.businessinsider.com/donating-hair-to-charity-what-you-need-to-know-2016-12

Here are some of the donation requirements for the few organizations that I considered:

1. Children with Hair Loss

• 8 inches minimum length

2. Locks of Love

• 10 inches minimum length
• accept colored hair

3. Hair We Share

• 12 inches minimum length

4. Wigs for Kids

• do not accept colored hair

Organizations vary in accepting hair in length from 8 to 12 inches and above

How to Cut and Donate Your Hair

• Your hair should be clean and dry before you cut it.
• Part your hair into small ponytails and secure at the top with a rubber band or a hair tie.
• Cut hair 1 inch above bands (the one inch above the band is included in the length of donation).
• Place and seal in a plastic bag, label bag with your name and contact information.
• To mail your hair donation, use a padded envelope to prevent damage to your hair.

Where to Cut Your Hair (in greater Seattle area)

Try searching for ‘hair donations salons’ in your area. Some of them will even handle the donation process for you.

This chain, Gene Juarez Salons, has locations in Downtown Seattle, Redmond, and Bellevue: https://www.genejuarez.com/about/hair-donations/

I went to a salon in Redmond to a hairdresser that was referred to me by my teammate, and I’m happy with my haircut! :)

The address is: Attractions Hair Salon, 8469 164th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052— https://goo.gl/maps/QDzFSxyG2sKjArkS7. The hairdresser’s name is Kim.

Final Tips

With Hair We Share organization, if you include $125 monetary donation (individual or crowdfunded) with your hair donation, you will be entered into the Ponytail Tracking Program:

“When you join our Ponytail Tracking Program, within 6 months of receiving your hair we will send you a photo of your hair in a wig. Although it is not likely, whenever possible we will provide a photograph of the recipient of the wig. Please know that most patients prefer to remain anonymous due to difficulties they face during fragile times in their lives. Our first priority is to the well being of our recipients.”

This article does a great overview of the things you need to know before you cut your hair to donate: https://blog.thebreastcancersite.greatergood.com/all-the-facts-hair-donation/

Watch this video to see what happens to your hair after you donate it:

It takes about 20–30 ponytails to donate one wig to a patient. Please consider donating! 💞💝🙏🏽

Before and After 😁