Instead of letting your long hair languish on the salon floor until it's swept into the trash, you could save it and donate it to a worthy cause. Several organizations collect hair to create wigs for women and children who've lost their hair due to cancer treatments. These wigs are donated to patients and no cost or sold at a very low cost. Some salons will donate the hair for you, but if your salon doesn't participate, it's easy to send the hair in yourself.
Step 1
Grow your hair out so that when you put it in a ponytail, it measures at least 8 to 12 inches from the elastic band to the end of your hair. The required length varies by charity and hair type. Eight inches is the minimum length required to create a quality wig, according to charitable organization Locks of Love. Stretch your hair as you measure it if you have very curly hair.
Step 2
Wash and dry your hair on donation day. Do not add any styling products, like gel, hairspray or leave-in conditioner. Hair must remain clean and untreated.
Step 3
Pull your hair into an elastic band at the nape of your neck. Secure it tight enough so that once you cut it off, it remains in the elastic band. Hair that comes loose from the band can't be processed efficiently into a wig. Add a second elastic band a few inches below the first one as a precaution.
Step 4
Cut or have a stylist cut just above the pony tail. Immediately transfer the hair into a zip top plastic bag so it doesn't come loose from the elastic band.
Step 5
Place the zip top bag into a padded envelope and mail it to the charity of your choice at their specific donation address.
Tips and Warnings
- Some charities can't accept hair that has a high percentage of gray or that has been chemically treated or permanently dyed. Check with your charity if you have hair in this condition.
Things You'll Need
- Elastic hair band
- Scissors
- Zip top bag
- Padded envelope
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