About Donating Hair for Cancer Patients

Overview

Hair donation has become a popular way for women, children and men to contribute to a worthwhile cause. Charitable groups collect hair from donors, send it to a wigmaker, buy wigs back at wholesale and provide them to women and children who have lost their hair because of cancer or other medical conditions. Different organizations have different requirements for length and type of hair they will accept. Some do not accept gray hair and some do not accept hair that has been colored or otherwise chemically processed. Donated hair that is not suitable or needed to make wigs for people with medical disorders is often sold to help cover other organizational costs.

Step 1

Choose an organization that accepts donations of hair. These include Beautiful Lengths, Wigs for Kids and Locks of Love (see Resources). Find out their exact criteria for acceptable hair before you get yours cut.

Step 2

Wash and dry your hair. Do not use any hair styling products including gels, sprays or conditioners. Brush it well to remove any tangles or knots.

Step 3

Measure your hair to the specifications of the organization you choose. Some organizations require as little as 8 inches while others require at least 12 inches. If your hair is curly, pull it straight to measure its actual length.

Step 4

Make one long braid down your back or pull hair back into a secure ponytail with a tight rubber band just below the point where it will be cut. Secure a braid at the top and bottom to hold the hair in place after it is cut.

Step 5

Hold on to the braid or tail and use sharp scissors to cut straight across above the top band. Do not send hair that has been swept off the floor. If your hair is not completely dry when it is cut, allow it to dry before packing.

Step 6

Drop the dry, banded hair into a zipper-lock plastic bag. Seal the bag. Place the plastic bag into a stamped plastic or padded mailing envelope addressed to the organization of your choice, and mail.