What to Know Before Donating Your Hair to Charity

If you’re keen to cut for a cause, this is what you need to know before chopping your locks.

This city offers plenty of ways for us to donate our time and effort, and in recent years, we’ve seen more and more people in Hong Kong looking to donate their hair to make wigs or hairpieces. When it comes to hair donations, Hong Kong’s resources are limited, but you can still make an impact by donating to other locations across the globe. If you’re considering cutting your hair for a charity or non-profit, here are some things to know beforehand…

Read more: Top 10 Hairdressers in Hong Kong

Why do people choose to donate hair?

Hair donations go towards making wigs for children and adults who have temporarily or permanently lost their hair. This can be from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, thyroid disease, alopecia areata (a disease that attacks hair follicles), Trichotillomania (a hair-pulling disorder), severe scalp infections or other medical issues.

I first decided to donate my hair after hearing from a teenage girl who lost her hair from chemo. She spoke about how despite all the painful side effects of cancer, her hair loss was the one constant reminder that forced her away from her  ‘normal’ – a visual representation of illness. Once I realised that something replaceable to me had the potential to be valuable to someone else, I decided to grow my hair out and donate it.

Who can donate?

Anyone and everyone who’s willing and able – girls, boys, adults, children! For most organisations, it doesn’t matter whether your hair is straight or curly, fine or thick – though many don’t accept hair that has been bleached, dyed, or hair that’s over 5-10% grey. It’s important to check the guidelines of each organisation carefully.

How much hair has to be cut off?

Organisations have varying requirements but the minimum is generally 8 inches – although most prefer it to be at least 12 inches, so it can go into a longer wig.

How long will it take to grow?

On average, women’s hair grows about 5 to 6 inches a year (approximately a quarter of an inch per month), so it’s likely that you’ll be working towards a goal for a while. I found that as soon as I decided to donate, I started taking much better care of my hair. I avoided unnecessary products, let it dry naturally whenever possible, and minimised straightening it. You want to donate your hair when it’s in good condition – split ends are not your friend!

Do your research:

There are countless non-profits and charities creating wigs to help specific causes around the world. Though Hong Kong doesn’t have dedicated wig-creating organisations (and Hong Kong’s CancerLink has stopped accepting hair donations), you can easily mail it overseas. Certain places don’t accept overseas hair donations, so consult websites beforehand. Charity’s objectives and hair requirements vary, so sticking to the requirements is the best way to make sure that your hair gets put to good use. For example, an 8 inch donation is too short for Locks of Love (USA)  but suitable for Pantene Beautiful Lengths (USA). And if your hair is dyed, Locks of Love (USA) and Little Princess Trust (UK) are two main charities that accept treated hair. Many hair donations end up unsuitable, and since this is generally at the discretion of the wig makers, organisations can’t let you know whether your hair ultimately goes towards creating a wig. Unsuitable hair is often sold, with funds going towards the making of hairpieces. With the controversy around this in recent years, it’s worth checking where the funds go before making your final decision. With that in mind, if you feel it would be more beneficial for you to donate funds directly, this is generally welcome by organisations across the board.

What to know about the process:

1. Pick your charity before the cut so that you can follow the specific requirements.
2. If you’re cutting it at a salon, phone ahead to check that the stylist is happy to cater to your requests. Whether you’re at a salon or at home, your hair needs to be completely dry before you cut it. Damp hair means your hair will automatically be unsuitable, (it will mould before it can be made into a wig). Sozo is a Hong Kong salon that accepts hair donations and sends them directly to Japan Hair Donation & Charity for you.
3. Next, tie your hair into a ponytail or braid and snip above the tie. Some organisations prefer the hair in one ponytail or braid, but if you have layers, it’s worth separating it into several sections, so the length is split evenly, and the sections can be used as needed.
4. Seal the snipped section(s) in a clear, resalable plastic bag.
5. Pop the air-tight bag into a proper envelope, and mail it to your chosen organisation with any needed forms they require.

Adding financial donations with your hair donations:

Many people opt to raise funds to donate with the hair. The costs are generally invested directly into the cost of making wigs. Making wigs is costly as each one is precisely tailored to fit the shape of the patients’ head (which is especially important for younger children!). Most organisations find donated hair and finances to be equally important in providing hairpieces, especially since majority of the non-profits provide wigs are provided at no cost to the recipient or their family.

Organisations accepting overseas donations:

Little Princess Trust
This children’s cancer charity provides wigs to children in the UK and Ireland who suffer from hair loss due to cancer treatments and other illnesses.
Requirements: At least 7 inches of hair. Dyed hair is accepted, as long as it is not in an unnatural colour.
www.littleprincesses.org.uk

Pantene Beautiful Lengths
Pantene makes wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer in America.
Requirements: At least 8 inches of non-bleached, non-permanently dyed. Permed, or chemically straightened hair is not suitable. Financial donations are not accepted.www.pantene.com/en-us/brandexperience/make-the-cut

Locks of Love
This public non-profit organisation provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.
Requirements: At least 10 inches of hair that is not bleached. Dyed and permed hair is accepted.
www.locksoflove.org

Wigs for Kids
Wigs for Kids is a non-profit providing free hairpieces to children and teens, throughout America, under the age of 18 who have lost their hair due to medical reasons.
Requirements: At least 12 inches of undyed, non-bleached, and non-highlighted hair.
www.wigsforkids.org

Wigs 4 Kids
Not to be confused with the above organisation, this non-profit provides wigs for children with hair loss as a result from various illnesses, such as cancer, alopecia, trichotillomania, and burn victims. It focuses on providing for children throughout Michigan.
Requirements: At least 7 inches for a wigs for boys or short wigs for girls. For general wigs, minimum 10 inches of non-chemically treated hair.
www.wigs4kids.org/donate-hair

No matter which organisation you choose, your hair donation can help someone who no longer has theirs. Between 8 to 30 ponytails can be used to make one full wig, so, the more people who are encouraged, the better! It’s important to remember that your decision to donate is personal, so after all the research is done, trust what feels right to you. At the end of the day, chopping your hair off may just remind you of the luxury so many of us take for granted: it grows back…

If you’re a Hong Kong organisation who accepts hair donations, or have insight into helpful resources, please email [email protected] with relevant information.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2017 by Tania Shroff, and was updated in January 2019.