Hair donations are used by different organizations to create wigs for those who need them. People cut and donate their hair for a variety of reasons. Some have personal reasons while others simply wish to help others in need. Whatever your reasoning, with a little research, you will find that donating your hair can be a very easy process.

How are Wigs Made?

Wigs can be made by hand or by machine. To begin the process, a wig maker will measure the size and shape of a client’s head. From there, a cast is made, which is used to make the proper size wig. For more information about handmade wigs, check out this video by How It’s Made.

Choosing an Organization

There is a common misconception that hair donation organizations make wigs for children or adults who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy. This is not always true. Many organizations primarily make wigs for patients with permanent hair loss conditions such as alopecia, a disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Before donating your hair, extensively research the organization you are interested in donating to.

Things to consider:

Hair Requirements: Each organization will have different requirements for their hair donations. All require a minimum length, and most have more specific requirements regarding color, history of chemical dyes, and health of the hair.

Operational Costs: Many hair donation organizations have a higher supply of donated hair than their demand for wigs. Be aware that all of your hair may not end up in a wig. Shorter strands are often sold as a way to help with the operational costs of the organization.

How to Cut Your Hair for Donation

After deciding where you want to donate your hair, the next step is to cut it! Make sure that your hair is very clean before cutting it, and always have a professional hair stylist cut your hair, never do it on your own. Your hairdresser will pull your hair back into a low pony tail. Make sure that the elastic holding your hair is snug enough to keep the hair from falling out after it is cut. From there, your stylist will cut your hair just above the elastic.

Allow your hair to dry completely before packaging it to be sent to your chosen organization. If you hair is not fully dry, mold can begin to grow after you package it, rendering it unusable. To dry it fully, lay the ponytail out on a towel and let it sit for a day or two. Do not attempt to wash the hair or dry it with a hairdryer. Both of these things will cause the hair to come loose from the ponytail.

After the hair is dry, package it according to your desired organization’s requirements, and slip it in the mail. Bon Voyage!

If you are interested in donating your hair, there are many organizations out there to choose from. Some popular organizations include Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Locks of Love, Wigs For Kids, and Children With Hair Loss. For more hair and beauty tips and tricks, or to have your hair cut for a donation, contact us at Richard Francis Salon in Ashland, MA.