Think back to middle school for a moment.
Sure, there are some happy memories, but there are also some cringe-worthy ones.
Acne, braces, bad hair?
You name it, we’ve all had it.
Now imagine going through all those awkward years with no hair.
Yep, that perm isn’t looking too bad now, is it?
Sadly, there are kids all over the world losing their hair from chronic conditions or medical treatments.
The good news is that any of us could help.
If you’ve been considering donating your hair, read on.
Why donate?
Only you might know if hair donation is the right choice for you.
Having natural-looking hair goes a long way in helping a child feel like themself again.
The wig is specially made for the child and fits to their head.
Many cancer treatments, like chemo or radiation, can cause hair loss.
Children typically start losing their hair afew weeks into treatment.
Themost common childhood cancersare leukemias, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, and lymphomas.
A lesser known cause of childhood hair loss is alopecia, which is an immune system disorder.
The Children’s Cancer Research Fund has stated that80 percent of childhood cancerscan be cured or treated successfully.
When you look like yourself again, maybe you could start feeling like yourself again.
First decide if you’d like your hair donated to children or women in need.
Look into the requirements.
The length of the ponytail usually needs to be somewhere between 8 and 12 inches.
Some organizations accept gray and dyed hair, while others do not.
Check their website for the correct address.
Some organizations work specifically with women battling hair loss.
Pantene provides wigs to women going through cancer treatments.
They ask for 8 inches of hair or an $8 donation.
Don’t color it or have any chemical treatments done.
give a shot to avoid too much blow drying and heat styling as well.
Now is also the time to make a plan for after the cut.
Look online or make a Pinterest board of your favorite bobs.
Come prepared
Before heading to the salon, confirm you read your organization’s requirements carefully.
Generally speaking, the hair must bedry and cleanbefore going in the ziploc bag.
Dreadlocks also won’t work.
double-check to show them the hair donation form.
), and how to send it.
Most organizations ask that the hair is kept in a clean ponytail and braid with arubberband on both ends.
Some will accept gray hair, but check first.
The ponytail should be placed in a large ziplock bag with the hair donation form.
Wanna go again?
Feeling a little sad without your long, luscious locks?
There’s no shame in that!
Check Youtube or charity websites for videos of children receiving their wigs for the first time.
Grab a box a tissues and get ready to feel awesome about your decision to donate.
Not ready to cut?
Feeling inspired, but not ready to donate a foot of hair?
There are plenty of ways to get involved.
Wigs for Kids is a nonprofit that estimateseach wig costs $1,800 to create!
Also, you’ll find that you don’t have to know someone to feel that connection.
