Donating your hair after a big cut is a great way to help people in need.One of the most popular hair donation charities is Locks of Love, which gives hairpieces to children who suffer from long-term medical hair loss.If you double-check your hair eligibility, you can send a donation to Locks of Love in less than an hour.
Step 1: Start with unbleached, loose hair that's at least 25 cm long.
Locks of Love has a few limitations on the kind of hair they accept.Black hair and dreadlocks can't be combed in the manufacturing process.There is a full explanation of hair restrictions on thelocksoflove.org.Hair that has been bleached in the past can be accepted.If you have curly hair, you can pull it straight in order to reach the limit if you measure by the longest layer.
Step 2: The organization's budget is dependent on the quality of the hairs sold.
Grey hairs and strands that are too short are sold in order to reduce the operating cost for a non-profit like Locks of Love.You may want to look for an alternative organization if you are upset by this practice.
Step 3: If you feel comfortable, you can cut your hair.
If you have a friend or family member who knows how to trim hair, you can simply sit in a chair at home and have them do it.It is the easiest way to donate hair if you are comfortable with it.Your friend or family member may not be able to give you a new haircut after you cut off your ponytail.
Step 4: You can get a professional hair cut.
Some hair salons do free donation cuts, while others charge or refuse to do donations.If you want to cut your hair for Locks of Love, you need to check with your preferred hair salon.If a salon tells you they don't do donation cuts, try a few different places.
Step 5: Before you have your hair cut, shower and dry it.
In order to be accepted, hair must be dry and clean.If you want to remove imperfections and make the hair soft, you should use a conditioner and a wash.If you go to a salon, make sure your hairdresser doesn't wet your hair.
Step 6: A ponytail or braid is the best way to style your hair.
Wrap your hair around the highest point you plan to cut or braid it right up to that point with a ponytail holder.If you have long hair, put a second ponytail holder on the lower half of the ponytail.The hair cut outside of a ponytail is not usable.If you are going to shave your head, make sure to put your hair into multiple ponytails.
Step 7: Take your hair out of the ponytail holder or braid.
The hair needs to be trimmed just above the ponytail or braids so that the holder doesn't slip off.A pair of scissors is all you need.If the hair has been stored in a ponytail or braid, it is still usable.
Step 8: You need to fill out the Hair Donation form.
The form can be found on the website.It's not necessary for a hair donation, but it will allow you to receive an acknowledgement of your donation via mail or email.The form can be downloaded.If you want an acknowledgement but can't access the form, you can include it with your shipment to Locks of Love.
Step 9: Place the hair in a bag.
To hold the braids or ponytail, use a small plastic bag or sleeve.It is easy for the Locks of Love volunteers to remove and sort hair that is stored in a plastic bag during the shipping process.
Step 10: Donate your hair to Locks of Love.
The address listed on the website is 234 Southern Blvd.West Palm Beach is in Florida.You should double check that you are mailing your donation to the right place by looking at the Locks of Love page.You can send your donation to the US Postal Service.You can purchase a padded envelope online or at your local post office.