
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. With the controversy around this in recent years, it’s worth checking where the funds go before making your final decision. Unsuitable hair is often sold, with funds going towards the making of hairpieces. 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. And if your hair is dyed, Locks of Love (USA) and Little Princess Trust (UK) are two main charities that accept treated hair. For example, an 8 inch donation is too short for Locks of Love (USA) but suitable for Pantene Beautiful Lengths (USA).

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. Certain places don’t accept overseas hair donations, so consult websites beforehand. 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. There are countless non-profits and charities creating wigs to help specific causes around the world. You want to donate your hair when it’s in good condition – split ends are not your friend! I avoided unnecessary products, let it dry naturally whenever possible, and minimised straightening it. I found that as soon as I decided to donate, I started taking much better care of my hair. 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. 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. It’s important to check the guidelines of each organisation carefully. Before and afterĪnyone 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. 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. 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.

I first decided to donate my hair after hearing from a teenage girl who lost her hair from chemo. 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.

Hair donations go towards making wigs for children and adults who have temporarily or permanently lost their hair. Read more: Top 10 Hairdressers in Hong Kong Why do people choose to donate hair?

If you’re considering cutting your hair for a charity or non-profit, here are some things to know beforehand… 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. 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. If you’re keen to cut for a cause, this is what you need to know before chopping your locks.
