Wigs have been around forever, and hair replacements have come a long way in the meantime. Even so, wigs continue to play a vital role in bringing hope to those who struggle with hair loss. In particular, wigs are essential for those whose hair loss is either sudden or impermanent—specifically, for those who are losing their hair due to cancer treatments.
We’re thankful that there are so many wig options available for cancer patients, including grown-ups and children alike. We’re also thankful that today’s wigs look so lifelike, so natural, and so real. A big reason for this is that many wigs are made with actual human hair—but have you wondered where this hair comes from?
Supporting Children with Hair Loss
The short answer is that it’s donated. We know many people—including some of our own employees—who grow out their hair, cut it off, and then offer it as a donation to a wig-making organization. One that we are especially proud to support is Children with Hair Loss—and if any of you are eager to support an organization like this, we can offer a few pointers.
- For starters, you need to grow out your hair; it’s got to be at least eight inches long in order for it to be useable in a wig, and even longer is preferred.
- Donated hair must be cleaned, dried, and placed into either a ponytail or a braid. Before donating, make sure you put either a rubber band or ponytail holder on each end.
- While Children with Hair Loss and comparable organizations will accept most any hair that’s in good condition, they do prefer it to be hair that hasn’t been chemically treated.
- Gray hair is accepted!
If this is something you’re interested in doing, you can print a hair donation form on the Children with Hair Loss website, and put it and your hair—in a zip lock baggy—into the mail. Shortly, you will receive a certificate from Children with Hair Loss, a simple way to thank you for your kindness.
And for those who are curious: When your donation is received, a volunteer will open your package and place the hair with other hair of a similar color and length. Once enough hair is received to fill a box, it’s all sent to a custom wig maker, who will use it to make a natural, beautiful-looking wig for a child who needs one.
Learn More About Hair Donation
We believe in this work, in this organization, and in the importance of hair donation. If you’d like to learn more about our own involvement, feel free to contact Hair Professionals at your convenience.