Donating Hair: What I’ve Learned after Five Donations

Donating Hair . . .

At the beginning of January, I scheduled another BIG chop. A haircut was long overdue, and I was more than ready for a new style. Since 2011, I’ve been alternating growing, cutting and donating hair. My stylist recently cut ~10 inches off, and I got to send another donation to someone struggling with hair loss. Have you donated your hair before? Over the course of nine years and 50+ inches donated, here are a few things I’ve learned.

You’ve gotta ditch the heat.

Looking back, I realize that there’s ONE THING that made this all possible. I broke up with my hot tools in 2012. This was a game changer for my hair health. Since, I try to only use heat on my hair for special occasions and definitely not more than once a week.

If you can’t ditch the heat, find ways to prolong your style. I’m talking products like dry shampoo, volumizing spray (to lift roots after a night’s sleep) and frizz ease touch-up cream. The key is to limit heat exposure as much as possible, and these products never fail to save second or third day hair.

Find the right style + stylist.

Instead of relying on my hot tools (straightener, blow dryer + curling wand) every single day, I opted for cuts and styles that worked well with my natural hair texture. My hair tends to be a little bit curly + wavy when it air dries. So, I’ve learned my hair texture goes well with styles like Ahn Co Tran’s ‘lived in’ cuts. I did a post about them here.

The next piece of the puzzle comes when you go to the right stylist. I found my current hair stylist by asking for recommendations via social media. It helps if you include an inspiration photo with your post–this gives your friends and followers an idea of the cut + style you’re hoping to achieve.

Do your donation homework.

There are a handful of charitable organizations that accept hair donations. Here’s a simple breakdown of my top three:

Children with Hair Loss

I’ve donated my hair to Children With Hair Loss multiple times. I liked their campaign because they give free wigs to children who are suffering from any medically-related hair loss. To donate, CWHL requires 8-inches of healthy hair, and it can be previously colored/highlighted. I’m a fan of occasional highlights, so this organization checked all my boxes.

Locks of Love

Chances are you’ve already heard about Locks of Love. They’re one of the best known donation charities out there, and they provide hair prostheses for financially disadvantaged children that are suffering from long term hair loss due to any illness. Donation requirements: at least 10-inches of healthy hair (no bleach, but it can be colored and/or permed). Get more details here.

Wigs for Kids

Like Locks of Love, this charity provides hair prostheses and hair systems children who are suffering from long term hair loss due to any medical condition. Their wigs are specifically made to withstand physical activities like playing soccer or going swimming. In terms of donations, they require at least 12-inches of virgin, non-chemically treated hair.

Hair Care Products I Like

Drugstore Budget
Kristin Ess Deep Treatment Mask: http://bit.ly/3ayXUjp
Pantene Rescue Shots ($5 for 3): http://bit.ly/330pxz4
Frizz Ease Touch Up Cream: http://bit.ly/2PUEUUn
L’Oreal Paris Leave-In Conditioner: http://bit.ly/3cIH4k3
Olly Hair Vitamins: http://bit.ly/2vQNkW2

Salon Budget
Phyto Revitalizing Serum: http://bit.ly/331NDte
Aveda Volumizing Tonic: http://bit.ly/2VU09K3
Aveda Damage Remedy: http://bit.ly/2PWid2l
Aveda Smooth Infusion: http://bit.ly/2IusE9m
DPHUE ACV Therapy Set: http://bit.ly/2TvlvMe (trial size to see if you like it!)
Sugarbearhair Vitamins: http://bit.ly/3aAq9OE (3 month supply)

Answering Your Hair Donation FAQ’s

Each time I donate my hair, I tend to get asked the same handful of questions. Here are my answers to frequently asked questions when I’m sitting in the salon chair:

Q: Why did you decide to donate your hair?

A: Growing up, I saw both my mom and sister donate their hair. I also know a few people suffering from hair loss. If I’m already cutting my hair, why not add a few more inches to help someone in need? It’s such an easy way for me to give back.

Q: Do you take prenatal vitamins?

A: I’ve been taking prenatal or hair/skin focused vitamins for the past decade. I’ve tried a few different kinds. I’m a fan of Olly’s gummy vitamins because you can find them at Target (or online here!). I also splurged and purchased Sugarbearhair vitamins after I had both my babies.

Q: Does your diet have anything to do with it?

A: I definitely think diet directly correlates to hair health. I wrote a blog post a few years ago about foods for hair growth. Read it here. Basically, I think that we are what we eat. If you eat good-for-you foods, your hair is one of the first places it shows!

Q: Do you want to keep donating hair?

Now that I have kids, long hair is really tricky to maintain. This chapter of life leaves very little me-time aka minutes to actually do my hair. I sure hope I can donate in the future, but the next couple of years may hold a shorter ‘do. 

Have your own questions about donating hair?

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photos by Gentri Lee