I just cut over 8 inches of my hair to donate. I’d always heard about donating your hair for cancer patients, but I never really knew how to do it. So, donating my hair was just an idea that sat in a dusty corner in the back of my head. It wasn’t until I felt a NEED to help others that I dug that idea out and took action on it. And if you’re thinking you’d like to donate your hair, but you are lost as to how to donate or where to donate your hair, then this blog is for you. But first, let me tell you why I felt the NEED to donate my hair. I am donating my hair in honor of my first born son, Johnathan Edward.

I lost my son, Johnathan, when I was 17 weeks, 1 day pregnant. (Yes, I still count that one day.) It hasn’t even been two months since my sweet boy was taken from me. At first, I wasn’t sure how life would go on. How was everyone acting like everything in life was “going to be ok.” NOTHING was ok.

When we got the news that I would never get to rock my innocent baby to sleep, I’d never get to comfort him when he’s crying or hear his little giggle for the first time I was in the middle of  planning his gender reveal party with family and friends. My husband and I were house-hunting for the PERFECT home to begin our new family. We were so excited for our Christmas baby. (He was due on December 20th.) All of that was ripped away from us so suddenly and unexpectedly. My baby, Johnathan, would have no chance at making it to his first birthday. How do I even begin to try to “move on” from this?

Learning different ways to cope was the only way I could survive. There were a few things I did immediately to help myself, but I didn’t realize that one of the best ways to cope was to see that others are suffering from their own intense pain and helping them in their time of need would help me get through my loss. 

It all began when I met a dear friend named Erica through one of my “fans,” Diana.  Diana bought one of my Spoonie Necklaces and told me it was for her friend, Erica, who is battling stage IV colorectal cancer that has metastasized to her liver and other organs. I was so shocked to hear about how young Erica was — she’s in her early 30’s — to be going through all of this. I began kind of stalking Erica on her social media and her blog. I think what was most shocking to me was that she is so optimistic, hopeful, and never once pitied herself or even drew any attention to her struggles. (Humble isn’t even the word!) Seeing all of this ignited a fire in me to help her in any way I can, but I didn’t even know how to help. (Get to know Erica and her story here.)

I suppose learning about Erica and opening my eyes to the thousands upon thousands cancer patients who struggle for their life day in and day out led me to the idea of donating my hair. I know it’s not much, but it’s a small thing I can do to help. It makes me feel like I am “giving back” in a way. It keeps my mind off my own loss. I decided I wasn’t going to let this idea go back to sitting in that dusty corner. I am going to figure out how to donate my hair! First step, figuring out where to donate. I posted the idea on Facebook because I KNEW that there would people out there who could help (And I was right!). 🙂 I also researched each sight significantly to find the one that best fits me. Here are the different organizations that accept donated hair. For those of you who want to donate your hair, but have no idea where to even begin, I got your covered! 😉

Donate Your Hair

Locks of Love

I had always heard of Locks of Love. My sister had donated here and I’ve heard of so many others, too. This is probably one of the most well-known organizations. I mentioned on Facebook that was where I’d want to donate my hair and I practically got my head chopped off. …Apparently, Locks of Love makes the people who need their wigs BUY them. Well, that doesn’t seem fair! So, I skipped this organization altogether.

Pantene Beautiful Lengths

This was probably one of the most recommended organizations. I was excited to look into them more, but when I did I was bummed. They need 12 inches of clean, non-chemically treated hair. They cannot use hair that is sent to them that has been colored, chemically straightened, etc. Well, there goes that idea. I’ve been coloring my hair for years! (But for those of you who haven’t, definitely look into this one because it comes highly recommended!)

Ok, so colored hair and chemically treated hear can be a problem when donating hair. Good to know. Now I am only looking  into organizations that will accept hair that’s been color treated.

Wigs For Kids

Here’s an idea! I love the idea that my hair will go to a little kiddo in need. They donate their wigs to children who suffer from hair loss due to any diagnosis, not just cancer. It only took two minutes on their site to realize that they only accept 12 inches of non chemically exposed hair. Back at square one again. Geesh, at this point I am beginning to think I won’t be able to donate my hair! (But when I set my mind to something I never give up. I WILL find a way to donate my hair!) 🙂

Children With Hair Loss

Children With Hair Loss will accept 8″ of lightly processed hair. HALLELUJAH!!!! (Picture me twirling and dancing around!) YES! I finally found a good organization that would take my hair!  Here are the exact requirements to donate your hair if you’re in the same predicament I was in:
•Hair should be at least 8 inches in length or longer is preferred.
•Hair must be clean and dry, pony-tailed and/or braided (this keeps the hair in one direction).
•Place rubberband or pony tail holder on each end.
•Non-chemically treated hair is preferred (but any hair in good condition will be accepted).
•Gray hair is accepted.
•Print hair donation form.
•Place donation form and hair in ziplock bag and mail to Children with Hair Loss
•Donors are given a certificate in appreciation for their kindness.

Angel Hair Foundation

Before I wrap this up I want to let y’all know that there was one more organization that came recommended—Angel Hair Foundation—but when I looked at their site it said this:

“For the time being, we are not able to accept hair donations. We are busy trying to get caught up with our current inventory and evaluate potential best practices in dealing with hair system creations moving forward. However, you can still support Oregon kids if able through a small cash donation via our website here. All gifts no matter if $5 or $1,500 make a huge impact…We recommend the organization, Children With Hair Loss (www.childrenwithhairloss.us/) as an excellent option for you to donate your hair to.”

So, now I know where I am donating my hair! Children With Hair Loss it is! I am so excited to help a little one in need! One thing I’ve learned in this life: We all go through tough times and we need each other to help us through it. I’ve been so blessed with an outpouring of love and support for my sweet Johnathan. I am paying it forward. And it feels SO good to be able to do so.

P.S. It would be SILLY of me not to mention the amazing hair stylists who helped make this happen. A friend of a friend told me about L Studio in Red Bank, NJ. I called to see if they would be willing to help me with this and they were BEYOND helpful! When we finished everything Liz, the owner, said she would be willing to give 20% off to anyone who goes there to donate their hair – or for any service! Click here to get L Studio’s info!

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