With the new year here, you or someone you know may be thinking of making a change in hairstyle. If you’re looking to take off a decent amount, you may be able to donate it at your salon or barbershop. One of the biggest foundations that you can donate to is Locks Of Love.
Locks of Love is a non-religious, non-political, public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially-disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under the age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. The majority of children helped by Locks Of Love have lost their hair due to a serious condition called Alopecia Areata. Alopecia Areata is quick hair loss that begins with one or more circular bald patches that have the ability to overlap.
Locks Of Love uses hair donated by individuals to create quality hair prosthetics in order to give children confidence and the ability to reach their greatest potential.
There are several ways that you can support the Locks For Love foundation, such as scheduling events to benefit Locks Of Love, registering as a participating salon, volunteering in the Locks Of Love national headquarters, making a contribution or, most commonly, donating your hair.
If you’ve decided to donate your hair, make sure to find out if your local salon donates to Locks Of Love. If they do not, you can fill out a Hair Donation Form found on their website and mail it in.
Before you make the cut, here are the guidelines that Locks Of Love has for donating:
-Hair that is colored or permed is acceptable.
-Hair cut years ago is usable if it has been stored in a ponytail or braid.
-Hair that has been bleached (usually this refers to highlighted hair) is not usable. If unsure, ask your stylist.
-Hair that is swept off of the floor is not usable because it is not bundled in a ponytail or braid.
-Hair that is shaved off and not in a ponytail or braid is not usable. If shaving your head, first divide hair into multiple ponytails to cut off.
-We cannot accept dreadlocks. Our manufacturer is not able to use them in our children’s hairpieces. We also cannot accept wigs, falls, hair extensions or synthetic hair.
-Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.
-Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails.
-Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches.
-10 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece.
If you meet the guidelines and are looking to get a haircut, make sure to donate it. You could help someone gain the same confidence you’ll get when you have your fresh new do!
