Give your locks a second life and make a difference to someone else’s
There’s nothing quite like a fresh haircut to feel renewed, but what if your trim could do more than just change your look? Hair donations have become a meaningful way to give back, turning your locks into wigs for those experiencing hair loss. It’s a small act with a big impact.
Whether you’ve been growing your hair out for years or are ready to part with your signature style, there are plenty of places that’ll put your strands to good use. From nonprofits dedicated to children to organizations helping cancer survivors, we’ve rounded up eight trustworthy places to donate hair for wigs.
Ready to give your haircut a purpose?
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DISCOVER WHERE TO DONATE HAIR ↓ |
Hair donation 101
Donating hair might sound straightforward, but there are a few things to know before getting the chop. Understanding the basics—like length requirements to prep tips—can make the process smoother. If you’re donating for the first time or making it your yearly tradition, here’s a quick overview to get you started.
Reasons to donate hair
First of all, if you’re on the fence about donating your hair, here are some reasons why it’s worth it:
✔ Boosts confidence for someone in need
Hair loss can be tough to deal with, especially when it affects how someone feels about themselves. Donating your hair helps create wigs that can restore confidence and help someone feel more like themselves again.
✔ Supports those facing medical challenges
From cancer treatments to alopecia, hair loss comes with its own emotional weight. A wig made from your donation can provide a small but meaningful sense of comfort during a really hard time.
✔ It’s a simple way to give back
Not every act of kindness needs to be a grand gesture. Donating your hair is a straightforward and personal way to help someone in a tangible, visible way.
✔ Keeps your hair from going to waste
Instead of sweeping all those cut strands into the trash, why not let them do some good? Donating your hair is an eco-friendly way to make a difference.
✔ Wigs can be expensive
High-quality wigs aren’t cheap, and many people can’t afford them. Your donation helps organizations create and give away wigs to those who need them the most.
✔ It feels good to do something meaningful
Knowing your hair could brighten someone’s day (or year) is a pretty incredible feeling. It’s a small gesture that can have a huge impact.
How long does hair have to be to donate?
The minimum length for hair donations typically ranges from 8 to 12 inches, depending on the organization. This measurement is taken from tip to tip and doesn’t include hair that’s too damaged or uneven to use. Some groups accept shorter lengths or even grey hair for special purposes, like creating filler for wigs.
Before heading to the salon, check the specific requirements of the organization you plan to donate to—they can vary. And remember, freshly washed and dry hair is a must! Following these guidelines guarantees your donation will make the biggest possible impact.
How to donate hair
Donating your hair is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Check with your salonThere are some salons that donate hair directly to organizations, saving you the trouble of prepping and shipping it yourself. It’s worth asking your stylist before starting the process! Step 2: Choose an organizationIf your salon doesn’t handle donations, pick an organization you’d like to support. Each has its own rules about length, condition, and type of hair they accept, so do a quick check before committing. Step 3: Get your hair readyWash and dry your hair thoroughly—no styling products allowed. Healthy, clean hair is essential for creating wigs. Step 4: Measure your hairMost organizations require at least 8–12 inches of hair, measured tip to tip. Double-check the guidelines to be sure your hair meets the length requirement. Step 5: Section and secureDivide your hair into small ponytails or braids, securing each one with elastic bands at both ends. This keeps everything tidy and ready to cut. Step 6: Make the cutAsk your stylist to cut above the top elastic to make sure the full length is usable. Step 7: Package and shipPlace the hair in a plastic bag, seal it in a padded envelope, and mail it to your chosen organization along with any required forms. |
8 places to donate hair for wigs
Want to help kids facing a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis? Or perhaps women dealing with alopecia in-need of a confidence boost? Explore some of the options below to find a cause that feels right for you.
1. Wigs for Kids
For over 40 years, Wigs for Kids has been helping children facing medical hair loss feel confident and comfortable again. This non-profit provides custom-made wigs free of charge to kids dealing with conditions like alopecia, cancer treatments, or burns.
They have a minimum length requirement of 12 inches to ensure high-quality wigs that stay secure during an active child’s daily life. Wigs for Kids prioritizes durability and natural-looking designs, making their pieces truly life-changing for recipients.
2. Children With Hair Loss
Like the previous organization, Children With Hair Loss is all about giving kids and young adults their confidence back. They provide free wigs to individuals under 21 who are experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions like cancer, alopecia, or burns.
Unlike some organizations, they accept hair as short as 8 inches and even welcome chemically treated or dyed hair, as long as it’s in good condition.
With over 500 wigs donated each year, they make sure that no family has to bear the financial burden of a custom wig. Donating here means directly supporting young people in need and helping them feel like themselves again.
3. Locks of Love
Locks of Love creates wigs for children under 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss, with a focus on alopecia and other conditions that lead to permanent hair loss.
The organization makes prosthetic wigs that are custom-fitted to the individual’s head, providing a natural look and feel.
They require a minimum of 10 inches of hair and accept non-chemically treated donations, although shorter hair can also be sold to help cover the costs of wig-making.
4. Hair We Share
Hair We Share focuses on creating custom, high-quality wigs for children and adults experiencing medical hair loss due to conditions like alopecia, cancer, or trauma.
What sets them apart is their trackable donation program—you can opt for a sponsorship to follow your hair’s journey from donation to wig creation, offering a deeply personal connection to your contribution. They require at least 12 inches of hair and prioritize untreated, healthy donations.
The wigs are provided free of charge to recipients, guaranteeing accessibility to those in need. Hair We Share’s commitment to transparency and personalized impact makes them a standout choice.
5. Pink Heart Funds
Pink Heart Funds is a small, community-driven nonprofit that provides custom wigs for children and adults facing medical hair loss, particularly due to cancer treatments or alopecia.
Based in Mississippi, this organization focuses on individuals who cannot afford a wig on their own. Pink Heart Funds accepts donations of at least 10 inches and relies heavily on the kindness of donors to keep their mission alive.
Unlike larger organizations, their intimate approach means every wig is personally crafted to suit the recipient’s needs. Donating to Pink Heart Funds means directly helping those who might not have other options for support.
6. Chai Lifeline
Chai Lifeline is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families facing serious illness. Among their many services, they provide wigs to kids experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatments or other medical conditions. These wigs are crafted to be as natural and comfortable as possible, ensuring the child feels like themselves again.
What makes Chai Lifeline unique is their holistic approach—they not only provide wigs; they offer emotional and practical support to families navigating difficult times. Donating your hair here means becoming part of a bigger mission to bring hope and normalcy to these families.
7. Angel Hair for Kids
A part of A Child’s Voice Foundation in Canada, Angel Hair for Kids specializes in creating custom wigs for children facing hair loss due to medical conditions like alopecia, burns, or cancer treatments.
Each wig is tailored to fit the child’s specific needs and preferences so that it feels and looks like the real deal. This organization goes above and beyond by covering all costs for the families, including any necessary wig adjustments.
They require a minimum donation of 12 inches and rely heavily on hair donors to continue their work. Supporting Angel Hair for Kids means directly helping children regain their confidence and feel supported during tough times.
8. Matter of Trust
Matter of Trust takes a different approach by using donated hair to protect the planet. They collect hair of any length and type to create eco-friendly mats and booms that soak up oil spills. It’s an innovative way to recycle hair while helping the environment.
While they don’t make wigs, their mission is equally impactful—your hair helps clean waterways and prevent environmental disasters.
Matter of Trust is perfect for anyone looking to make an ecological difference with their hair donation. It’s a reminder that even your haircut can contribute to a greener, healthier planet.
Give your unwanted hair a purpose
Equipped with some of the places to donate hair for wigs and the knowledge about the process, you’re ready to turn your haircut into a meaningful gesture. First time donating or seasoned pro, taking the leap can make a lasting impact on someone’s life. Why not make your next cut count?
If you’re still not sure where to start, speak to a stylist at The Lauren Ashtyn Collection for expert advice on donating your hair. They’ll guide you in more detail through the process, from prepping your locks to making sure your donation meets all the requirements.
