Thinking of Donating Your Hair? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

From length requirements and the donation process to where to donate.

One of the best ways to give back while also making a drastic hair change is to donate your locks. Hair donation is such a wonderful act of service that can give someone else their confidence back, and can also be an exciting opportunity for you to to rock a halo haircut, try short hair with bangs, or sport a chic, short a-line haircut.

“In my experience, people like to grow out their hair and when they’re ready for a change and to do the big chop, they will wait until they have enough hair to donate,” explains celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago. “A lot of people want to help out others in need.” Below, we’ve asked two hairstylists for everything you need to know about hair donation, from length requirements, to the donation process, to where to donate and more.

How long does your hair have to be to donate?

Unfortunately, you can’t donate your hair if it doesn’t meet the length requirements of the organization you are donating to. That’s because wig-makers need a lot of hair to be able to create a full wig. According to Jennifer Thomas, a hairstylist at Jennifer Thomas Hair Salon in Los Angeles and educator for SH-RD Haircare, you’ll typically need a minimum of eight inches of hair to donate.

Another requirement that a lot of hair donation organizations have is that they want the donated “hair to be healthy and unbleached to ensure the hair is strong enough to undergo the process to make the wigs,” explains Santiago.

Hair donation process

The process of donating your hair is really going to depend on the organization and their requirements. One method involves tying the hair into multiple ponytails. “[You or the hairstylist will tie ponytails] first in front of each ear, and then behind each ear, ensuring each ponytail or braid is tightly secured,” says Thomas. “Then you cut above the hair tie—it's advisable to follow specific instructions provided by the donation company for best results.”

Santiago recommends having your hairstylist measure your hair and secure sections with an elastic or braid to make it easier to contain your hair. After you’ve cut your hair, you’ll typically wrap the ponytails or braids in tissue paper and put them in a large Zip-lock bag. Then you can mail your hair to the appropriate address, found in your hair donation instructions. “I always suggest clients lay their donation hair out overnight to air dry before mailing it off to your chosen organization,” says Santiago.

Where does the hair go once you’ve donated it?

After you’ve sent off your hair for donation, it will typically be sent to a wig manufacturer, depending on the organization involved. Interestingly, your hair can be sent to a wig manufacturer across the world, such as Indonesia or China, and then the completed wig will be sent back to your organization's headquarters somewhere in the United States, and they will distribute the wig to those in need.

Where to donate hair

There are many places you can donate your hair, but according to Thomas, it's recommended to conduct your own research to find the donation company that aligns best with your values and comfort level. “Ensuring the best hair donation experience involves thorough research to ensure the chosen company aligns with both your personal values and the specific requirements for the hair you intend to donate,” she explains.

Some hair donation organizations that we recommend include:

Locks of Love

Founded in 1997, Locks of Love is probably the most well-known hair donation organization in the United States. This organization creates and donates wigs to kids, age 21 and under, who are financially disadvantaged and suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any type of diagnosis. Many Locks of Love hair donation recipients struggle with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes baldness and hair loss.

Wigs for Kids

Wigs for Kids began in 1981 and has offered wigs for kids under 18 years old. They create wigs for children who experience hair loss due to alopecia, cancer, trichotillomania, or other medical conditions. To donate to their organization, you must donate at least 12 inches of hair, and your hair cannot be permed, color-treated, or highlighted.

Hair We Share

Based in Long Island, New York, Hair We Share is an organization that offers wigs to men, women, and children across the United States. We like this organization because the hair donation requirements are not as stringent as others. They do require a minimum length of 12 inches, but can accept a minimum of eight inches when you join their ponytail tracking program. Your hair can be dyed without the use of bleach, but it must be dyed a natural color. They do accept hair that is permed or straightened (after damaged ends are trimmed off), and they also accept gray hair, too.

For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Real Simple.