How to Donate Hair in Atlanta

Scheduling note: The next hair donation day is Tuesday, October 29, and the one after that will be on Tuesday, November 26. If you would like to schedule a hair donation cut, text me directly at 404-784-2811. Do NOT schedule through the shop. Otherwise, you may get charged for the haircut.

There have been a few times when someone would sit in my chair ready to donate their hair. I remember the first time this occurred… as I was speaking with the donor, they told me about someone in their family undergoing chemotherapy, and the connected hair loss.

It was early in my career, and they were asking me questions which I had no answers to… luckily someone else in the shop had done several hair donation cuts.

Over time, I started seeing more people sitting in my chair to donate, and most recently was a long-time friend of mine who made it a point to donate her hair every couple of years.

I tied the hair off into ponytails and we cut the locks off, and then put them into a bag for her to donate (six really good tails!)

At that time, I decided that I wanted to know more about hair donation and what it entails. I learned that there are several different organizations who collect hair to make wigs for cancer patients and others.

I also know another step I need to take the next time I cut hair for donation purposes.

I have teamed up with wigs for kids

With so many organizations which provide wigs for children and adults with cancer, it took a while for me to choose one which I would focus my efforts toward.

A few of the hair donors in my chair told me about Wigs for Kids and I was very pleased with what I found.

After looking into the charity, and how they work with hair donations, I spoke with them to see what would be involved in being the organization to send donated hair t. It turns out that there are many salons who participate with them, and they have a relatively simple process.

(they can even accept gray hair… they sell it in order to raise funds for the organization.)

Your part: What you need to know

Twelve Inch Ponytails

I need to be able to collect ponytails which are at least 12 inches in total length from all parts of the head (preferably 14). These must be clean ponytails, so it can’t be 12 inches from the scalp. We’re going to need a couple inches more so that the resulting ponytail is at least 12 inches.

Often, hair toward the bottom/back is shorter than the ponytails that I harvest from the top parts of the heads. I need to be able to get 12-inch ponytails from all points in order to be able to provide useable hair. I will do measurements before I start cutting any hair. If I cannot get 12 inch ponytails from everywhere, we will need to reschedule your hair donation appointment for a time where I can do so.

Clean and Dry

All donated hair must be clean and dry. I will not have the time to blow dry or detangle donations. It is imperative that your hair be completely dry (including sweat-free) so that the ponytails do not develop mold.

No colored, relaxed, or heat-treated hair

As fabulous as your hair looks on your head, hair which has been processed is not able to be accepted.

Your haircut after the donation

Try to have an idea of how you want your hair to be cut afterward. Photos will help. Depending on how long the actual harvesting time takes, I may not have the time to do some of the more complex styles, but i will certainly get as close as I possibly can to what you want. Generally speaking, it’s not an issue, yet I do want to make sure that I’ve communicated this. If you have any questions, please contact me ahead of time with a picture of your current hair and the style where you would like to end up so that we can discuss, if needed.

Keep track of your hair donation

This is optional… If you would like to keep track of your hair donation, you can receive a barcode from the Donor Information page of the Wigs for Kids Website. The organization likes to stay in touch with donors so they can see how thier hair is being used.

If you prefer to donate your hair to another charity

I was going to write a whole blog post about it, but there are some folks who have already done such a wonderful job of it that I’d like to simply direct people to their websites rather than reinvent the wheel, so to speak.

These organizations and authors list the requirements and procedures for donating hair.

If you are considering donating your hair, this information is very handy for you to know, and when you are ready to cut the locks off, let me know and I would be honored to do it for you.

Tap the titles below to be taken to each respective website.

Love to Know: Best Places to Donate Hair and Quick How-to Guide

More advice on choosing organizations, preparation, and how to donate your hair

Wigs for Kids: Ponytail Guidelines

Wigs for Kids makes wigs for children who have lost their hair to cancer. These are their guidelines and directions for how to donate hair through their organization.