How to Donate Your Hair to Support People With Hair Loss

When you’re considering contributing to a cause, you may think of donating cash, volunteering your time, or giving away unwanted possessions. But have you considered donating your hair?

Hair donation is an inexpensive and often overlooked way to support people who experience hair loss caused by a medical condition or trauma. If you’re interested in making a difference in someone’s life by gifting your locks, there are a few things you need to know before making the cut. 

Who can use donated hair?

Donated hair is turned into personalized wigs, or hair prostheses, to be used by children, adolescents, and adults affected by alopecia (the medical term for hair loss). For some people, hair loss is temporary, while others have long-term alopecia. 

Alopecia, which includes different types of hair loss, has several causes. Cancer treatment is a common one. But hormonal changes, genetics, and some medications — among other things — can also lead to alopecia. Certain autoimmune conditions can lead to hairless patches on the scalp or hair loss that affects the entire body. 

If you or someone you know struggles with hair loss, you probably know that its effects go deeper than looks. Your self-esteem, mental health, and quality of life can also be dramatically impacted. And, if you’re already facing cancer treatment, losing your hair can result in added stress and anxiety.    

A hairpiece is a great option that can help people with alopecia gain back self-confidence. Wigs made with human hair feel more natural than those made with synthetic hair. But human-hair wigs can also be expensive. The good news is that many organizations aim to improve the lives of people dealing with hair loss by providing them with free, custom hairpieces made with donated human hair.

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Who’s eligible to donate their hair? 

Men, women, and children can donate their hair, but there are some conditions. Each organization has requirements that you must follow carefully. If not, you risk your donation being unusable. 

For example, your donated hair may need to be a specific length. And many organizations don’t accept bleached or highlighted hair. Some prefer that a professional stylist cut your hair, while others allow you to cut and ship the hair yourself. 

To learn whether or not you qualify to donate hair — or if you might qualify in the future — check each organization’s guidelines. If you can’t donate your hair, there are other ways to support people living with alopecia. 

Most hair-donation nonprofits partner with manufacturers who create custom hair prostheses. While organizations receive the hair at no cost, they still have to pay the manufacturers. Financial donations, which may be tax deductible, help offset these manufacturing costs.

Where can you donate your hair?

Here are some nonprofit organizations that provide free hair prostheses to people with hair loss related to a medical condition:

• Locks of Love: This organization benefits children and young adults ages 21 and under who are financially disadvantaged and have long-term hair loss. To donate, you can go to a professional or cut your hair yourself, but you must follow the organization’s guidelines. This includes ensuring that the donated hair is at least 10 inches long. Locks of Love accepts hair that’s colored and permed but does not accept hair that’s bleached. 

• Wigs for Kids: Wigs for Kids provides hairpieces to children and teens 18 and under. Donated hair cannot be permed or colored. And, while 14 inches or longer is preferred, it can be as short as 12 inches. The organization’s website has a list of hair-donation specialists who can cut your hair, or you can use your own stylist.  

• Children With Hair Loss: This organization serves children and young adults 21 and under. Donated hair must be at least 8 inches long, but longer is preferred. While Children With Hair Loss prefers non-chemically treated hair, it accepts any hair that’s not damaged.    

• Hair We Share: This nonprofit provides custom-made wigs for children and teens 18 and under with permanent hair loss and adults with financial needs. You can go to one of the organization’s salon partners or use your own. Donated hair must be 12 inches long, and it can be permed, colored, or gray — but not bleached.

Some of these organizations commit to providing their hair recipients with a free, custom-fitted prosthesis every year or two until they reach the maximum age. 

How do you prepare for donating your hair?

Ready to gift your hair to someone with alopecia? Before you cut off your locks, you’ll have to do some planning. Follow these eight steps to get your hair into the hands of an organization that can use it for good. 

1. Select an organization

Most hair-donation charities help children, but some also serve young adults and adults. It’s a good idea to do some research about each organization’s mission and goals, so you can find the one that interests you the most. You want to be comfortable with how they use the donated hair and their selection process for recipients.    

2. Read the guidelines

There’s no do-over once your hair has been cut. So, before grabbing those scissors, take the time to read through your chosen charity's requirements and hair-cutting guidelines. Check the hair length and color specifications and read the step-by-step instructions for donating.

3. Make sure your hair is healthy 

In addition to following length and other requirements set by the organization, you want to ensure your hair is strong and healthy enough to withstand the wig-manufacturing process. That way, the final product will be of high quality.  

4. Measure your hair  

Next, pull out your measuring tape to confirm that the hair you’re willing to cut meets the minimum length requirement. A good first step is to trim split ends before you measure. 

If your hair is curly or wavy, some charities allow you to measure it when it’s pulled straight. But others prefer that hair be measured when it’s in its natural pattern. If your hair isn’t long enough, be patient and grow it out more, while still keeping it healthy.        

5. Consider your new hairdo 

As you prepare to make a meaningful impact in the life of someone with hair loss, think about what hairstyle you’d like after you donate. Talk to your hairstylist or look for shorter styles you can picture yourself with. 

6. Wash and dry your hair

Now that you’re ready to proceed with donating your hair, you want to ensure it’s washed and thoroughly dried. Don’t add any styling product to your hair afterward to prevent it from molding during shipping.

7. Make the chop

With hair measured and guidelines checked (and double-checked), it’s time for your stylist to make the cut. Once that’s finished, make sure the cut hair remains nicely bundled.

To cut your hair yourself:

• Start by parting your hair down the center. Then, divide it on each side into two or three sections to make a total of four or six evenly spaced ponytails. 

• Tightly secure the sectioned hair with several rubber bands placed about 2 to 3 inches apart along each ponytail. 

• Put a final rubber band about 1 inch below where you intend to cut each ponytail. Then, use your scissors to cut each one about 1 inch above the rubber band.

• Keep the cut hair bundled together.

If you’re concerned about messing up or are nervous about the process, remember that a hairstylist can help. You can even enlist the help of family and friends.  

8. Ship your locks

Place the ponytails in a sealable plastic bag and then in a padded envelope, so that the hair will be protected when it’s shipped. Follow your chosen organization’s shipping instructions. You may need to submit a donation form online or mail one with the donated hair. Some organizations may provide you with a barcode to include in the envelope.

Congratulations, you’re now a donor! Don’t forget to take a picture with your donated locks before shipping; you may be included in your charity’s donor gallery. 

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Written by:

Maggie Aime, MSN, RN

Maggie's writing brings health topics to life for readers at any stage of life. With over 25 years in healthcare and a passion for education, she creates content that informs, inspires, and empowers.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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