Hair donations are a powerful way to help children experiencing medical hair loss. Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that uses donated hair to create wigs for children and young adults up to 21 years old. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of How To Donate To Locks Of Love, ensuring your contribution makes the biggest impact.
Locks of Love Hair Donation Requirements
Meeting specific requirements ensures your hair can be used to craft a wig. Here’s a breakdown:
Minimum Length
- 10 inches: The minimum length needed to create a hairpiece is 10 inches measured tip to tip. Locks of Love prioritizes length over thickness.
Hair Condition
- Color-Treated Hair: Color-treated hair is acceptable. However, bleached hair cannot be used. If highlights were used, confirm with your stylist if bleach was involved.
- Gray Hair and Shorter Donations: While accepted, gray hair and donations shorter than 10 inches might not be used for hairpieces. They are often sold to offset manufacturing costs, still contributing to the organization’s mission.
Preparing Your Hair Donation
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful donation. Follow these steps:
Before You Cut
- Find a Stylist (Optional): While not mandatory, having your hair cut by a professional is recommended. Locks of Love doesn’t have a list of participating salons; any stylist you trust will work. You can also cut your hair yourself.
- Clean and Dry Hair: Ensure your hair is clean and completely dry before cutting.
- Ponytail or Braid: Secure your hair in a ponytail or braid (or multiple ponytails/braids) above the elastic band where it will be cut. This keeps the hair together.
After You Cut
- Bag It: Place the cut ponytail or braid in a plastic bag, and then place the bag inside a padded or manila envelope.
Sending Your Hair Donation
Follow these instructions for a smooth mailing process:
Include Your Information
To receive confirmation of your donation, include your name and full mailing address or email address on a separate piece of paper inside the envelope. You can also fill out the hair donation form on the Locks of Love website. Donations without sender information cannot be acknowledged.
Mailing Address
Send your hair donation to:
Locks of Love
234 Southern Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33405-2701
Postage
Ensure sufficient postage to avoid your donation being returned. The U.S. Postal Service recommends taking your package to the post office for accurate postage assessment.
Acknowledgement
Allow up to 90 days to receive acknowledgment of your donation.
Making a Difference with Locks of Love
Donating your hair to Locks of Love is a selfless act that can significantly improve a child’s life. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your donation meets the necessary requirements and helps bring confidence and joy to children in need. Your donated hair can be a source of comfort and normalcy during a challenging time.
