Have you ever thought about cutting your hair for a good cause? Hair donation is a selfless act that can make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients in the UK.
Losing hair during cancer treatment can be traumatic, and real hair wigs can provide a sense of normalcy and boost patients' self-esteem and confidence.
By donating your hair, you can help provide real hair wigs to those who may not be able to afford them otherwise.
This article is a complete guide to hair donation in the UK, covering everything you need to know about how to donate your hair and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.
Table of content
What is hair donation and how does it work?
Hair donation involves cutting off a significant length of your hair and donating it to an organization that makes real hair wigs for cancer patients.
Donated hair is sorted and processed to remove any unusable hair, and then woven into real hair wigs that are custom-made to fit each patient's head and styled to match their natural hair.
Hair donations provide cancer patients with a sense of normalcy during treatment and can help to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
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Who can donate hair in the UK?
Hair donation is a wonderful way to help people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. In the UK, anyone can donate their hair, provided it meets certain requirements.
Hair requirements for donation:
- Hair must be at least 7 inches (17cm) long
- Hair must be clean, dry, and in good condition
- Dyed or bleached hair can be donated as long as it is in good condition
Types of hair that can be donated:
- Natural hair: All types of natural hair, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair can be donated.
- Hair extensions: Some hair donation organizations in the UK accept hair extensions, as long as they are made of human hair and meet the length requirements.
- Dreadlocks: Some hair donation organizations in the UK accept dreadlocks, as long as they are clean and meet the length requirements.
Age requirements for donation:
- There is no age limit for hair donation in the UK. However, if you are under 16, you may need parental consent to donate your hair.
The hair donation process in the UK
Once you have prepared your hair for donation and chosen a reputable hair donation organization in the UK, you are ready to start the hair donation process.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to donate your hair:
- Contact the hair donation organization: Contact the organization of your choice and find out how to send your hair. Some organizations provide donation kits that include instructions and postage-paid envelopes, while others may require you to send your hair directly to their headquarters.
- Cut your hair: Use sharp scissors to cut your hair above the elastic band or hair tie. Make sure to cut straight across and avoid any jagged edges. Double-check that your hair meets the length requirements. Additionally, you can also visit a salon to cut your hair.
- Package your hair: Place your hair in a plastic bag or an envelope and seal it securely. Make sure to include your contact information and the date of the donation. If you are using a donation kit, follow the instructions provided.
- Send your hair: Send your hair to the hair donation organization according to their instructions. Make sure to use a secure and trackable method of delivery, such as recorded delivery or courier.
What to expect during and after the donation process:
Once the hair donation organization receives your hair, they will usually send you a confirmation email or letter to acknowledge your donation.
The donated hair is then sorted and processed to create real hair wigs for cancer patients.
After donating your hair, it is important to care for your hair properly. If you have cut off a significant amount of hair, consider using a shorter hairstyle to make it easier to manage.
Make sure to avoid excessive heat styling or chemical treatments, and use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy.
Read this: 9 Undisputable Stylist Tips How To Keep Highlighted Hair Healthy
Best hair donation organizations in the UK
Little Princess Trust
The Little Princess Trust is a charity organization in the UK that provides real hair wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other causes.
They accept hair donations from individuals, with a minimum requirement of 7 inches in length.
The Little Princess Trust encourages donors to grow their hair as long as possible before donation to ensure that the maximum amount of hair can be used to create the real hair wigs.
Bloomsbury Wigs
Bloomsbury Wigs is a London-based company that specializes in creating high-quality real hair wigs for individuals experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment or other causes.
They operate a hair donation program called Hair Harvest, which buys hair from individuals who want to donate their hair. Hair donations must be at least 14 inches in length, and payment rates vary depending on the length of hair.
Banbury Postiche
Banbury Postiche is a UK-based hair company that provides real hair wigs for cancer patients in need. They accept hair donations from individuals and hair salons, with a minimum requirement of 10 inches in length.
Banbury Postiche pays between £3 and £5 per ounce of hair, and each donation is valued by colour, length, weight, and condition by one of their hair room technicians.
Why donate hair to cancer patients?
Hair loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, and it can be a traumatic experience for patients.
Real hair wigs made from donated hair can provide a much-needed sense of normalcy, confidence, and well-being to those undergoing cancer treatment.
Donating hair to cancer patients is a wonderful way to show support and make a positive impact on someone's life during a difficult time.
Conclusion
Hair donation is a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients in the UK. Real hair wigs provide patients with a sense of normalcy during treatment and can help to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
By donating your hair, you can help provide real hair wigs to cancer patients who may not be able to afford them otherwise.
In this article, we have covered everything you need to know about hair donation in the UK, including who can donate, the hair donation process, and some hair donation organizations in the UK.
By following these guidelines and donating your hair, you can make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients in the UK.
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