Donating hair to make a wig for someone who has lost theirs because of cancer treatments is something I have wanted to do since I first learned it was an option.
I’ve always had an abundance of hair and consequently so have my floors, drains, and dark-colored clothes. It’d be a close competition between Mapu and I over who sheds the most.
So I figured, why not do something useful with my disloyal hair while I still have so much of it?
The problem was, I liked wearing my hair long. I don’t have a strong jawline, long neck, or high cheek bones so bobs and pixie cuts are out. What I do have, is a double-chin with a scar that I like to hide behind my dark locks. Boring? Safe? Perhaps. But I’ve tried bangs and I’ve rocked highlights and both were way too high maintenance for me (and maintenance is my specialty). So I kept it long and simple, and vanity won out.
Then Big Bub came along and despite what everyone said about hair falling out after giving birth, mine persevered. And being so thankful for my healthy little family, I knew it was time. The idea that hair, which grows back in a flash, could make a difference to someone else just makes me feel fuzzy all over.
My hair stylist Chloe (Loft 26 Salon), cut 10.5-inches off last week and I still have plenty. It was washed, bundled into a pony tail, then cut while still wet. The snip itself was painless 
I brought the hair home in a plastic bag, took it out to dry thoroughly, then re-bagged it for shipping.
You can’t exactly tell from my photo at Lucky Shops but Chloe cut the new ‘do at an angle so that it’s slightly longer in the front (think Victoria Beckham a few years back) and has some style to it.
I couldn’t be happier with the change and the opportunity to put the hair to such good use makes me want to grow it out and cut it all over again.
Chloe recommended that I check out Pantene Beautiful Lengths’ donation program. I thought that Locks of Love was the gold standard so I researched both and here’s what I learned are the major differences between them:
- Pantene’s minimum donation requirement is 8 inches of hair. Locks of Love’s minimum is 10 inches but will accept shorter pieces and sell them to offset the manufacturing costs of the hairpieces.
- Pantene’s wigs benefit women whose hair loss is attributed to cancer. Locks for Love’s wigs are sold to children under 21 with hair loss resulting from any array of factors.
- Pantene does not accept hair that is more than 5% gray. Locks of Love accepts gray hair, which they also sell.
- Pantene does not charge for the wigs, no matter what the recipient’s economic status. Locks of Love does not provide all of its hairpieces for free. According to its website, prices for human-hair wigs are set on a sliding scale based on the recipient’s family income.
For more information, please visit their respective websites.
Ultimately, I chose Pantene Beautiful Lengths because while I understand the desire to offset costs, I am not comfortable with the potential sale of my hair if it’s deemed unqualified or otherwise, since it’s unclear where it will end up and for what purpose. I also love Pantene’s mission to donate the wigs.
Either way, it’s a relatively easy, non-monetary way to make a significant donation and even the little ones can participate.
Have you ever donated your hair or considered it? Are you familiar with any other reputable programs?
Twitter: alexoxo35 :
I’ve done locks of love before (12 inches) but after reading this, next time I’ll probably chose to donate to Pantene instead. I think if you’ve lost your hair to something terrible like cancer, the least you can receive is a wig, it’s not fair to make some people pay for it, and some not.
I think both programs are pretty fabulous. It’s the lack of transparency that concerns me most with LOL. I mean, what if the hair is sold to a manufacturer overseas that utilizes child labor? Sometimes the most well-intentioned groups inadvertently do more harm than good.
I didn’t contact either program directly so maybe LOL will share further details. The above info is just what I garnered from their respective websites.
Twitter: Tracy_Iglesias :
Thanks for this article! I had absolutely no idea the wigs with Locks of Love were sliding scale and not absolutely free. One of the reasons I love St. Jude Children’s Hospital is that they DON’T charge the families. I would lean toward Pantene’s program after reading this as well. I may just link to this article!
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Twitter: Glamamom :
Thanks for the RT Tracy!
I love learning a little bit more about these programs, especially since I haven’t heard of the Pantene one before. I have super fine hair and can’t really get it below my shoulders, so donating my hair hasn’t been something I’m able to do. I think it’s amazing that you did, though. And I think you look fabulous with your new ‘do! Love it!
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Thank you Sarah! Maybe the peanut will be interested one day
Twitter: ColeEmmett :
Mommy donated 12 inches to Wigs for Kids, which is similar to Locks of Love, when she was in college. She just chopped off 14 inches, but it wasn’t eligible to be donated because it had been highlighted…
We will have to check outbthat Pantene program for next time!
Cole recently posted..Busy- Busy- Busy
Unfortunately, neither Pantene nor LOL accepts bleached, permanently colored or chemically treated hair because they further color treat the hair for consistency and already treated hair can’t withstand the additional processing
I did read on the Pantene site that if you have gray or highlighted/colored hair THEY WILL ACCEPT these but CANNOT make wigs of them because it cannot withstand the process it takes to make the wigs . INSTEAD gives it to a company that uses all unusable hair to make “hair mats” that are used to absorb oil spills.
Pantene DOES NOT sell the hair, they give it away. Either way your hair is doing good!
So for all those who do not qualify just check out Pantene’s Beautiful Hair web site and see for yourself.
Twitter: natertotblog :
I can’t tell you how awesome I think you are for donating your hair. I’ve never had enough hair to donate, but would do it in a heartbeat if I did. My good friend donated to Locks for Love as well. My sister keeps saying she doesn’t want to donate her hair (which is past her butt and needs to be chopped) to LFL because of the selling aspect. I can’t wait to tell her about Pantene’s program.
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Oh, I’m so glad this post is helpful!
Just now, my son’s nanny told me that she lost her hair 20 years ago while receiving treatment for Luekemia and that it meant a lot to her that I donated
She didn’t have immediate access to a wig and wore a scarf. I’m so grateful to have been able to do it and spread the word. Thanks for passing it along!!
Cancer affects everyone and these amazing programs are rewarding for everyone involved.
What a beautiful, selfless thing to do. Just awesome! I also love that you took the time to research both organizations.
And your new ‘do is super cute!!!!
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Thanks Yakini! Selfless? Well, my heart grew 10 sizes when our nanny just told me what it meant to her and the overall response has been so positive I’m as happy as if I just drank a few martinis
Win-win!
Twitter: NYCPatty :
Jill, you’re amazing! What a beautiful things to do!
I can’t wait to see the new hairdo! I love that you mentioned the Pantene organization, I really thought Locks of Love was the only one.
I would love to do this but I cut my hair so often it never gets to 8 inches. I’ll have to check before my next haircut. My girl is on maternity leave so it will be awhile before my next cut.
Great post for a great cause!
Your hair was LONG! I saw the after show ( below ) and it still looks long after 10 inches cut off!
It’s fun chopping it all off though, isn’t it??
Jill – you are so amazing, what a beautiful thing to do! I wish I could do this, but my hair is short {I really don’t have great hair}…BUT its something to think about…grow it out and then donate! I can’t wait to see your new do’. You are so beautiful, it doesn’t matter if you have short or long hair
I am loving that you did this. I know how you love long hair and how your’s always looks freakin’ perfect!
Am I missing something? Where is the after picture????
My daughter donated to Locks of Love once. It was a very good experience.
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Twitter: AbsoNarcissism :
Wow, good for you Jill! You are an absolute angel. Where are the pics of the new do, though?
Well, if you ever miss your long locks, you can always get hair extensions…or does that kind of defeat the purpose.
Ah, who cares, you would be beautiful sporting a mullet!
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Twitter: FitChickNYC :
I think you and I have the gift of lots of hair! I too donated my hair to the Pantene program a few years ago after reading about the questionable practices of Locks of Love.
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Twitter: whats4dinnerma :
Oh, you’re so good to do that! I’d love to do something like that but I can’t get my hair to grow past my shoulders. Such a great program. I’m sure you’re making someone super super happy.
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
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I never even heard of the Pantene Program, thought Locks was the only game in town. Thanks for educating us. I am going to tell my freinds and my next door neighbor is a hairdresser- bet she doesn’t know either.
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I love that you donated your hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. I cut my hair back in May and had it donated to Hair for Haiti. Funny thing is that I too cut my hair like Victoria Beckham though it is a longer version of the cut we are all too familiar with. I love it because it still looks like my hair is long, with the front ends hitting my shoulders. It is definitely a great alternative to the bob….much sexier too
Cheers!
Twitter: mommastuffblog :
Wow, thats a lot of hair, so fabulous of you to donate your hair to such a great cause. I always thought that would be an amazing thing to do, but since I’m a short haired gal, its pretty unlikely to ever happen!!
amber
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Twitter: tdahaam :
Wow, I’m like lots of the other wonderful posters on here – I had never heard of the Pantene program. My girls and I have been growing ours out for the locks of love program. You’re hair is so beautiful and healthy! Oh, and you are SO lucky to have been able to go to the Lucky Shops event; I’m so jealous.
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Twitter: MarinkaNYC :
I had no idea about LOL. Good for you!
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Twitter: MyPixieBlog :
What a great cause. I have always wanted to do this (and have a lot of hair I could donate myself). My only concern is that I think they don’t take hair that’s treated with color, right? I wonder if that applies to both programs or just the LOL one?
Your hair is beautiful and you should feel so good about where it’s going!
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Hi, truly love the design associated with your site.
I donated my hair two years ago to Beautiful Lengths and received a letter from them a few months later telling me how much someone with cancer will appreciate my donation. I thought that was really nice. I have read a lot about the Locks of Love issues. While I think both are great causes, I am once again donating to Beautiful Lengths because I don’t want a company to make profit on my donation (not saying that is what happens, I just feel like that) and I have worked with the American Cancer Society and have personally seen people receive free wigs and it’s such an amazing sight.
I have donated to locks of love several times. Back in 1998 when I was first made aware of them,I donated my hair (14 in braided) I had four braids saved from previous cuts I also donated. I was planning onhaving doll wigs made for any future daughters I was going to have but instead ha d sons…Since then I have donated 5 or 6 times. My hair is super thick and never been treated. Each donation is actually two since my hair is so thick. I was thinking of donating to the Pantene program but everytime I click on the link it takes me to the Pantene page and no info on donation program. can anyone give me some good info on them? Or its back to locks of love for me
Go to pantenebeautifullengths.com!!!! We are launching a hair drive in our school and will be donating our hair
through pantene! It is an awesome cause and we are very excited! Go for it and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients!
Hi,
I’m a cancer survivor and this is the first year that I will be donating my hair. I was lucky not to have gone thru chemo or radiation treatment, but I know several people that are fighting and have lost their hair from the treatment. I had first learned about Locks of Love last year from a friend and decided to let my hair grow without learning about their requirements. Little did I know that they only wanted natural hair (no dye or other treatments). Not only that, but they sell the wigs that they make.
This year I received an email from the hospital where I have been seen for my cancer, and Pantene Beautiful Lengths is hosting an event. I did my research and was happy to know that Pantene does not sell for their wigs, they DONATE!! So, why not donate my hair to an organization that is going to donate wigs to women in need? All I can say is I’m happy that I am going to donate my hair to someone who really needs it
I am super excited to know that I will be able to help someone in need!
I donated my hair twice before finding Pantene Beautiful Lengths (and have donated twice to them too). I had only hear of LOL before and went with them…but then found out some issues they had with the Better Business Bureau, as well as other practices I didn’t agree with. Also, LOL didn’t acknowledge my 1st donation and only acknowledged the 2nd after almost a year (suggests some sloppy practices-I just want to know that my hair made it there safely). Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths was just starting when I went with them. I have had great experiences with the Pantene program (I even got to donate on Ellen). They do not charge for their wigs and they don’t sell off the hair either. So, before donating, please look into the organizations and all those little details first to make sure your hair is being used how you want. There is another one called Wigs for Kids that has some good reviews too, but I have not gone through them.
Thanks for sharing that information. I just cut mine yesterday and was on the fence about which organization I should donate to. {It’s nice to see I am not the only person that “sheds” when they have long hair.
}
I donated my hair to Locks of Love for the fifth or sixth time (I’ve lost track!) last May and it’s something I always enjoy doing. I’m lucky that it only takes me a few years to have my hair grow long enough to be donated and I figure it’s better to donate it than have it end up in a landfill! I’d heard of Pantene’s program before, but I didn’t realize you only needed eight inches to donate! I may try Pantene next time, just because growing out those last two inches can be a real annoyance sometimes!
I did know that Locks of Love sells hair it can’t use. This hasn’t bothered me because I figure that as a nonprofit organization it needs to make money to offset administrative costs somehow. And, again, I’d rather Locks of Love sell my hair than have it end up in a landfill. Pantene, however, is a for-profit company and has other resources to fund administrative costs. If I heard Pantene was selling my hair, I would be justifiably angry (they make enough profit as it is). But Locks of Love is a public, nonprofit organization that specifically works to provide wigs to economically disadvantaged kids, according to their website. So, I would also assume that by charging other families on a sliding scale means they’re able to provide more wigs to kids who can’t afford them at all. I say kids, but really the wigs are for girls for the most part. Boys don’t seem to be as attached to their hair as girls are.
Anyway, congrats Glamamom on your first donation! No matter where you donate your hair, hope it’s not your last!
Hello
I have a question I hope someone can answer for me. I’m interested in donating my hair but I’m afraid my hair might be too damaged to be used. It isnt bleached but I do straighten it. So my question is would my hair still be useful if I donate it or it is better to not send it in?
Twitter: Glamamom :
Hi Debbie, I think it is still useful but you should check out the websites. The only hair I see that they don’t use is more than 5% gray but then they may sell it to offset costs so it’s still valuable.
I have donated my hair a number of times, initially to LOL, but to Pantene the last few times. I am glad you have this information out for people to read and help make better educated decisions when donating. I have tried to do the same with my group of friends…and am happy you have compiled this comparison list. Keep donating!
Another excellent donation option is Wigs for Kids. They also provide wigs to kids with a variety of health issues for free. There is a list of participating salons on their website. They do, however, prefer 12 inches (10+ at the least) in order to make their hairpieces.
I’ve donated my hair twice before so far and am looking to do it again. I’ve always done locks of love but someone recently mentioned Pantene to me, which I’d never heard of before. Researching the two led me to your site! Think I’ll go with Pantene this go-around, thanks!