Now that summer has arrived, the financial aid checks have cleared, and we have paid our bills — or most of our bills — it’s time to do something for you. There is a long list of things we would like to spend our leftover bucks on. I decided on a haircut. Being of the activist mindset, and quite partial to doing a little here and there for others, I wanted to donate my hair.
The best part of donating hair is that unlike many other forms of charity, it doesn’t require extra time or money. You are already in the chair, and it’s not like you are going to save the cut hair, right?
Let me offer you some options for your homeless hair. Locks of Love is an organization that collects 10 or more inches of hair that has not been chemically treated. The hair is used to make wigs for kids with cancer who have lost their hair in chemotherapy treatments. Locks of Love manufactures wigs that do not require tape or glue, making it easier for the wearer to put on and remove the wigs. The organization is dedicated to restoring a sense of self-confidence in kids who are self-conscious about their hair loss. Wigs for Kids is another organization that benefits children with hair loss. According to its website, Wigs for Kids give wigs to children that have lost their own hair from burn accidents or other health problems. The Matter of Trust organization is another option. This organization works nationally with many hair salons to collect any length of hair cuttings to use to absorb oil from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
All of these organizations are nonprofit.
So now that I feel good about a new look from my recent visit to the salon, I also feel even better about my decision to donate and the difference it can make. It didn’t cost me any more than the price of a haircut.
