How to Donate Hair to Wigs for Kids: a Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

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Transforming your tresses into a beacon of hope is simpler than you might think. Ready to make a heartfelt contribution? Here’s how to donate hair to Wigs for Kids and bring joy to a child’s life.

Ensure your locks measure at least 12 inches, keep them pristine, and snip them into secure ponytails. Your gift, wrapped in kindness and mailed with a form, can uplift spirits and foster smiles.

Yes, you can donate hair to Wigs for Kids by following three main steps: ensure your hair is at least 12 inches long, have it professionally cut and secured in a ponytail or braid, and mail the dry hair in a Ziploc bag and sealed envelope to Wigs For Kids at their specified address.

Minimum Length Requirement

When you’re ready to donate your hair to Wigs for Kids, it’s essential to start by setting a clear goal for the length of your hair. The minimum length requirement for a hair donation is typically 12 inches, but if you can grow and donate 14 inches or more, your contribution will have an even greater impact.

Before you make the cut, ensure your hair is in good condition—clean, dry, and free from chemical treatments like perms or color treatments, especially within the last two years.

To begin the donation process, you’ll need to contact a hair donation specialist who can guide you through the cutting procedure, ensuring that your hair is properly secured in a ponytail or braid before it’s cut.

After the cut, package your hair carefully, placing the dry ponytail in a Ziploc bag. Along with your hair, include the completed Hair Donation form and, if available, a barcode or ID number you received after filling out the online form.

This barcode expedites the acknowledgment process, allowing you to receive a thank-you note within 60 days, as opposed to the 4-6 months it may take without it.

Preparing Your Hair

When preparing to donate your hair to Wigs for Kids, it’s essential to ensure it’s washed and thoroughly dried before cutting.

If your hair is layered, divide it into multiple ponytails to capture the full length for donation.

Washing and Drying

Before you donate your hair, ensure it’s in the best possible condition. Start by washing and drying it thoroughly; cleanliness is crucial for a successful donation.

Apply a leave-in conditioner to minimize heat damage and aid in detangling. When combing wet hair, use a Wet Brush or wide-tooth comb to gently work through knots without causing breakage.

If you must use a blow dryer, towel dry your hair first to reduce heat exposure. Remember, your well-prepared hair will soon bring joy and confidence to a child in need.

Creating Multiple Ponytails

Once your hair is washed and dried, it’s time to create multiple ponytails for donation.

If you have layered hair, divide it into several ponytails to ensure each one meets the minimum length requirement. For curly hair, pull it straight to measure accurately. Secure each ponytail tightly with an elastic band to keep the hair together during cutting and shipping.

If you’re donating hair for a specific person, know that while your hair may not directly make their wig, it contributes to a collective pool that creates multiple wigs.

After cutting, seal your hair donation ponytails in a Ziploc bag, attach the hair donation barcode for quicker acknowledgment, and send them to the designated address to help create hair donation for wigs.

Cutting and Securing Hair

When preparing to donate your hair to Wigs for Kids, it’s crucial to ensure your hair is tied securely and cut properly.

First, gather your hair into a ponytail or braid, making sure it’s tightly secured with an elastic band to prevent any strands from getting loose.

Then, cut the hair about 1 inch above the elastic band to keep the ponytail or braid intact during the donation process.

This method helps maintain the quality of your donation, ensuring it can be used to its fullest potential in creating wigs for children in need.

Tying Hair Securely

After you’ve grown your hair out and it’s time to make the cut for donation, it’s crucial to tie your hair securely. This ensures that the hair remains neatly bundled and usable for wig-making. For those with curly hair, straighten the strands to get an accurate measurement before tying.

Depending on your hair type, you might need to create multiple ponytails or braids to manage the thickness and maintain even braid tightness. Secure each ponytail or braid with an elastic band both at the base and the end to prevent hair damage and loss during cutting and transit.

When cutting, use a sharp pair of scissors and employ a cutting technique that involves snipping the hair just above the elastic band to keep the ponytail intact. If you’re not confident in your cutting skills, it’s best to visit a hair professional who’s experienced in preparing hair donations.

They’ll ensure that your hair is cut properly and that the donation meets the necessary guidelines.

Once cut, place your hair donation in a Ziploc bag, along with the completed hair donation form and barcode if you’ve filled out the form online. This will expedite the process, allowing you to receive a thank you note within 60 days.

Without a barcode, the acknowledgment may take 4-6 months. Remember, your decision to donate hair can significantly impact a child’s life, offering them comfort and confidence during challenging times.

Cutting Above the Elastic Band

When you’re ready to donate your hair to Wigs for Kids, ensuring your ponytail is cut correctly is crucial.

First, gather your hair into a ponytail or braid, making sure it’s securely tied. For those with layered hair or concerns about split ends, consider creating multiple ponytails to maximize the length and usability of your donation.

When cutting, do so about 1 inch above the elastic band to keep the hair together. This method helps maintain the integrity and thickness of your donation, making it more valuable for creating wigs for kids in need.

Packaging and Shipping

Once you’ve prepared your hair donation according to the specific guidelines, it’s time to package and ship it to make a meaningful impact.

First, ensure your hair is clean, dry, and securely tied in a ponytail or braid. Then place it in a Ziploc bag to keep it protected during transit.

Along with your hair, include the completed Hair Donation Form and a barcode if you have one.

This simple yet significant act of kindness will soon bring joy and confidence to a child in need.

Sealing in a Ziploc Bag

Once you’ve carefully measured and cut your hair donation, it’s time to ensure it reaches those in need in the best condition possible.

Place your dry ponytails or braids into a Ziploc bag to protect them during transit. Alongside the hair, include the completed Hair Donation form and the barcode you received after filling out the online form.

This barcode is crucial as it allows the organization to acknowledge your generous contribution with a thank you within 60 days.

Seal the Ziploc bag and place it in an envelope, addressing it to the provided shipping address: Wigs For Kids — Hair Donations, 24231 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, Ohio 44145.

Your thoughtful hair donation for children or cancer patients will be transformed into wigs for kids, offering them comfort and confidence during challenging times.

Including Hair Donation Form and Barcode

After you’ve secured your hair donation in a Ziploc bag, it’s crucial to include the completed Hair Donation form and your unique barcode or ID number. This step ensures that your generous gift is properly processed and that you receive a thank you within the promised timeframe.

The barcode or ID number acts as a tracking mechanism, allowing Wigs for Kids to acknowledge your contribution and keep you informed. Remember, your hair donation offers more than just a wig—it provides comfort and confidence to children experiencing hair loss, making a profound impact on their lives.

So, fill out the form, attach the barcode, and send off your donation knowing you’re bringing joy and a sense of normalcy to a child in need.

Supporting the Cause

Supporting the cause of hair donation to organizations like Wigs for Kids goes beyond just donating your locks.

You can also make a financial contribution or purchase awareness t-shirts, both of which support the creation and distribution of wigs for children facing medical challenges.

These actions not only help cover the costs associated with processing hair donations into wigs but also spread the word about the initiative, encouraging others to contribute in any way they can.

Financial Contributions

After packaging and shipping your hair donation, consider supporting the cause further through financial contributions. Your monetary donations are crucial for funding the creation of wigs, covering processing costs, and ensuring that children in need receive these life-changing gifts.

While the hair you donate provides the raw material for the wigs, the financial support helps to transform that hair into wigs that offer comfort, confidence, and normalcy to children facing medical challenges.

Every dollar you give back makes a significant difference, not only in covering the costs associated with wig creation but also in spreading awareness and support for this noble cause.

Purchasing Awareness T-Shirts

After contributing financially, take your support a step further by purchasing a Wigs 4 Kids t-shirt. These shirts, available in various designs, sizes, and for both children and adults, not only spread awareness but also directly support the cause.

Your purchase helps ensure that every child facing hair loss can do so with dignity and confidence. Let’s wear our support proudly and inspire others to join this meaningful cause.

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