HIVe Me The Mike’s Serve Our Society series shines the spotlight on amazing nonprofits.
If you would like to nominate an organization to be featured, please contact mike@givemethemike.com.
Chances are you have seen someone shave their head or give themself a haircut as hair salons continue to stay closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For most, giving yourself a haircut isn’t a best bet. Instead, let it grow and donate it.
I asked my Facebook page followers to see who has donated their hair before. Those who have gone through the process found incredible amounts of joy knowing their hair will transform someone else’s life. It invokes an indescribable emotion.
The most important message I heard: you need to do your research before you donate. Some commented they did not want to donate to an organization that charges recipients for a wig.
I have a list of organizations my Facebook following have donated to before. If you know of one, please reach out to me.
Children with Hair Loss
The nonprofit was founded in September 2000.
Hair must be at least 8″, although hair longer than 12″ is preferred.
Hair must be bundled in a ponytail or braid.
Gray hair is accepted.
You will cut your hair, put it in a Ziploc bag, and mail it in with a certificate.
The organization is still accepting donations during the COVID-19 pandemic, but prefers they are sent through USPS versus UPS or FedEx.
Locks of Love
The national organization was founded in 1997.
Acceptable donations must be at least 10″ from tip to tip.
Colored or permed hair is acceptable.
Hair must be bundled in a ponytail or braid.
Curly hair must be pulled straight to be a minimum of 10″.
More donor information is available here.
Wigs for Kids
The Ohio based organization works with ambassador salons across the country. In Minnesota, there is one in Edina.
They accept hair that is at least 12″ in length, they prefer it to be 14″ or longer.
You need to connect with a hair professional to cut your hair, so keep growing it out until salons open.
Wigs for Kids has a partnership with the Girl Scouts; Scouts can earn a patch for donating their hair.
Read more stories in Give Me The Mike’s Serve Our Society series
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Through your post I found Children with Hair Loss and will be donating my hair to them. Thank you!