Hair loss has a great effect on the self-esteem of an individual and adds to their confidence. For those undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy, alopecia, or any other health conditions causing hair loss, finding a solution is something that is important. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery estimates that over 35 million men in the U.S. and 21 million women worldwide suffer from some type of hair loss.
Hair donation charities allow contributors to donate their hair to those who need it so they get the opportunity in real and tangible forms to contribute towards aiding other people facing hair loss. They are committed to creating wigs and hairpieces for those who need them, thus empowering them with the opportunity to take their self-expression as well as feel beautiful again. Here are 15 of them:
#1. Hair We Share
Hair We Share is a non-profit organization created in 2014 with the noble cause of giving human hair wigs to people suffering from alopecia, cancer, and other medical conditions that lead to losing one’s own hair. They know how much it can affect an individual’s self-esteem and confidence when they lose their own hair. For this kind of reason, their work has such special meaning in helping people regain normalcy.
The main aspect of Hair We Share is that they help in custom-making wigs using donated hair. One example of the impactful work utilized by Hair We Share to aid children’s hospitals spread across the United States. They have given custom-made wigs to countless young patients who are undergoing treatment for various illnesses and ailments leading to loss of hair.
To donate or get involved with Hair We Share, there are several options available. You can make financial donations directly through the website via credit card or PayPal. Alternatively, you can donate hair or host an event to spread awareness.
#2. Angel Hair Foundation
The Angel Hair Foundation is an interesting non-profit organization that was formed in 2007 with the main concern of giving out high-quality wigs crafted from donated hair to kids all over Oregon who have lost it through medical conditions like cancer.
The foundation is providing the funds needed to acquire an “Angel Hair System.” This quality medical prosthesis provides kids with much confidence and self-esteem and allows them to swim, sleep, and play without fear of the prosthesis falling off or slipping. These wigs are specially designed to fit the peculiar needs and tastes of each child so that they can feel confident and comfortable throughout this difficult journey.
To contribute, you can make financial donations through the foundation’s website via credit card. Additionally, those willing to donate their own hair must meet specific guidelines outlined on the website. Volunteer opportunities are also available for hairstylists looking to lend their skills in creating these precious wigs for deserving children.
#3. Crowns of Courage
Crowns of Courage is a non-profit organization that reaches out to children and helps them overcome their fear of having chemotherapy-related hair loss. They provide halo wigs free of cost to any child undergoing chemo treatment at any establishment.
Ashlyn, the founder of this epic organization, had a life-changing experience when she was diagnosed with this super rare and seriously scary blood disorder at only ten years old. She was told that she needed a bone marrow transplant. Her biggest fear was hair loss. Just a few weeks before Ashlyn was supposed to go into Phoenix Children’s Hospital for her bone marrow transplant, her family heard about this incredible halo wig that’s made with real hair.
Ashlyn was able to get her hair cut and send it away for the return of it as a halo wig. Wearing this wig gave her confidence and enabled her to feel like she could go around with her friends normally. It made such a difference in Ashlyn’s recovery that she knew she had to do something just so other children wouldn’t be hurt.
If you want to get involved or donate to Crowns of Courage, you can make monetary contributions directly through credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Alternatively, you can also donate your hair, but it must be at least 10 inches.
#4. Wigs for Kids
Wigs for Kids is a non-profit organization that, since 1981, has provided wigs to needy children. Founded by Jeffrey Paul and his wife Zina, its mission is to serve the children who have lost their hair due to various medical conditions such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy for alopecia, burns, and other genetic disorders.
The organization has proudly served children and teens for nearly 40 years. It has touched close to 10,000 hearts (and their families) over its history. The primary goal of Wigs for Kids is to create custom-made hairpieces that are comfortable and natural-looking for children who are 18 years or younger. They use donated human hair to make these hairpieces, so every child gets a high-quality wig that suits them well.
For those who are interested to get involved with Wigs for Kids, they can visit their website and contribute financially through online donations via credit card. Additionally, they can donate hair, sponsor a child, start a fundraiser, volunteer, host an event, or become the organization’s stylist.
#5. Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan is a Michigan-based non-profit organization created by Maggie Varney in 2003. The organization raises funds and works to provide custom-fitted wigs for children, as well as support services within the community experiencing hair loss due to medical diagnoses such as cancer, alopecia, and trichotillomania.
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids understands how essential it is not only to give these children normality but also to help them regain their confidence during times that can be very hard to endure. So far, they have helped over 5,200 children. Every wig is also custom-made in-house and includes every hair donation to make it. Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan never turn kids away, and every strand counts.
To donate or get involved with Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids, you can make financial contributions through their website via credit card or PayPal. You can choose different purposes – from adopt-a-kid sponsorship to in honor & in memory donations. Additionally, you can volunteer, donate hair, or merchandise.
#6. MyNewHair
MyNewHair is a hair-granting charity founded by the famous stylist Trevor Sorbie in 2006. Its main aim is to help people suffering from losing their hair due to medical conditions or treatments. This charity helps people regain personal confidence and self-esteem through consultations on hairdressing, wig styling, as well as aftercare support.
The main aim of MyNewHair is to train and educate hair professionals concerning the best way they can style wigs so that they match the natural hair of a client. They offer workshops where stylists may learn techniques able to enable them to create realistic, comfortable, and stylish looks for suffering clients with loss of hair.
To get involved with MyNewHair, you can make financial donations directly through JustGiving via credit card or start a fundraiser. Additionally, if you are a professional hair stylist or salon owner, you can apply to become a MyNewHair salon partner.
#7. Children with Hair Loss
Children With Hair Loss (CWHL) is a non-profit organization formed in 2000 whose main purpose is to help children who have lost their hair from diseases such as cancer, alopecia, burns, and other disorders. By giving them something beautiful – natural-looking hair wigs – they hope these young people will regain the confidence and self-esteem they once had.
The work of Children with Hair Loss is more than supply for wigs. The work done by Children with Hair Loss extends beyond just providing wigs. They also assist families financially by covering the cost of transportation to their salon network for fittings and providing additional resources. These may include hats, scarves, and educational materials on how to care for natural or synthetic hair replacements.
If you want to donate or get involved with Children with Hair Loss, you can visit their website. Donations can be made online through various methods such as credit card, PayPal, or mail-in donations. Additionally, people can choose to donate their hair following the specific guidelines mentioned on their website or organize fundraising events to support this meaningful cause.
#8. Alopecia UK
Alopecia UK is a charity organization that emerged in 2004 to support individuals affected by alopecia, a condition characterized by hair loss. Their aim is to improve the lives of people living with this condition and provide them with resources to cope with the emotional and practical challenges it presents.
One prominent work that has been done by Alopecia UK is the successful campaign they have run advocating for fair treatment in schools for children with alopecia. With their efforts, they make an impact on policy change which ensures that children with alopecia are treated compassionately without any underestimation within the environments where they learn.
If you would like to support Alopecia UK’s valuable work, you can make one-time or recurring financial donations on their website via credit card. Additionally, you can participate in events organized by Alopecia UK or even organize your own fundraising events. Other ways to give include buying their custom items, leaving a gift, or sending money by check, by text, or via bank account. Besides, you can even choose a payroll giving.
#9. Locks of Love
Locks of Love is among the well-known non-profit organizations emerging in 1997 with a major focus on supplying hairpieces to helpless children and young individuals facing a loss of hair, especially those suffering from alopecia. Over time, they have transformed themselves into a very famous as well as respectable organization dealing with hair donation.
The main work of Locks of Love includes gathering and collecting donated hair and manufacturing high-quality hairpieces for people who lost their own hair because of various medical reasons. These are made custom-fitted to suit a specific need that each recipient has and give them a sense of normality as well as confidence in hard times.
Locks of Love accepts donations of human hair, and it also accepts financial donations. If you would like to donate your hair to Locks of Love, it must be at least 10 inches in length and cannot be highlighted, tangled, or have unnatural colors. Locks of Love also accepts monetary donations to help offset the cost of manufacturing wigs. You can sponsor a child via PayPal or credit card or buy their custom bear.
#10. Little Princess Trust
Little Princess Trust is an international charity that is based in the UK and was formed way back in 2006 for one sole reason – to provide free, real hair wigs to children and young adults who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment as well as or for any other medical condition. They aim to support and empower these individuals by giving them the opportunity to feel more like themselves again.
Little Princess Trust has donated more than 14,000 wigs to children and young people and invested £20 million in childhood cancer research. The primary focus of Little Princess Trust is to create high-quality, custom-made wigs using donated real hair. They work closely with specialist suppliers and partner salons, which will ensure wigs are tailored to suit each recipient’s preferences as well as their needs.
You can donate hair or make financial contributions to Little Princess Trust. Financial contributions can be made directly through the website via credit card. For those looking to donate their hair, they accept hair measuring 12 inches or more. Additionally, you can start a fundraiser, buy custom items from their shop, or spread awareness.
#11. CHEO Foundation
The CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) Foundation Hair Donation Ottawa is the brainchild of a charitable organization that emerged in 2009 with the aim of providing custom-made wigs to children in need. Mostly, they focus on helping cancer patients and other children facing hair loss as a side effect of medical conditions or treatments.
CHEO Foundation Hair Donation Ottawa gets hair donations from generous people, each one being utilized for creating high-quality wigs for children who have lost their own hair. These custom-made wigs boost the confidence and self-esteem of those young recipients, enabling them to feel comfortable and less embarrassed during their challenging life journey.
If you wish to donate or get involved with CHEO Foundation Hair Donation Ottawa, you can make one-time or recurring payments directly through the website via credit card, Apple Pay, or Paypal.. Additionally, you can also volunteer your time or organize events to raise awareness and funds for this vital cause.
#12. Chai Lifeline
Chai Lifeline is a renowned non-profit organization that emerged in 1987 with a mission to provide support and resources to families battling pediatric illness. Their work extends to children facing diseases like cancer, genetic disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. Chai Lifeline understands that the emotional and financial burden on the families can be overwhelming, which is why they offer comprehensive support services.
Although they primarily focus on offering emotional and practical assistance, Chai Lifeline recognizes the impact of hair loss on a person’s self-esteem and offers various programs to help individuals cope with this aspect of their illness. These services aim to enhance the quality of life for both the affected child and their family members who are fighting alongside them.
To contribute to Chai Lifeline, you can visit their website where several avenues are available. Donations can be made through various channels including online contributions via credit card or PayPal, monthly giving programs, or crypto donations. Besides, you can volunteer, spread awareness, or start a partnership.
#13. Pink Heart Funds
Pink Heart Funds is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2005. It distributes cranial prosthetics (wigs) for children and adults with cancer-related hair loss. They provide customized wigs made from real hair donations and offer mastectomy bras and prosthetic breasts so that they can rekindle the women’s confidence and restore their dignity.
An inspiring example of the work done by Pink Heart Funds is their partnership with various hospitals and treatment centers across the United States. They ensure that women undergoing chemotherapy have access to high-quality wigs that very much resemble their natural hair, thus allowing them to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst their battle against breast cancer.
If you wish to support Pink Heart Funds’ mission, you can make financial contributions directly through their website via credit card. Other ways to get involved include volunteering or becoming a sponsor.
#14. Pantene Beautiful Lengths
Pantene Beautiful Lengths is a partnership program that started in 2006 between the Pantene company, one of the leading hair care products available, and the American Cancer Society. The main aim of this program is to offer high-quality wigs for women who have lost their hair because of cancer treatment.
Pantene Beautiful Lengths focuses on encouraging people to donate their long, healthy hair, which is then used in creating free wigs for cancer patients. They require at least 8 inches of hair that’s not chemically treated or colored. After donation, the hair goes through a long process where it gets cleaned and made into wigs by professional wig makers.
To donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, you can visit their website for detailed information on hair donation guidelines and participating salons where you can get your hair cut and donated. If you would still like to support women living with cancer, they encourage you to visit www.cancer.org to learn about the ways you can continue to support the American Cancer Society.
#15. Cuts Against Cancer
Cuts Against Cancer is a non-profit organization created to aid and promote their Free Medical Give Away Program devised for those women and children who cannot afford to purchase a full cranial prosthesis because they have no insurance or medical system which assists them in doing so.
Cuts Against Cancer works by collecting donated hair from those who would like to contribute. They carefully choose and process the donated hair to manufacture high-quality wigs that closely resemble the recipient’s natural hair. These customized wigs not just help cancer patients feel confident but also offer them a sense of normalcy during a challenging time.
If you wish to support Cuts Against Cancer, you can make direct monetary donations via PayPal, bank account, or Western Union. Additionally, you can become a volunteer, participate in fundraising, become a partner, or donate your hair, that is at least 12 inches.