During the spring of 2015, I took a class at Hartnell, U.S History. I noticed one of the girls there would always wear a scarf wrapped around her head; she was very pale, slim, and always had a sad look on her face. I would think to myself, “I wonder what is wrong with her.” One day, I overheard her conversation with another classmate stating she wore the scarf because she was taking chemotherapy. That immediately hit me; my eyes got watery and I had to step out of class. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my hair, I knew what I needed to do – I needed to donate my hair.

There are many ways people lose hair – chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Alopecia, Trichotillomania, burns and other medical issues cause hair to start falling off. Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, which is where hair growth begins; it affects both women and men equally. Trichotillomania is an irresistible urge to pull out hair, usually from the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows. People who have this illness may pull out their hair when they’re stressed as a way to try to soothe themselves. Hair donation makes such an impact to those who don’t have the privilege due to illnesses at no cost to children or their families.

Various organizations accept hair from individuals who want to help out those suffering from short-or long-term hair loss: Wigs for Kids, Locks of Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, and Children with Hairloss. According to Locks of Love, their mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.

We know how important the appearance of strong, healthy hair is. For women battling cancer, the appearance of strong, healthy hair is even more important. That’s why we created Pantene Beautiful Lengths, the only program to help women feel like themselves again with free, real-hair wigs.

Children losing their hair goes deeper than just a change in a child’s appearance. Hair loss can bring down a child’s self-confidence. According to Wigs for Kids, “An injured self-image, can change a child’s attitude toward treatment and their physical response can be negatively affected as well.” That said, children who lose hair due to medical procedures and receive a hair piece can feel more confident, likeable, and have a better self-image. They will gain courage to continue fighting cancer or any other health issue and regain their strength. According to Locks of Love, “Though wearing a hairpiece is certainly not a cure for these children, it can help restore some of the normalcy to their everyday lives that most of us take for granted.”

Alisal alum, Nicole Saldaña, donated her hair at the end of freshmen year. She is currently teaching in Japan, but through an e-mail she said, “I considered donating my hair during the end of my freshmen year of high school, the summer of 2007, because my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. My dad had explained to me how people who get cancer tend to lose their hair in the treatment process so that would be one way I could help. I donated 22″ of hair, enough for almost 3 wigs to be made. I felt extremely satisfied with my choice to help others.”

Senior Angelica Macalisang said, “I’ve considered donating my hair once it got very long. My aunt had cancer and was in need of a wig; she received one and it boosted her self-confidence. My cousin donated a foot of hair a few years ago; she has donated about 4 times. I plan to donate my hair in the winter.”

I have been letting my hair grow out for two years and have gotten trims to keep it healthy and with no split ends. I am planning on donating my hair during winter break, so it might be able to be someone’s christmas present. Due to the fact I have not dyed my hair or damaged it with hot tools for straightening or curling, my hair is in great condition. I know my hair can make a difference and I want to be able to one day help someone out and boost their self-confidence. Though I wish one day I could see my hair being worn by someone who is truly in need of it. I have enough trust in nonprofit charities that are willing to work to make a difference, that one day a little girl might get her new hair and that will be MY hair.

People who suffer from hair loss have a bad self-esteem as well as a self-image. Fortunately, there are people who have long-healthy hair that are willing to donate to ultimately change someone’s perspective about themselves. Donating hair is such an easy way to make someone’s life a little brighter. Though I love and enjoy my long hair, I plan on donating at least 10 inches over winter break.

Anyone can donate as long as the guidelines listed are followed.

1. 8 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece (depending which organization you’re donating to)
2. Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.
3. No dreadlocks, wigs, hair extensions or synthetic hair.
4. Hair that has been bleached (usually this refers to highlighted hair) is not usable.
5. Hair that is colored or permed is acceptable
6. No more than 5% gray hair

If you’re interested in donating your hair, visit any of the sites below for more information.

Pantene

Locks of Love

Wigs for Kids

Children with Hairloss