Locks of Love

Donating to Locks of Love!

 

2 1/2 years ago, my friend B asked if anyone would do Locks of Love with her.  I said yeah I'd love to! I had tried it before, but it was blond.  The stylist told me I couldn't donate because I had bleached (highlighted) hair. So when B asked who would like to do it with her, I really committed myself.  This was very hard for me; I was always a blond before and loved being a blond. After I told B I would do it, I went on the Locks of Love website and did some research.

 

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. They meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics.

 

So, I cut my hair short and colored it dark brown until it grew completely out. Two and a half years later, and with the help of biotin, I finally grew it out enough to cut!

 

 

 

Donation Requirements:

 

• Hair that is colored or permed is acceptable.
• Hair cut years ago is usable if it has been stored in a ponytail or braid.
• Hair that has been bleached (usually this refers to highlighted hair) is not usable. If unsure, ask your stylist. We are not able to accept bleached hair due to a chemical reaction that occurs during the manufacturing process. **If the hair was bleached years ago and has completely grown out it is fine to donate.
• Hair that is swept off of the floor is not usable because it is not bundled in a ponytail or braid.
• Hair that is shaved off and not in a ponytail or braid is not usable. If shaving your head, first divide hair into multiple ponytails to cut off.
• We cannot accept dreadlocks. Our manufacturer is not able to use them in our children’s hairpieces. We also cannot accept wigs, falls, hair extensions or synthetic hair.
• Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.
• Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails.
• Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches.
• 10 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece.

Last Monday I had my mom & sister come with me to the Connellsville Holiday Hair.  My usual hairstylist, Liz, wasn't working that day so I had Kayla cut my hair. (I'll be honest, I have at one point, had all the girls that work there cut my hair.  I have never had a bad experience.  They all do an awesome job!)

 

Before  the cut!

 

The first thing Kayla did was divide my hair into sections.

 

After she divided the hair, she braided it.

 

Preparing to cut! Eekkk!

 

There it is....10 inches of my hair!

 

I decided to get a cute bob since it had to be so short to get the 10 inches. I had her add highlights.  After two and a half years of being a brunette I was ready to be a blond again!

 

Under the dryer and studying...as usual!

 

The finished product!

 

 

My certification for donating.

 

It was hard not bleaching or highlighting my hair for so long.  When I wanted to feel selfish and be blond again, I stopped and thought about all those poor children with cancer or alopecia; wishing they could have hair.  There are so many children out there who can't even afford wigs.  As much as I hate my hair short, it was worth it!

 

My secret to having my hair grow fast:

 

 

(Google images)

 

I get biotin from Walmart.  10,000 mgc is the highest amount you can take.

 

 

 

Have you donated to Locks of Love before?