When it comes to donating hair to charities that provide wigs for children experiencing medical hair loss, the most common hair donation length is 8 inches. Many hair donation organizations, like Locks of Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, and Wigs for Kids require a minimum of 8 inches of hair to be donated in order to make a wig.
Why 8 Inches?
There are a few key reasons why 8 inches has become the standard minimum hair donation length:
- It provides enough length to work with – Wig makers need at least 8 inches of hair in order to have sufficient length to style the wig in a versatile haircut. Any shorter than that, and there are limited styling options.
- It allows for 2 donations from one head – If someone is growing out their hair to donate, 8 inches is generally the shortest length that allows for the hair to be cut and donated, and then grown out and donated again within a 1-2 year timeframe.
- It accounts for shrinkage – When hair is processed and treated to create a wig, there is often some shrinkage of the hair shaft. Starting with 8 inch ponytails helps account for and minimize the effects of this shrinkage.
While 8 inches is the standard, some donation organizations will accept shorter lengths. But in most cases, 8 inches provides wig makers with the ideal minimum starting length to work with.
What Organizations Accept 8 Inch Donations?
Here are some of the major hair donation charities that require a minimum of 8 inches of hair to donate:
- Locks of Love – This organization provides wigs to financially disadvantaged children under 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss. They require a minimum 8 inches of hair to donate.
- Pantene Beautiful Lengths – Pantene partners with the American Cancer Society to take 8+ inch hair donations and turn them into free real-hair wigs for women battling cancer.
- Wigs for Kids – Focused on children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions, Wigs for Kids accepts 8+ inches of hair to create wigs that boost self-confidence.
- Children with Hair Loss – Providing wigs for children under 18 with medically-related hair loss, this non-profit requires 8 inches minimum ponytails to make highest quality hair prosthetics.
In addition to these major organizations, there are many local charities and groups across the country that provide wigs for those in need and have an 8 inch minimum hair donation requirement.
What If I Don’t Have 8 Inches of Hair to Donate?
If your hair is not yet long enough for an 8 inch donation, there are still a couple options:
- Grow it longer! Consider taking your time to simply allow your hair to grow out to 8+ inches, no matter how long that takes. Many donation organizations recommend aiming for 12 inches if possible.
- Donate to wig banks – Some organizations like Grazia UK accept donations as short as 4 inches that they stockpile to use later when needed.
- Donate elsewhere – Occasionally local charities and groups will accept shorter hair donations down to 6 inches or so.
The 8 inch standard was established by major hair donation charities since it provides wig makers with the optimal minimum hair length to create high quality, versatile wigs. Your generous gift of 8+ inches can positively impact a child or woman experiencing medical hair loss.
The Hair Donation Process for 8+ Inches of Hair
Donating 8 inches or more of your hair is a simple process but does require some preparation:
- Choose an organization – Pick a charity like Locks of Love and requirements like 8 inch minimums.
- Prepare your hair – Avoid dyeing or heat styling for 1-2 weeks pre-cut to keep hair healthy.
- Braid for cut – Stylist will tightly braid hair right before cutting for accuracy.
- Cut the ponytail – The stylist will cut above the tie to separate the 8 inch ponytail for donation.
- Mail donation – Send in the ponytail immediately to the organization per their instructions.
It’s best to have your hair cut by an experienced stylist who can cleanly cut the 8 inch length on the first try. They may cut a bit longer to account for any processing shrinkage. After mailing your ponytail, you simply await an acknowledgment from the organization.
Before the Cut
To prep for an 8 inch hair donation cut:
- Wash and air dry your hair the morning of your cut to remove any product buildup.
- Refrain from dyeing or chemically treating your hair 1-2 weeks pre-cut.
- Avoid heat styling including blowdrying, straightening, or curling 1-2 weeks pre-cut.
- Comb out any tangles or knots – hair should be smooth and snag-free before braiding.
- Consider taking a vitamin like biotin to grow out and strengthen your hair.
The Cut
The cut itself for an 8 inch donation involves braiding, measuring, and ponytail cutting:
- The stylist tightly braids the hair close to the scalp to keep the strands smooth.
- The exact donation length is carefully measured from the nape of the neck.
- A hair tie is secured around the 8 inch length to create the ponytail.
- The stylist will cut above the tie to separate the ponytail for donation.
This method allows 8 inches of healthy hair to be cut quickly and accurately in one try. The braid can then be taken out to style the remaining hair.
After the Cut
To complete the 8 inch hair donation process:
- Carefully pack the ponytail per the organization’s instructions.
- Mail the ponytail as soon as possible after the cut.
- Continue healthy hair habits like gentle products and air drying.
- Consider registering the donation online to get an acknowledgement.
- Start growing out hair again for your next donation!
Mailing in your donation promptly preserves the integrity of the hair for wig making. Registering the donation provides proof you can use for potential tax deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions About 8 Inch Hair Donations
Does 8 inches of hair make a full wig?
No, 8 inches of hair only makes up a part of a wig. Most wigs require hair from 3-10 donors to create one wig. But 8 inch donations are still highly valued and needed by charities to help create wigs strand by strand.
Can I dye or bleach hair that will be donated?
It’s best not to use dyes, bleaches, or other chemical treatments 1-2 months before donating hair. Processing can damage the cuticle and strength of hair. Most organizations require healthy, natural hair for easy integration into wigs.
What hair textures can be donated?
All textures of natural hair are accepted, including straight, curly, wavy, and coily hair. As long as the hair is a minimum 8 inches, strong, and healthy, any texture is gratefully accepted.
Can I donate thick hair vs thin hair?
Yes, both thick and thin density hair is accepted. Thick hair may be bundled together while thin hair can be used as filler hairs in wigs. As long as hair is 8+ inches, the thickness does not matter.
How short can my hair be after donation?
That’s up to you and your stylist! Many people opt to wear styles just above the shoulder or at the chin after donating 8+ inches. But hair can be cut as short as you like following the ponytail cut.
In Conclusion
Donating 8 inches of hair is the standard length required by charities like Locks of Love to create wigs for children experiencing medical hair loss. While not long enough to make an entire wig, 8 inch donations provide critical hair length for wig makers to work with. As long as hair is healthy, natural, and a minimum of 8 inches, it can positively contribute to creating beautiful wigs that restore confidence for kids and women in need. By following some preparation tips, carefully cutting an 8 inch ponytail, and promptly mailing in your donation, you can easily contribute to this amazing cause – 8 inches at a time.
