Hair for a Cause - How Your Hair Can Change a Life
Here's the Long and Short of It
Long, chic hair looks beautiful on women (and some men), but hair like that looks the most beautiful on a child in need. Hair donation is an amazing cause that helps children who are suffering for a variety of reasons. The most common afflictions affecting children’s hair growth include: alopecia, cancer, and traumatic burns. Children who suffer from such afflictions are sometimes able to grow their hair back eventually, but sometimes they cannot.
In addition to dealing with a medical illness, children who do not have hair battle with self-esteem issues. Some kids feel like they “stand out” and are embarrassed about now having any hair. The general goal of Locks of Love and Wigs for Kids is to help children have some normalcy in their life despite their affliction.
Human hair is the best type of hair to make a wig from because it looks so natural — synthetic hair looks more like “doll hair.” Also, the majority of wigs are made for adults and do not fit a child’s head. Therefore, a personal hair piece must be made for a child at an average costs of $1,800 to $3,000. This type of cost makes it difficult for parents to help their child in a time of need.
How Can I Help?
Helping with organizations such as Locks of Love or Wigs for Kids is is easy! If you have long hair — cut it! These organizations typically require between 10-12 inches of hair in order to make a good hairpiece. Visit either www.locksoflove.org or www.wigsforkids.org to learn the specific details in order to donate your hair. Some hair salons will even cut your hair appropriately for donation purposes and give you a discount on your haircut. Why not get a sleek, short hairstyle and help out a child?
Still Want More?
If you would like to work with children directly (or you may not have enough hair yet), check out Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (reach them locally at 217-348-8741 or visit the national website at www.bbbsa.org). This is a great way to positively influence a child and make a great impact! If you have any questions about hair donation or other volunteer opportunities, please contact us at 217-581-6048 or volunteer@eiu.edu.
