The Little Princess Trust, a UK-based charity, provides real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment or other conditions. Their guidelines ensure that donated hair meets the necessary quality and length requirements, making the wig-making process efficient and effective. Let's delve into the key aspects of these guidelines to understand how you can contribute to this noble cause.
Before you start, it's essential to understand that the Little Princess Trust accepts hair donations from individuals who are 18 years or older. If you're under 18, you'll need parental consent. Now, let's explore the guidelines in detail.
Hair Length and Quality
The length of your hair is crucial as it determines the number of wigs that can be created from your donation. The Little Princess Trust requires a minimum length of 7 inches (17.78 cm) for a wig to be made. This length ensures that there's enough hair to create a full wig for a child in need.
Quality is equally important. The charity accepts hair that is in good condition, with no split ends or damage. It's recommended to trim your hair regularly to maintain its health and prevent split ends. If you're unsure about the condition of your hair, it's best to consult a hairdresser before making a donation.
Hair Color
The Little Princess Trust accepts hair of any natural color. However, they particularly need hair that matches the colors of the children who will be wearing the wigs. This includes shades of brown, black, and blonde. If you have hair that matches these colors, your donation could make a significant difference to a child in need.
It's important to note that the charity does not accept dyed or chemically treated hair. This is because the chemicals in hair dyes and treatments can damage the hair and make it unsuitable for wig-making. If you have dyed your hair, you'll need to wait until it has grown out before making a donation.
Hair Preparation
Once you've decided to donate your hair, there are a few steps you can take to prepare it. Firstly, ensure that your hair is clean and dry before cutting. This will make the cutting process easier and ensure that your hair is in the best condition possible.
It's also a good idea to tie your hair into a ponytail or plait it before cutting. This will make it easier to cut your hair to the required length and ensure that all of your hair is donated. When cutting, use sharp scissors and cut your hair as close to the scalp as possible to ensure that you donate as much length as possible.
Donation Process
Once you've cut your hair, it's time to donate it to the Little Princess Trust. The charity accepts hair donations through their network of salons and wig makers. You can find a list of approved salons on their website, or you can send your hair directly to the charity's wig-making partner, The Hair Bank.
If you're sending your hair directly to The Hair Bank, you'll need to package it carefully to ensure that it arrives in good condition. The charity recommends packaging your hair in a sealed plastic bag and then placing it in a padded envelope. You should also include a note with your name, address, and email address so that the charity can send you a thank-you letter and a certificate of donation.
Fundraising
In addition to donating your hair, you can also raise funds for the Little Princess Trust. The charity accepts donations from individuals and organizations and uses these funds to support their wig-making program and other initiatives.
There are many ways that you can raise funds for the Little Princess Trust. You could organize a sponsored event, such as a run or a bake sale, or you could make a one-off donation. Whatever you choose to do, your support will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other conditions.
By following these guidelines, you can make a meaningful contribution to the Little Princess Trust and help to change the lives of children and young people who have lost their hair. So, why not consider donating your hair today and making a real difference to someone in need?