Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that collects donated hair from individuals to create wigs for children with medical hair loss conditions. The organization was founded in 1990 and has since become a leading provider of free hair prosthetics to children and young adults in the United States and Canada. Locks of Love's mission is to provide hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children who suffer from medical hair loss due to a range of conditions, including alopecia areata, chemotherapy, burns, and other medical treatments.
Why Donate Hair to Locks of Love?
There are many reasons why people choose to donate their hair to Locks of Love. For some, it's a way to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of others. For others, it's a way to honor a loved one who has undergone medical treatment or to show support for a friend or family member who is struggling with hair loss. Whatever the reason, donating hair to Locks of Love can be a truly rewarding experience.
What Types of Hair Can Be Donated?
Locks of Love accepts donations of human hair that meets certain criteria. To be eligible, the hair must be at least 8 inches long, clean, and free of extensions or other hair additives. Ponytails, braids, and hair tied back in a knot are acceptable, as long as the hair meets the minimum length requirement. Locks of Love does not accept hair that has been bleached, colored, or permed, as these treatments can damage the hair and make it difficult to process.
The organization also has specific guidelines for hair texture and color. Only human hair that is completely natural, with no artificial colors or dyes, is accepted. Hair that has been processed or treated with chemicals is not acceptable.
How to Donate Hair to Locks of Love
Donating hair to Locks of Love is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. First, find a participating salon or hair cutting professional who can collect your hair donation. Many salons have formed partnerships with Locks of Love and can provide a specialized hair donation bag and instructions for submitting the donation.
Next, complete the donor information form and attach it to the hair donation bag. This form will ask for basic contact information and the reason for your donation. Finally, submit the hair donation to Locks of Love and wait for confirmation that your donation has been received and is being processed.
How Locks of Love Uses Donated Hair
Once a hair donation is received, it is sorted and graded according to its quality and texture. High-quality hair is then used to create individual hair prosthetics for children, while lower-quality hair may be used to create additional prosthetics or for research purposes.
Locks of Love's hair prosthetics are custom-made to fit each child's head and are designed to look and feel like natural hair. The prosthetics are durable and can be worn for extended periods of time, making them a valuable tool for children who are struggling with medical hair loss.
Additional Ways to Support Locks of Love
In addition to donating hair, there are many other ways to support Locks of Love. One way is to participate in fundraising events, such as charity runs or auctions, to raise money for the organization. You can also spread the word about Locks of Love by sharing information on social media or with friends and family.
Another way to support Locks of Love is to shop at participating retailers that offer a "Round-Up at Checkout" program. When you check out at these retailers, a small portion of your purchase will be rounded up to the nearest dollar and donated to Locks of Love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much hair do I need to donate to Locks of Love? A: Locks of Love accepts hair donations of at least 8 inches long. Ponytails, braids, and hair tied back in a knot are acceptable, as long as the hair meets the minimum length requirement.
Q: Can I donate hair that has been bleached or colored? A: No, Locks of Love does not accept hair that has been bleached, colored, or permed. These treatments can damage the hair and make it difficult to process.
Q: How long does it take to process a hair donation? A: Once a hair donation is received, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to process and create a hair prosthetic for a child.
Contact Information
Locks of Love 2990 Lantana Rd, Suite 100 Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Phone: 561-272-6688 Email: [info@locksoflove.org](mailto:info@locksoflove.org)
Please note that this information is subject to change and may not be up-to-date. It's always best to check the Locks of Love website or contact the organization directly for the most current information.
