Where To Donate Your Gray Hair
Donating your gray hair is a meaningful way to make a difference.
You might already know that hair donations are often used to create wigs for people undergoing medical treatments, but did you know that your gray hair can also help create beautiful human hair wigs for people of all ages?
In this guide, I’ll introduce you to nine amazing organizations that accept gray hair donations.
These groups are all about turning your hair into something much bigger—a symbol of hope and confidence for someone who needs it. So, if you’re thinking about donating, this is a great way to be part of a community that values personal transformation and self-acceptance just as we silver sisters do!
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
Why Donate?
Donating grey hair goes beyond just extending a gesture of kindness; it’s about empowering individuals facing challenging circumstances to regain their confidence and sense of self.
Gray hair is often overlooked, but it can significantly contribute to creating beautiful wigs that help people of all ages feel whole again, improving their mental health.
By donating, you’re giving someone else the gift of hope. Every strand of hair has its own story, and turning your gray hair into a new beginning for someone else is a powerful way to show compassion.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and support, showing that every contribution, no matter the size, can profoundly impact someone’s life.
Organizations That Accept Gray Hair Donations
Locks of Love (USA)
Locks of Love provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada who suffer from long-term medical hair loss. The organization accepts gray hair, which they sell to offset the costs of creating wigs.
- Requirements: Minimum length of 10 inches. Gray hair is accepted but is not used for real hair wigs.
Children With Hair Loss (USA)
Children With Hair Loss provides wigs to children and young adults who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments, alopecia, burns, and other medically related hair loss conditions. The organization accepts hair of various colors, including gray.
- Requirements: Minimum length of 8 inches. Gray hair is accepted if it meets the length requirement.
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Angel Hair for Kids (Canada)
Angel Hair for Kids is a program under A Child’s Voice Foundation that provides wigs and hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children in Canada who have lost their hair due to illness, such as cancer patients. The program accepts gray hair donations.
- Requirements: Minimum length of 12 inches. Grey hair is accepted, with a preference for non-chemically treated hair.
Little Princess Trust (UK)
The Little Princess Trust provides free wigs to children and young adults up to 24 years old who have lost their hair due to cancer or other conditions. The trust accepts hair donations, including gray hair, which may be sold to fund the charity.
- Requirements: Hair must be a minimum length of 7 inches (17 cm). Grey hair is accepted but is generally sold rather than used for children’s wigs.
Matter of Trust (USA)
Matter of Trust is an environmental nonprofit organization that uses donated hair to create mats and booms to absorb oil spills and other ecological cleanups. All types of hair, including gray, are welcome.
- Requirements: No specific length requirement; they accept all types of hair, including gray hair.
Hair We Share (USA)
Hair We Share is a nonprofit that creates and distributes wigs free of charge to those who have experienced hair loss due to medical conditions. They accept donations of gray hair, which can be used directly in wig production or sold to help support their mission. They also have a ponytail tracking program so you can see where your hair is going.
- Requirements: 8 inches Minimum hair length. Gray hair is accepted and may be used for wigs or sold to fund the organization.
Sustainable Salons (Australia & New Zealand)
Sustainable Salons is a social enterprise that collects hair and other salon waste to create a positive environmental and community impact. They accept hair donations, including gray hair, for projects such as creating wigs for those with medical issues or environmental sustainability efforts.
- Requirements: Hair must be a minimum of 8 inches long. They accept all hair types for wigs or other sustainability projects, including gray.
Zichron Menachem (Israel)
Zichron Menachem is an Israeli non-profit organization that supports children with cancer and their families. One of their programs provides custom wigs made from donated hair to children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy. The organization accepts gray hair if it meets the requirements.
- Requirements: Hair must be a minimum of 12 inches long. Gray hair is accepted if it meets the length and condition requirements.
Gray Hair Donation Process
Be Prepared: Before you decide to donate your hair, take some time to research different organizations and their specific requirements. Each charity may have different guidelines on minimum length requirements, treatment, and types accepted.
Choose a Trusted Salon: Consider visiting a reputable salon with hair donation experience. The right place can help you cut your hair to the required length and ensure it’s prepared correctly for donation.
Clean and Dry: Ensure your hair is clean and completely dry before cutting. Avoid any styling products, as they can affect the quality of the hair and its ability to be used in wig production.
Secure the Locks: After cutting your hair, it’s best to secure the locks in a ponytail or braid with a rubber band at the bottom and the top of the ponytail. This helps to keep them together and is the preferred method for many organizations to ensure the hair remains in good condition.
Follow Mailing Instructions: If you’re mailing your hair donation, carefully follow the organization’s instructions on packaging and submitting it. Place hair in a padded envelope, which will help protect your gift during transit.
Include a Donation Form: Many organizations ask for a donation form to accompany your hair. This form typically includes your contact information and may involve your consent for using the hair. Be sure to complete and include it
Celebrate Your Contribution: Remember that your donation is a powerful gift to someone in need. Take a moment to reflect on your positive impact on someone else’s life—your kindness is truly inspiring!
What Donated Hair Is Used For
Donated hair plays a crucial role in empowering individuals facing medically-related hair loss, such as cancer treatment or radiation therapy, helping to restore their confidence and sense of self.
The most common use of donated hair is for creating human hair wigs, which provide children and young adults with a natural-looking alternative that allows them to enjoy life without feeling defined by their circumstances.
Beyond wigs, some organizations repurpose hair donations for environmental initiatives, such as creating mats to absorb oil spills. This dual purpose is a powerful reminder that your generous gesture can uplift those in need and contribute positively to our environment.
Your hair donation has the potential to spark joy and renewal in more ways than one!
Final Thoughts
Donating your hair, including gray hair, is a remarkable way to spread kindness and support those facing difficult challenges. By contributing to organizations that create wigs or use hair for environmental purposes, you not only help individuals regain their confidence but also play a role in fostering a sustainable future.
Remember, every inch of hair can make a difference, and your generous act can bring joy and hope to someone’s life. Together, let’s empower change and inspire others to join this beautiful journey of giving!
