Giving your hair is an initiative that allows women with cancer to benefit from assistance to buy a wig or simply to make wigs. Indeed, “recycled” hair is sold by weight to wig makers and the profits collected donated to associations that help women. Because hair prostheses are expensive (several hundred euros, sometimes up to €1,000) and are only reimbursed up to €125 by Health Insurance. So, if we plan to cut our hair, we think about it...
We inform! In France, the main association that raises awareness about hair donation is Solidhair. The association's website is full of information, especially about the minimum length to give (25 centimeters for them, but this can vary according to the associations). In addition, to donate, we must ensure that our hair is not damaged by various chemical products (even if colored hair is not automatically excluded). Generally the associations ask us to fill out a form to notify us of the good reception of our hair or of any problems concerning it.
To collect the hair, it is better to trust a pro in the salon, to whom we explain our approach and who will make sure that the locks do not fall on the floor. Generally, the salons also take care of sending the hair to the associations, but if this is not the case, we think of bringing a clean plastic bag, in which we will enclose the cut hair. Good to know:in some association partner salons, it is possible to benefit from a free haircut! On its website, Solidhair explains how to do it yourself, but we don't really recommend this practice...
We send them by post or give them directly to the association or hairdresser of our choice. Above all, we do not hesitate to talk about it around us since all hair of all sexes, of all ages and of all origins are welcome.
We'll think about it next time!
