Donate Your Hair to Wigs and Heroes: A Step-by-Step Guide

 Before cutting off your hair, please make sure it meets the following guidelines to ensure it can be used for a wig:

• Minimum Length: We require at least 8 inches of hair. Longer hair is always welcome, as it can help create a fuller wig.

• Hair Condition: Hair should be clean, dry, and free from excessive damage. While we accept hair that has been dyed or lightly colored, we do not accept heavily bleached or heavily processed hair.

• Hair Type: We accept all hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly. If you have curly hair, your donation is especially appreciated, as it can help create wigs for people with natural curls.

• Hair Preparation: Your hair must be bundled into tight ponytails or braids before it’s cut. This ensures the hair is in good condition and ready for wig-making.

• No Shorter than the Required Length: Hair that is shorter than 8 inches sadly cannot be used for wig-making.

 Decide if you’d like to donate your hair in person at one of our collection events, or if you prefer to mail it directly to our headquarters.

• In-Person Donations: If you are local to the Columbia MO area, we offer a complimentary hair donation experience including a complimentary haircut as a gift to you!

• Mail-in Donations: We also accept hair donations through the mail if you're unable to attend an event. Please review the mailing instructions below.

• Event Donations: Check our Events Page for upcoming donation events and locations.

 To ensure your donation is accepted, follow these preparation steps:

• Wash and Dry Your Hair: Clean, dry hair is essential. Please wash and dry your hair thoroughly before preparing it for cutting.

• Avoid Hair Products: Do not apply any hair products such as hairspray, gel, or mousse before cutting your hair. Hair should be free of any styling products.

• Combing: Comb through your hair to remove tangles prior to the next step. Part your hair down the center to ensure the maximum amount of hair can be donated.

Prior to cutting your hair follow the steps to properly section and measure your hair:

• Measure out the length of hair you are wanting to donate. A minimum of 8 inches is needed to make a wig. When cutting your hair, you will lose about an inch above the hair tie so plan accordingly!

• Divide your hair into sections. One section is perfectly acceptable but if your hair is thicker than 3 inches in circumference please section your hair into at least two or more sections. 

•  Secure each ponytail tightly using an elastic hair tie. If you're braiding your hair, make sure the braid is secure with a hair tie at the end. 

•  Ensure the ponytails or braids are clean and neat, with no tangles or loose strands, to make the cutting process smooth. 

•  Use sharp, clean scissors to cut your hair just above the elastic bands or hair ties. This ensures that your hair is cut cleanly and will be in the proper form for donation.

• Leave enough hair for the wig makers: When cutting, make sure you leave at least 8 inches of hair (ideally more) from the point where you’re cutting above the rubber band. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure the correct length.

• Cut straight across: Make sure to cut your hair evenly and straight to avoid uneven sections. For extra precision, you can also use a mirror to help you guide your scissors.

• Be cautious: Take your time, especially if it’s your first time cutting your hair. You want to ensure that the ponytail or braid is cut above the tie so that your hair is neatly bundled and ready for donation.

• Once you have completed your donation, complete the hair donation form in the "Hair Donation Form" section to complete your donation! 
• Hand written notes of encouragement are always welcomed and will be forwarded onto the recipient whose wig was made from your donation!

• Once your hair is cut, keep the individual ponytails or braids secured in place with hair ties. You’ll then need to place the hair into a clean, dry plastic bag for mailing or take it to a donation event.

By following these detailed steps on how to cut your hair properly, you can ensure that your donation is prepared in the best way possible for Wigs and Heroes. Properly cutting and securing your hair ensures it will be usable for wig-making and that the process goes smoothly for both you and the recipients who will benefit from your generous donation.