Hits from the Past

< All Blogs

Children with Hair Loss | Locks of Love Alternative

Written by Christopher Box
Published on July 22, 2011

We recently made our rounds at the Houston Image Expo, which is a great little trade show for beauty professionals. Our first stop was the organization Children with Hair Loss. I started up a quick conversation with one of their reps, Cassandra.

The first thing I will say about www.childrenwithairloss.us is that the people working the booth were volunteers. This really meant something to me. People who donate their time for a cause are passionate and more often than not go out of their way to support and promote their chosen cause.  Cassandra was no exception to the rule.

The organization was created as a resource for all children who have medically-related hair loss. They provide human hair replacements to children who may be financially challenged and might not have a means of obtaining the hair they want and need.

One of several things that really stuck with me is that CWHL make sure that these kids have hair for as long as they need it all the way up to the age of 21. They like to provide hair to as many kids as possible for as long as it is needed.

Cassandra explained to me that part of their mission statement was to give these kids a better outlook on life and empower them with a degree of self confidence that will allow them to face the world with renewed self esteem.

I told Cassandra that I have been looking for an alternative to Locks of Love for quite some time.  I asked her what the differenced between Children with Hair Loss and Locks of Love. 

She explained that there were several differences:

1. Hair is never resold for profit.
2. CWHL requires only 8” of hair.
3. Gray hair is accepted.
4. Color treated hair is excepted as long as it is in good shape.
5. Hair is provided all the way up to age 21.

I will say that I have heard some negative feedback about Locks of Love which has made me think twice about sending them donations. I have never seen them at any type of hair show or personally met anyone they have helped. Do your research. Make sure that any charity you support is really doing the things they are supposed to be doing.

I like supporting companies and charities that I have a personal relationship with. The Hair Extension Geek team spent some time visiting and educating ourselves about Children with Hair Loss. All the volunteers were compassionate people who were obviously dedicated to the cause.

My salon will be participating in their program. Jennifer Pompa collected our first donation just last week. I have some ideas in mind for doing a Cut-a-thon.

CWHL will send you a certificate of thanks for your donation. They also offer you the opportunity to purchase a hat or t-shirt to commemorate your donation and to help support the manufacturing of the wig or hair piece.

One thing that I would personally recommend is to plan on donating $10 with your hair donation. This small monetary donation really does help with production costs.


Basic Hair Collection Guidelines:

    1.    Hair should be at least 8 inches in length or longer is preferred.
    2.    Hair must be clean pony-tailed and braided (this keeps the hair in one direction).
    3.    Place rubber band or pony tail holder on each end.
    4.    Non-chemically treated hair is preferred (but any hair in good condition will be accepted).
    5.    Gray hair is accepted.
    6.    Donors are given a certificate in appreciation for their kindness.
    7.    Print hair donation form.
    8.    Place donation form and hair in zip loc bag and mail to Children with Hair Loss. All information is included on donation form.

Since 2009 CWHL has provided over 500 kids with hair. We think that is pretty awesome. For more information and answer any questions go to www.childrenwithhairloss.us

Related Videos

x

Thanks for Visiting HEG!