Most people would admit that they've gotten upset over a bad hair day, or that they're happier if their hair is "cooperating" with them. For girls, we go out and get a nice new cut and highlights, and guys might gel it up to get ready for a night out, but we often forget about the people that don't have that chance. While we're upset that our hair just will not fall right or stay put, there are people out there longing for a bad hair day. Over two million children are affected by hair loss for a variety of reasons. Whether it be from cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, or from a condition like Alopecia (when your body attacks your hair follicles as if they were an infection), that's way too many children ill and unhappy. In their world of uncertainty and scary treatments, it can be hard to find a sense of normalcy. When you donate your hair, you're taking that child one step closer to achieving it.
Every day people go out and decide that they just "need something new" from the salon, and a lot of times all that hair that gets chopped off just gets swept up and thrown out; there's much more potential for that hair. Some people aren't aware of the opportunity to donate their hair when it's cut, but hopefully, with this article I can spread the news. It costs nothing more than you were already paying for your haircut, and can make a child happy beyond belief. It may seem superficial but a wig can boost a child's self-confidence, and if they're feeling good they'll head into treatments with a more positive mind. A gesture as small as a hair donation can lead to something huge for someone who is suffering. We live in a sad and judgmental world where people gawk and stare at children, teenagers and even adults that are bald because it's not the "norm". No one wants to be a spectacle, especially when they're sick and people are only seeing the cover of the book of their story. When you go for that new pixie look, or you've been rocking the long surfer-bro hair for too long, think of the kids.
Not everyone has a personal reason for donating their hair like I do, but everyone can relate to wanting to feel good about themselves. Unfortunately, more and more people know someone fighting cancer and that's even more reason to do this; there's not much one can do to help someone in that battle, but you can do this. You hair will grow back, their's may never. When I was a little kid myself I donated my hair just because I knew that it'd make someone else happy, when I got older and became friends with someone with cancer it became much more personal. Sure, I may have disliked how I looked with the short hair after my cut, but it was worth it. I've donated four times and counting and I hope that more people can say that some day.
There are a lot of options for hair donations, and it's important to do your research beforehand. There are limitations and requirements which are definitely detrimental to the amount of donations, but regardless you should look into it and encourage others to think about it as well. Sure, you have to cut off around eight inches depending on your chosen charity, but can you put a worth on a happy child? So, the next time you head to the hairdresser, keep in mind those out there that wish they could walk in your shoes.
