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30 Pics Of People Before And After Cutting Their Long Hair To Donate It To Cancer Patients
If you want to change up your look but you’re hesitating, doing a hair donation knowing that it will bring comfort to somebody else might be the motivation that you need. Here at Bored Panda, we found these great before nad after pictures of people who donated their long hair to charities that make wigs for people (often children and young adults) who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment, alopecia areata, and other medical causes. Getting a wig as a gift can bring some security and normalcy to kids who are struggling with losing their hair, and fortunately, hair is a renewable resource that these people had enough of to share.
Hayley Pritchard, a hairdresser from Liverpool, UK, tells Bored Panda that she thinks increased publicity about hair donation encourages more clients to choose that path. “In recent years, people might have a big haircut transformation but wouldn’t initially think about donating that hair. Now, with advertising and word of mouth, it’s much more popular,” she says.
The hairdresser loves seeing positive changes like these firsthand: “As long as the client is well prepared, so far we have always had a very positive response. A long to short hair change is always shocking for everyone, but a few flicks and ruffles of their new beautiful hair, every client so far has always had the biggest smile on their face. With the added bonus they are helping a great cause.”
Scroll down to see some of these big changes and upvote your favorites!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My Nephew Grew His Hair Out For Two Years To Donate To Kids With Cancer
RELATED:
#2
Today My Six Children And I Donated Over 17 Feet Of Hair To Children With Hair Loss
#3
She Donated 30 Inches Of Her Hair To Make Wigs For Children With Cancer
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 5 years ago
You are going to make a sick child very happy with your gorgeous hair!
John Greene 5 years ago
The looks on the faces of someone who gets one of those wigs is priceless at my hospital. We always make a big deal of it.
Amanda Mejia 5 years ago
I have the same hair color but I wish it was as long, beautiful, and healthy as hers
Emily Ashcraft 5 years ago
wow. i wouldn't have the patients to grow it out that far in the beginning.
Catherine Todd 5 years ago
Wow! And she still has plenty left... how much more beautiful can she be? And the one who receives her great gift.
Pipas de Lencastre Pouzada 5 years ago
i did that too :) best feeling ever! 2018-06-10...f4-png.jpg 
Jodi Moreno 5 years ago
30 inches?!?! That's a small child!! Trying to do the math on that one and figure out how tall she is. LOL!
Brenda Swann 5 years ago
Pardon me but .... holy c**p!!! Beautiful donation, with so much beauty still present.
Tiari 5 years ago
Seriously? You are aware, that they already found tumors in mummies from Ancient Egypt?
Load More Replies... 
Donating your hair takes commitment. Many of these people say they grew their hair out for years to meet their donation goal. When your hair has been with you for such a long time, chopping it off can make you feel like a different person, and it might feel like a loss that’s difficult to get used to at first.
Hair grows back, though, and while you wait, you might find that stepping out of your comfort zone has made you more confident and adventurous.
Some people even have the routine down, growing their hair out and donating it every few years. Respect to everyone who’s willing to take great care of their hair for years to give a quality donation!
#4
And Just Like That... Bye-Bye Long Hair
#5
8-Year-Old Was Bullied For 2 Years While Growing His Hair Long To Make Wigs For Kids With Cancer
2 years ago my son saw a St. Jude commercial that changed his life forever. He chose to do his own research and find a way to help. After 2 years of growing his hair, Christian has reached his goal of donating over 10 inches in 4 ponytails. He has chosen to donate to the "Children with hair loss" foundation. He has endured an awful lot of criticism, and yes even bullying, throughout this time. From his peers calling him a girl to even coaches and family friends telling him he should cut it or offering him money to. Even still, he has never once, strayed from his goal and always took the time to educate others on why he made the choice to grow his hair. I am one proud mommy as always.
#6
Here It Is Guys, My 22 Inches Of Hair Ready To Be Donated To The "Little Princess Trust"
If you’re interested in donating your hair, start by looking up which wig-making charities operate in your country, which ones will accept your hair based on its length and condition, and what you want your donated hair to be used for. For instance, some charities make wigs exclusively for children and will not accept grey or highlighted hair.
People donating their hair in the US often choose Children With Hair Loss, Wigs for Kids, and others, while Little Princess Trust is a popular choice in the UK. If you’re unable to donate your hair, but want to contribute, many organizations also accept monetary donations to offset the cost of manufacturing wigs.
Keep scrolling for even more pictures of people who chopped their hair off for a good cause!
#7
Today My 7 Year Old Donated Her Hair To Charity
#8
I’ve Been Growing My Hair Out For 4 Years For Donation. Finally Cut It And Feel Like A New Man
#9
Before And After Cutting Off My "Floof." This Was A Few Years Ago. It Got Donated, And I Never Went Back
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 5 years ago
Rocking the short hair! Some little girl is going to be so happy with your curly locks!
#10
I Shaved My Head For Cancer And Donated My Hair For A Wig
#11
My Brother And Father Have Leukemia. I Donate My Hair And Blood Every Chance I Get. Please Donate As Well. Every Whole Blood Donation Can Save 3 Lives
#12
Last Year I Decided To Shave Off And Donate My Waist Length Hair For St. Baldrick's And Raised $1000+ For Pediatric Cancer Research Grants
My scalp is colorful because the 4 year old I nanny was upset my "princess hair" was gone so I explained to her that my hair is going to another little girl without any and she can paint my head with her hair paints to make it fancy.
#13
It’s Been A Month!? It Still Feels Weird Seeing Photos Of Myself With Hair
#14
Been Growing My Hair Out For 5 Years, Today I Had It Cut To Donate
#15
A Year Ago I Cut Off My Hair And Donated It. Here's A Before And After, One Year Difference
#16
This Is My 5th Time Donating My Hair To Make Wigs For Children That Have Lost Their Hair Due To Chemo And Radiation
#17
Maybe Not The Best Idea To Shave My Head In Winter, But 25 Inches Was Donated To "Little Princess Trust" In Aid To Make Wigs For Children. Feeling Great For It
Jacob-Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 5 years ago
You should feel good about it. Some people don't have the courage to make drastic changes for other people. Good for you. Good for everyone in this list.
#18
Donating More Than Half Of Hair
#19
Donated All Of My Hair
#20
We Finally Did It! We Decided To Donate To "Hair We Share"
#21
I Donated My Hair A Few Weeks Ago. First Time Doing It
Susan Gardner 5 years ago
I don't know what to say. Gorgeous before. Gorgeous after. AMAZING hair!
#22
Donated My Hair And Some Of You Gave Money, So Here Is A Before And After. My Head's Cold, But Thank You Guys So Much
#23
So This Happened Today. This Very Brave Lady Is Donating Her Hair To "Little Princess Trust" Charity, What A Lovely Thing To Do
#24
I Donated My Hair To "Wigs For Kids" This Week
#25
Donated My Hair. I Feel Like A Different Person
#26
It Took Me A While, But I Finally Did The One Thing I Wanted To Do For A While Now - Donate My Hair To Use For Cancer Patients
#27
So Long To Long Hair! Donation On Its Way To "Little Princess Trust"
#28
Every 2 Years I Grow My Hair Out So I Can Donate It, Here's A Before And After Photo Of What I Look Like
#29
I Donated My Hair For The 6th Time Today
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Just a Purpler 5 years ago
There's some beautiful people in this collection of photos, inside and out :)
Raluca Neacsu 5 years ago
how is it possible to love 130+ complete strangers in the spam of 10 minutes? easy. read this post.
Foxxy 5 years ago (edited)
Such an awesome thing to do. Well done to everyone who has done this. On November the 17th my hubby shaved his dreads off to raise money for the Childhood Cancer Association. He had been growing them for over 5 years and definitely did not want to get rid of them but it was for such a good cause. I am so proud of him, especially because he really didn’t want to part with them. He raised $1136.00 towards Childhood Cancer. I love my hubby’s new look, he has always been hot but DAYUM he really is mighty fine, feel like I need a cold shower lol. Such a shame he is growing his dreads again haha.
Geoffrey Holland 5 years ago
I wish I had hair to donate but I was told they don't accept chest hair or back hair. The irony is that what little hair I still have on my head is still there despite my chemotherapy. I wouldn't have minded losing it and there are lots of people who do mind losing it.
Pillowhead 5 years ago
I donated my hair 2 years ago and currently growing my hair again. Will be cutting it soon this coming summer （╹◡╹）
Sadie Shapiro 5 years ago
I've REALLY wanted to chop my hair off recently, thanks for some inspiration <3
Anne 5 years ago
I've donated twice (over two feet each time.. My hair grows fast!) - it's long again.. Maybe I'll go donate again.. will be my last time as I'm now old (and getting grey and thats not good donation hair)
Liam Walsh 5 years ago
I was working at a conference for brain tumour patients and there were people wearing grey wigs so there must be somewhere that takes it.
Load More Replies...
Lemon Garnished Potato 5 years ago
I didn't donate my hair because it was already too short (I used to have a bob!) but I shaved and waxed my head for the world's greatest shave and I must say while it took a while to get used to, it was worth it.
Daniel Wang 5 years ago
am I the only one to notice that Dorothy parker commented on almost every single one?
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
What a delightful thread. Most of these marvelous individuals seem to glow with joy after cutting their hair. I love there are people of every gender.
Melissa Dhondt 5 years ago
I donated my ponytail two and a half years ago. I've let it grow since then to donate again next weekend. Hoping to give 30 cm. A friend of mine is a metalhead (like me), so he's had long hair for most of his life, and last year he cut his hair short and donated his hair aswell.
mermaidgirl960 4 years ago
Aw this is so sweet, I once had my hair nearly go to my hips and cut it to just above my shoulders and then donated my hair. I might do it again one day, but I'll have to wait a few years since my hair has growed slower as I've grown, it's only a little over my shoulders currently. (I donated the hair many years ago and had a few trim haircuts since then so it may take a while)
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago
https://www.health.com/beauty/how-to-donate-your-hair-to-cancer-patients
Kurisurin Sutaringu 5 years ago
I would donate also, I just refuse to let my hair grow long enough to have something to donate... I just can't stand my mess or tangles.
Wim Cossement 5 years ago
A lot of people, mostly women, just look better with short hair. But I guess it's still a tradition to have long hair as a woman, no?
Jenny Gordon 5 years ago
My 14 year old daughter has donated hair twice. The first time, she was 10 and donated 24 inches of hair (was to the back of her knees!) and raised £800. Last year, she did it again and donated 18 inches!
Rob Chapman 5 years ago
Big thumbs up to all these people. I did this twice. The first time, I hadn't cut my hair in years and it was down to my waist. The second time it was about halfway down my back.
Sill Marien 5 years ago
A bunch of awesome people. Only question I have is how they were able to grow hair so fast?? Like "I grew it for two years", "grew it for 4 years"... mine have to be dead :( they don't grow for s**t
Sergio Serg 5 years ago
My question is, do the places they donate it to make the wigs for free or do they charge or get any funds for them?
Lynda Momalo 5 years ago (edited)
I've never done the before/after pics but I'm growing my hair again for my next donation (I've done it twice so far) -- might take a couple of years as, at 60, hair doesn't grow as fast and I donate a foot at a time. Third time's the charm because I believe it takes three pony tails to make a whole wig. Tip -- if you're going to donate, have the stylist separate your hair into 4 equal parts, braid loosely and then cut. Pulling it back in just one pony loses too much length from the front pieces. If your stylist doesn't want to braid it, use tiny elastics (found in the dollar store, I believe they're often used by African American people who use tiny braids in their hair) at the top and bottom and every few inches in the four pony tails to keep the hair from coming loose in shipping. ETA: You obviously need to use little elastics at the top and bottom of each braid too.
HellCat 5 years ago
I know I'm gonna sound cynical, but I really hope the hair goes to actual wigs for cancer patients and not somewhere else. I have yet to see a kid with cancer wearing a wig. But I do see a lot of natural hair extensions for the Instagram influencers.
Foxxy 5 years ago
The thing is you may not know a child has cancer because they are wearing an awesome wig made from donated hair. They can make wigs look so real that you can’t tell that someone is wearing one. So how would you actually know you haven’t seen a kid with cancer wearing a wig?
Load More Replies... Just a Purpler 5 years ago
There's some beautiful people in this collection of photos, inside and out :)
Raluca Neacsu 5 years ago
how is it possible to love 130+ complete strangers in the spam of 10 minutes? easy. read this post.
Foxxy 5 years ago (edited)
Such an awesome thing to do. Well done to everyone who has done this. On November the 17th my hubby shaved his dreads off to raise money for the Childhood Cancer Association. He had been growing them for over 5 years and definitely did not want to get rid of them but it was for such a good cause. I am so proud of him, especially because he really didn’t want to part with them. He raised $1136.00 towards Childhood Cancer. I love my hubby’s new look, he has always been hot but DAYUM he really is mighty fine, feel like I need a cold shower lol. Such a shame he is growing his dreads again haha.
Geoffrey Holland 5 years ago
I wish I had hair to donate but I was told they don't accept chest hair or back hair. The irony is that what little hair I still have on my head is still there despite my chemotherapy. I wouldn't have minded losing it and there are lots of people who do mind losing it.
Pillowhead 5 years ago
I donated my hair 2 years ago and currently growing my hair again. Will be cutting it soon this coming summer （╹◡╹）
Sadie Shapiro 5 years ago
I've REALLY wanted to chop my hair off recently, thanks for some inspiration <3
Anne 5 years ago
I've donated twice (over two feet each time.. My hair grows fast!) - it's long again.. Maybe I'll go donate again.. will be my last time as I'm now old (and getting grey and thats not good donation hair)
Liam Walsh 5 years ago
I was working at a conference for brain tumour patients and there were people wearing grey wigs so there must be somewhere that takes it.
Load More Replies... Lemon Garnished Potato 5 years ago
I didn't donate my hair because it was already too short (I used to have a bob!) but I shaved and waxed my head for the world's greatest shave and I must say while it took a while to get used to, it was worth it.
Daniel Wang 5 years ago
am I the only one to notice that Dorothy parker commented on almost every single one?
Dorothy Parker 5 years ago
What a delightful thread. Most of these marvelous individuals seem to glow with joy after cutting their hair. I love there are people of every gender.
Melissa Dhondt 5 years ago
I donated my ponytail two and a half years ago. I've let it grow since then to donate again next weekend. Hoping to give 30 cm. A friend of mine is a metalhead (like me), so he's had long hair for most of his life, and last year he cut his hair short and donated his hair aswell.
mermaidgirl960 4 years ago
Aw this is so sweet, I once had my hair nearly go to my hips and cut it to just above my shoulders and then donated my hair. I might do it again one day, but I'll have to wait a few years since my hair has growed slower as I've grown, it's only a little over my shoulders currently. (I donated the hair many years ago and had a few trim haircuts since then so it may take a while)
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago
https://www.health.com/beauty/how-to-donate-your-hair-to-cancer-patients
Kurisurin Sutaringu 5 years ago
I would donate also, I just refuse to let my hair grow long enough to have something to donate... I just can't stand my mess or tangles.
Wim Cossement 5 years ago
A lot of people, mostly women, just look better with short hair. But I guess it's still a tradition to have long hair as a woman, no?
Jenny Gordon 5 years ago
My 14 year old daughter has donated hair twice. The first time, she was 10 and donated 24 inches of hair (was to the back of her knees!) and raised £800. Last year, she did it again and donated 18 inches!
Rob Chapman 5 years ago
Big thumbs up to all these people. I did this twice. The first time, I hadn't cut my hair in years and it was down to my waist. The second time it was about halfway down my back.
Sill Marien 5 years ago
A bunch of awesome people. Only question I have is how they were able to grow hair so fast?? Like "I grew it for two years", "grew it for 4 years"... mine have to be dead :( they don't grow for s**t
Sergio Serg 5 years ago
My question is, do the places they donate it to make the wigs for free or do they charge or get any funds for them?
Lynda Momalo 5 years ago (edited)
I've never done the before/after pics but I'm growing my hair again for my next donation (I've done it twice so far) -- might take a couple of years as, at 60, hair doesn't grow as fast and I donate a foot at a time. Third time's the charm because I believe it takes three pony tails to make a whole wig. Tip -- if you're going to donate, have the stylist separate your hair into 4 equal parts, braid loosely and then cut. Pulling it back in just one pony loses too much length from the front pieces. If your stylist doesn't want to braid it, use tiny elastics (found in the dollar store, I believe they're often used by African American people who use tiny braids in their hair) at the top and bottom and every few inches in the four pony tails to keep the hair from coming loose in shipping. ETA: You obviously need to use little elastics at the top and bottom of each braid too.
HellCat 5 years ago
I know I'm gonna sound cynical, but I really hope the hair goes to actual wigs for cancer patients and not somewhere else. I have yet to see a kid with cancer wearing a wig. But I do see a lot of natural hair extensions for the Instagram influencers.
Foxxy 5 years ago
The thing is you may not know a child has cancer because they are wearing an awesome wig made from donated hair. They can make wigs look so real that you can’t tell that someone is wearing one. So how would you actually know you haven’t seen a kid with cancer wearing a wig?
Load More Replies... Related on Bored Panda
