1. The Hair Requirements:
* Minimum Length: 10 inches measured tip to tip (stretched). This is the most crucial requirement. Shorter hair cannot be used. Be very accurate.
* Clean and Dry: Wash your hair with shampoo (no conditioner) and dry it thoroughly. Wet hair can mold during shipping.
* Unprocessed: Ideally, the hair should be unprocessed (not permed, highlighted, or chemically straightened). Slightly damaged hair (e.g., from sun exposure) may be acceptable, but severely damaged, bleached, or chemically treated hair is typically not usable.
* Gray hair: Gray hair is accepted.
* Dreadlocks: Dreadlocks are not accepted.
* Layered Hair: Layered hair is acceptable if the shortest layer meets the 10-inch minimum length requirement.
* Colored/Dyed Hair: Hair that has been dyed is acceptable, but it must be in good condition.
* Braided Hair: Braided hair is acceptable.
2. The Hair Cutting Process:
* Ponytail/Braid: Secure the hair into a ponytail or braid *before* cutting it. This keeps the hair aligned and manageable. Use multiple elastic bands to secure the hair.
* Cut Above the Band: Cut the hair above the elastic band, as close to the band as possible.
3. Packaging and Shipping:
* Seal and Secure: Place the ponytail or braid in a sealed plastic bag (like a zip-top bag). This protects it from moisture and damage.
* Shipping Envelope: Put the sealed bag in a padded envelope (bubble mailer).
* Donation Form (Highly Recommended): Although not mandatory, including a donation form is highly encouraged. You can download the donation form from the Locks of Love website (locksforlove.org). This allows them to acknowledge your donation.
* Shipping Address: Send the package to:
Locks of Love
234 Southern Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Important Considerations and Tips:
* Measure Carefully: Don't guess at the length. Use a ruler or measuring tape to be certain your hair meets the 10-inch minimum. If it's shorter, it won't be usable, and you'll have gone through the trouble for nothing.
* Salon Recommendation (Optional): Consider going to a salon that is familiar with donating hair. They will know how to properly prepare and cut the hair.
* Shipping Costs: You are responsible for the cost of shipping your donation.
* Acknowledgment: Locks of Love may send an acknowledgment of your donation, especially if you include the donation form. However, they are a busy organization and cannot guarantee a response to every donation.
* Alternative Charities: If your hair doesn't meet Locks of Love's requirements, there are other charities that accept shorter lengths or different hair types. Research other options like:
* Children With Hair Loss: Accepts as little as 8 inches.
* Wigs for Kids: Accepts as little as 12 inches, prefers non-chemically treated hair, but accepts color-treated and permed hair.
In summary: Measure your hair accurately, prepare it according to the instructions, package it securely, and ship it to the address provided by Locks of Love. Check their website (locksforlove.org) for the most up-to-date information and any specific guidelines they may have.