I’ve always been a big believer that kindness goes a long way. A smile at someone walking past, genuinely asking the cashier at the grocery store how they are or paying for a coffee for the next person in line. It is so simple to have a positive impact on the world. These are little things we can do each day to make this world a better place. But what if you want to make a big difference (without money to spend) … a simple hair cut might be a great place to start! Yes, that’s right. Depending on the condition of your hair and how much you have to cut, you may be eligible to donate your ponytail to make real-hair wigs for those in need.

In July 2018, I cut my hair for the third time in support of those dealing with the effects cancer. Did you know if your hair is free of dye or chemical damage, you are likely eligible to donate your hair for wigs? There are a number of organisations around the world that will accept hair donations with a minimum cut between 8-14 inches or 20-36 centimetres and these real-hair wigs go to support those who have lost their hair due to cancer or alopecia.

Like so many of us, I am not unfamiliar with devastating effects of cancer. In college, two of my closest friend’s each had a parent pass away due to cancer and outside of endless moral support, hugs and prayers, this can feel like a helpless time for everyone. In 2010, I was then diagnosed with coeliac disease and learned that my autoimmune condition puts me at a higher risk of a compromised immune system which could lead to developing cancer. For cancer sufferers, chemotherapy often leads to hair loss and at this stage, no treatment exists to prevent hair falling out during or after chemotherapy*.

It was amongst these events that I learned about donating hair for cancer and the difference it can make. As someone who does not colour, dye, bleach, perm or regularly heat-treat my hair, I discovered that I was eligible to donate!

Indre, owner of Eva Organic based on the Gold Coast, heard about my decision to do the big chop and wanted to jump on board to support this great cause. With a simple snip, Indre chopped 12.5 inches (32 cm) of my hair which I then packaged and posted to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. I chose this organisation due to their minimum length requirement of only 8 inches (20 cm) and the fact that these real-hair wigs are free of charge for those who have lost their hair due to illness. Pantene Beautiful Lengths has received more than 800,000 ponytails of hair and their partner, American Cancer Society, make and distribute the wigs. Each wig requires about 20 ponytails of hair to create so every donation is critical.

I was thrilled to be able to donate my hair again and have the opportunity to introduce a salon to the idea of donating hair for wigs. Eva Organic was an easy choice for me as an ethical salon that only uses organic and cruelty-free products. Their services also include a hydromassage at the wash basin, organic herbal tea and raw gluten free cake… heck yes! This was more than a haircut; it was self-care. If you’re in the Gold Coast area are looking for hair care or beauty services, be sure to book at Eva Organic.