A Cut with a Purpose: donate hair to Little Princess Trust
Little Princess Trust is a charity that makes quality wigs for children, from donated ponytails, if people are having long hair cut off. Rather than just be swept away and binned, this hair can be used to make child-specific wigs, so they can feel a bit better and fit in with their friends.
You can also donate hair extensions to Little Lady Locks.
The history of Little Princess Trust
The Little Princess Trust was established in memory of Hannah Tarplee, a young girl who sadly died from cancer in 2005. During her treatment, her parents saw first-hand how upsetting hair loss could be and how much difference finding a suitable wig could make.
Following her death, they decided to create a charity that would help other children and young people facing hair loss. The charity has since grown into a source of support across the UK and Ireland.
Who does the Little Princess Trust help?
The charity provides free real hair wigs to young people up to the age of 24 who have lost their hair because of cancer treatment. It can also support young people experiencing other hair-loss conditions, depending on individual circumstances and the availability of its service.
The wigs are supplied free of charge. This means families don’t have to face another financial burden at a time when they may already be dealing with the emotional and practical challenges of serious illness.
The charity works with a network of specialist wig fitters across the UK and Ireland. Wigs can also be fitted in hospitals or, in some circumstances, at a young person’s home.
How long does your hair need to be?
The Little Princess Trust encourages people to grow their hair until they have at least 12 inches (30 centimetres) available to donate. The minimum length currently accepted in the UK is 10 inches (25 centimetres).
If you’re thinking about donating, it is worth aiming for 12 inches or more if you can. Longer donations are particularly useful because they provide more options when creating wigs.
Remember that the length needs to be measured from the ponytail being donated, rather than simply measuring the length of your hair while it is loose.
If your hair is curly or wavy, you may also want to ask your hairdresser to help you determine how much usable length you actually have.
What hair can you donate?
The charity can accept clean, dry hair in good condition and hair of any natural colour. Permanently dyed hair can also be accepted where it is otherwise suitable.
There are some important exceptions.
The charity cannot use:
- Hair shorter than 10 inches (25 centimetres)
- Wet or damp hair
- Dyed unnatural colours (blue, purple)
- Hair with temporary or semi-permanent dye
- Hair that is primarily grey
- Most hair extensions
Henna-dyed hair cannot currently be accepted because of the way the colour can change over time.
If you’re unsure whether your hair qualifies, it is better to check before cutting it. That way you don’t have the disappointment of discovering afterwards that your carefully grown hair can’t be used.
Preparing your hair for donation
A little preparation can make sure as much of your hair as possible is suitable for donation. Before your haircut, wash your hair and dry it thoroughly.
If you need to use conditioner, make sure it is completely rinsed out. Avoid styling products before the donation cut. Your hair should be completely dry when it is cut.
The hair should then be divided into one or more ponytails and secured with plastic-free hair ties at regular intervals. Your hairdresser should cut above the top hair band so that the donated hair stays together.
Finding a hairdresser to help
Not every hairdresser routinely handles hair donations, so it is worth asking before booking your appointment. Tell the salon that you are planning to donate your hair and ask whether they have experience with hair donation.
The Little Princess Trust also has a network of participating hairdressers and salons (including Supercuts) that offer free haircuts.
Even if your chosen hairdresser isn’t part of that network, they may still be perfectly happy to help you prepare and cut your hair correctly.
Quality wigs for adults with alopecia
Amber Jean makes ethical (very expensive) wigs from hair that is donated in rituals in Asia (as opposed to some brands that literally chop off the hair of passing women, against their will). Gail Porter is an ambassador for the brand.
