Locks of Love
I am usually entirely too impatient to grow out my hair. Every few months I run into my hair stylist, Ben, and adamantly exclaim, “It’s got to go! Chop it all off! Do whatever you want – just do something drastic!” (Yes, with Ben I have complete, blind trust – but that’s beside the point. Getting back on track…) A couple of years ago I decided to commit to long hair. I pushed through my neuroses and grew an outrageous amount of hair. It was great until one day, I discovered that it was no longer doing a thing for me – no style, no body – it was just hanging there – it had to go! This is where Locks of Love comes in. I’ve heard about this organization for a long time but never really knew the details. They are doing such an amazing thing providing wigs for sick children so I thought I would share my experience in hopes that some of you out there might be encouraged to give your hair the next time you need a drastic change as well.
First, I never knew exactly how much hair they needed. The answer: 10 inches. Your hair can be layered; the longest layer just need to be 10 inches.
Second, I always thought that I wouldn’t be eligible to give because I have my hair colored. This is not the case. From what I understand, it used to be, but they are in such need of donations that they now accept color-treated hair. Bleached hair or hair in dreadlocks are the only kinds they can’t use. If you’re uncertain whether your hair would be considered “bleached”, ask your stylist.
Third, it’s so easy to donate! Just visit the Locks of Love website and you’ll find the address. You basically just stick your ponytail in a bag and a padded envelope and mail it in. No forms to fill out or anything like that.
I know there are a lot of brides out there who grew their hair out for their wedding and are looking to cut it off when they get back from the honeymoon. I encourage you to donate your hair to such a worthy cause. When I went to get my hair cut, the donation requirement was about 3-4 inches shorter than I had originally planned on going. However, my hair grows, and by going a little shorter for a while, what I cut off can make a child happy instead of just going in the trash. I share this with you so that you might consider doing the same the next time you go to the stylist. It’s well worth it and I actually really like my shorter hair. What can I say? Ben is fabulous! ;o)
YOU LOOK MARVELOUS,VERY STYLISH!
You look beautiful, congrats…isn’t that a wonderful feeling? I have donated a foot of hair 3 times in the past 4 years! Very very worth it! I’m so proud of you. :-)
that’s awesome! my wife has donated to Locks of Love twice! Once while we were dating and then again after our wedding! The hair salon makes it so easy too!
she also loves how much quicker it is to wash and blow dry her hair afterwards too!!! :)
Beautiful, Mel! Love the new look. I’m hoping my hair wasn’t bleached, so I can participate! Such a good thing to do.
I just did this two weeks ago!!! Yay! You look gorgeous.
Hey gorgeous! Yah, that’s right. You!
Love it Mel! Very hip and cool like you. I think I need to visit your guy!
Mel, you are beautiful, inside and out, and I love you with all my heart
I love your hair! :-D That was a fantastic idea to put Locks of Love in your blog. I’ve never heard of them before, I’m glad you mentioned them! I like that picture of you and your kitties.. Hhmm.. I miss seeing those cute little adorable things! :)
I love it! It looks fabulous!!! I donated mine and it’s a great feeling. Do you think there is an organization where you can donate cat hair for needy cats? I think you might have some candidates there to help those hairless cats. OR for Kitty Wigs!
Melanie! Thanks for posting this.. you totally just kicked me in the face! I have been wanting to do this for a while now (my hair is super long) so thanks for the reminder and for giving back in such a cool way!
cute Mel!!!! i love the one with the kitties! :)
You look amazing! I liked your hair long, but the style is just awesome. I’ve done LoL a few times and have loved it every time. I tend to like my hair long, but as you said, my hair will always grow back and how can you say no to kids. Good for you and you look fabulous! Oh, and fyi for some, there are certain hair stylists that will give you the haircut for free if you tell them it is for LoL.
Thanks so much everyone! You make my day. :o)
You are looking hot my friend! Is it hair cut season? Garrett just made me an appt. for tomorrow, he got his today (its been waaay overdue!)
Miss you guys :)
Very Cute! Must be something about Ben’s and being great at cutting hair. My hairdresser Benny…awesome, he’s the best EVER! I can say this honestly because he’s also my amazing boyfriend. Locks of Love is a fantastic organization, kudos!
yay!!! locks of love is an awesome organization!!! good for you mel! your hair looks gorgeous, but you’re just all around gorgeous! we <3 you!
Your hair looks great, Mel!
You are so beautiful, inside and out :)
You look gawwwgeous! And you’re the only person I know that has donated to LoL and still had enough hair for a good sized pony tail, so there’s that :)
aaack! you look fabuloso! can’t wait to see you! :D
Beautiful!!! Love you!
Oh Wellington and Dirtball, how I long to meet them someday! I already love them=)
You are gorgeous girl. And what an awesome gift! I hope you grow your hair long again, I think their are lots of people out there who would love it!
Love the new look Mel and the new blog!
Thank you! :o) I don’t know if I’ll immediately start growing it out again but this is definitely something that I’d like to do multiple times in my life. Such a cool organization for sure!
I love your hair Mel and I love the kitties!
i love the hair, mel and i love the kitties!