How Long Should Your Hair Be If You Want To Donate It?

If you'd like to donate your hair to be made into wigs for cancer patients or those living with alopecia or other medical conditions, you don't necessarily need to have extremely long hair. The Cancer.net website recommends that you have at least 8 to 14 inches of hair that can be cut off, though they stress that each organization has its own specific requirements. Consider that if you hold a 12-inch ruler alongside your face, you'd only need to have hair that is little more than half to the whole length (or more) of the ruler.

If you have dyed, bleached, or gray hair, make sure to check that the organization you'd like to donate to accepts your type of hair. The same goes if you have highlights, dreadlocks, or if your hair has been permed. Many of the organizations accept gray or dyed hair but sell it to help keep their organization funded.

Locks of Love, which makes wigs for children with all types of medical issues, requests at least 10 inches of hair, while Wigs for Kids want 12 inches minimum. Hair We Share will accept 8 inches (via Insider). Most major organizations give their wigs away free for patients.