Locks of Love...?

Question

I have been considering donating hair to the Locks of Love Organization. However, I've heard troubling reports about what really happens to the hair. I've heard that it gets sold or sits in a warehouse, and RARELY gets made into a wig. But I have checked the Better Business Bureau. In 2003, LOL did not meet all the standards. But according to the latest report in 2006, they do meet all standards.
Also, I'm not sure if my hair will qualify. I have the required 10 inches, but some of it is layered, so only about half will be 10 inches. Is that enough hair for them to do anything with?
Can anyone give me a real answer as to whether or not I should be sending LOL my hair?

Answer 1

I am a hairstylist, and my salon is a participator in the LOL program. They are non profit, and truly for a good cause. We receive reports from them, as we are a major contributor telling the stories of lives they have changed, complete with pictures of the children. In all of my years, they have never done a thing to make me believe otherwise. I actually give free haircuts for hair donations as this is how strongly I feel about the organization. I hope this helps, and I genuinly hope you do decide to send your hair. They will accept your hair, even with layers as they use what they can. You can look at their website to and see for yourself some of the wonderful things they've done.

Answer 2

If any of the hair is sold, it's to raise money to deal with other costs, like the actual manufacturing of the hairpieces/wigs, website maintenance, administrative costs, etc.. It's a lovely thought that LOL is receiving much in the way of monetary donations, but it's not always the case. The majority of donations consist of hair, so they need to be creative and find other sources of funds to keep their operation going. If that means having to sell some of the hair they receive, so be it! Please don't be upset or offended if they participate in this.

Actually, if more people were aware of this, they could send more in the way of monetary donations as well, especially those of us who cannot donate hair because we have short or no hair.

Answer 3

Have you checked their website? I'm sure they have a lot of information there: http://www.locksoflove.org/#item1

I have a lot of friends that donate their hair to Locks of Love, and a couple of my cousins do it to, and they feel like they are helping a lot. I think it's a great idea to do that. That thing about warehouses, and them barely being made into wigs is just a rumor. Locks of Love is a great organization. If you have questions about layers and stuff, try talking to your hair dressar, or something like that (if it doesn't say on the website) to see if you qualify :)

Answer 4

You can also donate your hair directly to a person with many places, though i'm not sure where to check about this...a friend did for her mother.