If you plan to cut your hair, rather than throwing it away, you may decide to support those who have lost it due to pathologies or therapies such as cancer treatments. Let’s see what the steps are for donate your hair and transform your cut into a true act of altruism.
Why donate your hair
Losing hair may have some significant psychological implications and a significant impact on the quality of life of those already coping with an illness. Buying one wig it could help manage this difficult change, but it has costs that patients are not always able to bear.
With the resolution no. 9/E of 16 February 2010l’Revenue Agency clarified that “the wig can be included among the deductible health expenses if it serves to remedy the aesthetic damage caused by a pathology and to alleviate a condition of serious psychological distress in everyday relationships”. In this hypothesis the wig plays a role health function for all purposes, for which you have the right to Irpef deduction of 19%.
However, in Italy there is no national legislation that uniformly regulates the possibility for cancer patients to receive contributions to purchase it. However, as reported by Aimac (Italian Association of Cancer Patients, relatives and friends), there are some diversified regional provisions. There are also various in the area associations who provide wigs free of charge, or at significantly reduced costs, to those who need them.
Can everyone donate hair?
The premise is that some are required to donate hair requirements. Even if the guidelines change by association to which you choose to allocate them, some basic indications can be given.
Usually, the hair must be cleanben dry and of a certain one minimum length. Some organizations accept both natural and chemically treated ones. The cutting is generally done first tying the hair in one or more tails, or in a braid which is then closed in an airtight envelope to be sent to the recipient.
Sometimes, associations have gods affiliated hairdressers who can also take care of shipping. Otherwise, you can cut your hair in a salon of your choice and then send them. You could also cut them yourself, but it is advisable to contact an expert or someone who has some manual skills to make sure you carry out the procedure correctly.
Donate your hair: associations and projects in Italy
It must be considered that each association operates differently. For this, if you want know how the hair will be used, it is a good idea to find out in advance both the criteria to be met and the specific procedures adopted. In Italy, there are several projects e associations to whom you can donate your hair. Below we list some of them.
An Angel for Capello
An Angel for Capello offers help and support to cancer patients who are unable to financially afford the purchase of a wig. In exchange for the hair received as a donation, thanks to a memorandum of understanding with a specialized company in the sector, the association donates a free inorganic wig (i.e. synthetic) worth around 400-500 euros to those who request it. You can also donate treated hairas long as they are without highlights and have a uniform color. The required length is 25 cm and in the case of layered hair, the shortest locks must comply with this minimum measurement.
The Hair Smile Project and the Wig Bank
Thanks to Hair Smile Projectcreated by Tricostarc Onlus and supported by Tricostarc and the Prometeus Onlus Foundation, can be provided to cancer patients wigs and post-therapy hair reconstructionsal manufacturing cost only. Additionally, donated locks can also be given to patients experiencing permanent hair loss dermatological pathologies. Donated hair must reach at least 40 cm of length oi 25 cm if I’m white or grizzled. They can be of any type, even with lightening, as long as they are not treated with henna. The important thing is that they are very clean, dry and tied at the ends with elastic bands, before proceeding with the cut, dividing the head into six sectors. You also have the option to leave one “smile”, that is, a thought dedicated to the person who will receive the gift.
Another project supported by Tricostarc and the Prometeus Onlus Foundation is the “Wig Bank“. Through this initiative they make themselves available free of charge donated wigs from women who no longer use them, in favor of others who cannot afford them.
A Room For A Smile
The mission of A Room For A Smile is to carry out solidarity initiatives in the field of research, prevention and treatment of oncological diseases. To send your hair to this volunteer organization you have to wash them carefully and dry them well before cutting, which is done by collecting them in a lock or braid. The required length is 25 cm and with the donation you contribute to the creation of organic wigswhich will be donated to cancer patients.
Hair Bank
The project Hair Bankwhich includes various hairdressers in Italy, makes available organic and inorganic wigs to cancer patients who request it. The donated locks or hair must be at least long 27 cm. They can be dyed, as long as they are a single color and without streaks or highlights. They must be delivered very dry, gathered in braids or secured with elastic bands. Each strand belonging to the same person must be separated from other types of hair, in a special plastic bag.
Donate your hair abroad
Between organizations who you can contact for donate your hair abroad There is the Little Princess Trustbased in the United Kingdom, who also collaborates with Great Lengths for the donation of extensions. This organization provides free human hair wigs to children and young people up to 24 years oldwho have lost theirs due to cancer treatments or other conditions.