5 Best Places to Donate Hair in the US

Published June 12, 2023
Looking for the best place to donate hair in the US? You’re in luck! In this post, we’re listing down the most reputable charitable organizations that accept hair donations.
But first, why should you donate your hair?
They say that our hair is our crowning glory. Unfortunately, not everyone gets to enjoy that crown.
You see, many of us take hair growth for granted. We have no problem chopping off a bit of our hair if it becomes too long or when we want to sport a new hairstyle. But what we usually don’t realize is that there are some who can only dream of wearing their own hair, let alone think of a new hairstyle.
In fact, about 80 million Americans suffer from hair loss. It can be caused by a wide range of factors – from medical conditions to severe shampoo allergies. Yet, ironically, about 72,000 tons of human hair end up in our landfills and waterways every single year.
So whether you’re a hair salon owner or an individual just trying to make other people’s lives better, donating hair is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Here are some of the best places to donate your crowning glory:
1. Wigs for Kids
Location: Westlake, Ohio
Hair donation requirements:
- the donation must be in a braid or ponytail
- must be 12 inches or longer (though they encourage donations of at least 14 inches)
- must be cut by a hair professional (if not accredited, they must follow specific hair-cutting instructions)
- the ponytail must be dry and placed in a ziplock bag
As their name suggests, this charity makes wigs and distributes them to kids who are experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions. Founded in 1981, they have been changing lives for over 40 years and have already given away close to 10,000 wigs. They also partner with salon professionals to serve as “ponytail harvesters” and official hair donation stations.
2. Locks of Love
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Hair donation requirements:
- must be at least 10 inches, measured tip to tip (shorter donations may be accepted but they won’t be used in hairpieces)
- colored hair is okay, but no bleached hair
- must be in a braid or ponytail
- must be placed inside a plastic bag and enclosed in a padded envelope
Unlike most places in this list, Locks of Love does not discriminate on their beneficiary’s cause of hair loss. They provide wigs to children and young adults aged 21 and below who came from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their beneficiaries suffer from a wide range of conditions, from alopecia to severe burns.

3. Chai Lifeline
Location: New York
Hair donation requirements:
- must be at least 14 inches long
- be clipped in a ponytail or braid
- cut dry before being placed in a ziplock bag
Founded in 1987, Chai Lifeline provides a wide range of services for children and families suffering from critical illness or loss. Aside from providing wigs to children affected by permanent hair loss, they also provide meals, counseling services, holiday trips and activities, clinical interventions, hospital visits, and other support services. They are headquartered in New York but operate in multiple locations around the world including The UK, Canada, and Belgium.
4. Crowns of Courage
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Hair donation requirements:
- no gray hair
- must be braided
- must be at least 10 inches long
- must be clean, dry, and placed in a ziplock bag
- must not be washed or styled after they’ve been cut off
True to their name, Crowns of Courage (COC) provides halo wigs to children experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy. Unlike traditional wigs, COC wigs are designed for temporary use. They require no adhesives and are attached to a soft, breathable cap making them more comfortable.
5. Children with Hair Loss
Location: South Rockwood, Michigan
Hair donation requirements:
- must be at least 8 inches
- gray or chemically treated hair is acceptable as long as they’re in good condition
- must be ponytailed or braided and secured by a rubberband or ponytail holder
- must be clean, dry, and placed in a ziplock bag
As their slogan says, Children with Hair Loss is on a mission to cover young heads to heal young hearts. They provide wigs made out of real human hair to children and young adults with medically-related hair loss. Since 2000, they have provided more than 7,000 hair replacement kits to over 600 recipients.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.

Reviewed For Factual Accuracy
Our team meticulously fact-checks all website content before publishing. Discover more about our website’s editorial standard here and the dedication we uphold.

About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer and devoted Christian. She has a passion for writing about topics related to morality and helping the poor and homeless. She is the lead author for the Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen blog.
Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.