WHAT IS LOCKS OF LOVE?

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers. For more information regarding Locks of Love, go to www.locksoflove.org.

LOCKS OF LOVE MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.

DONATION GUIDELINES

Please Note: Anyone can cut your hair as long as the guidelines listed below are followed. We encourage all of our donors to go to a salon they are already familiar with to ensure their comfort when donating.

GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTABLE DONATIONS

• Hair that is colored or permed is acceptable.
• Hair cut years ago is usable if it has been stored in a ponytail or braid.
• Hair that has been bleached (usually this refers to highlighted hair) is not usable. If unsure, ask your stylist.
• Hair that is swept off of the floor is not usable.
• Hair that is shaved off and not in a ponytail or braid is not usable.
• We cannot accept dreadlocks. Our manufacturer is not able to use them in our children's hairpieces. We also cannot accept wigs, falls, hair extensions or synthetic hair.
• Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.
• Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails.
• Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches.
• 10 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece.
• Please Note: Shorter hair will be separated from the ponytails and sold to offset the manufacturing costs. Although the shorter hair cannot be used in the hairpieces, it still greatly helps to reduce costs.
• Gray hair will be accepted and sold to offset the manufacturing costs.

HOW TO DONATE

• 10 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece.
• Hair must be in a ponytail or braid before it is cut.
• Hair must be clean and completely dry before it is mailed in.
• Place the ponytail or braid inside of a plastic bag, and then inside of a padded envelope.
• Fill out the hair donation form, or write your name and address on a separate sheet of paper and include inside the envelope.
• All hair donations must be mailed to Locks of Love at:
  234 Southern Blvd.
  West Palm Beach, FL 33405
  
  Please be sure to use the entire zip code when mailing. Thank you!

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

• In order to protect your privacy and in compliance with our Privacy Policy, Locks of Love does not provide information regarding donations that we receive. If you want to be certain of when your donation arrives at Locks of Love, please ship your package with a tracking number.
• To serve as receipt of your donation, a thank-you card is sent to each donor within 90 days from the date we receive your donation. Donor information must be clearly written on the donation form or on a separate sheet of paper and included with the donation.
• If you don't receive a thank-you, it doesn't mean that we didn't receive your package! If 3 months has gone by and you have not yet received your thank-you, please e-mail volunteer@locksoflove.org and we will send another card.
• Hair is needed from men and women, young and old, all colors and races.
• There is no maximum length you can donate.
  
  It is estimated that 80% of all donations come from children who wish to help other children.TESTBTN