Two years ago I cut twenty-four inches off my hair, donating it to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program where it would be used to make free wigs for cancer patients. I actually have a hard time believing it’s been two years. It was such a unique and special day that the memory is still bright and fresh in my mind. Raising over $1300 for the Canadian Cancer Society because of the support of my amazing readers still stands out as the single coolest thing I’ve done with this blog.
So, now on to what you may have all been wondering about – – the hair. How has my hair fared over the past two years? Well the quick answer is, it’s still long and strong.
Yes, my kids are still mildly obsessed with my hair. It’s less of the million times a day thing that it used to be, but they do still go for hair hugs when upset and in need of comfort. After my big cut my daughters decided they wanted to follow suit and in the fall of 2014 they both got short-ish ‘dos and donated their ponytails.
I haven’t cut my hair since I donated it in February of 2014. I sort of meant to, but never got around to it. I know, in theory, that hair is healthier and happier with frequent trims; dead ends and all that. I seriously loved the haircut Roxanne gave me and it was my intention to maintain it, by trying to find someone local to trim it and keep the shape — but I didn’t.
My 41st birthday is coming up next month and there is still nary a gray hair in sight. I’ve stuck with some of the habits I picked up while being “keeper of the hair”, and have still been using the Pantene Pro-V Intensely Hydrating Masque on a fairly regular basis, as well as occasionally indulging in their Advanced Keratin Repair Split End Fuser or the Pantene Ultimate 10 BB Creme. Which may go a long way towards explaining why my untrimmed hair isn’t just one giant mass of split ends.
The one thing I did do with my hair, and which I sort of regret, is I dyed it. In October 2014 I did an event with Clairol, and they dyed my brown hair brown. I didn’t regret it at the time. My hair turned out lovely and it felt nice to do something just for me, a splurge. However afterwards I found myself feeling guilty, because dyed hair cannot be donated.
It takes at least eight to fifteen ponytails to make a Pantene Beautiful Lengths wig. The hair needs to be less than 5% gray and “virgin” or undyed. The reason being, they dye the wigs, making all the various ponytails used in it match. I keep thinking I just dyed my hair the once – – and it was over a year ago. That wears off, right? It would probably be OK to donate it at this point, right? But I don’t know, and I suspect the answer is no, not really.
One thing I do know is, length-wise, my hair is definitely ready for me to donate again. It is back down to my waist. I had my mom help me measure it earlier today. After I cut it for donation my hair was roughly shoulder length, which means it’s grown about 16 or 17 inches in two years (I told you guys, it grows like a weed).
So, for those that were curious, that’s the update on what’s going on with my hair. What do you folks think? Is it time to donate it again?
I must admit I did love your hair after you had it cut and I would say it's time again. It does grow fantastically quick so perhaps you can just have the dyed hair cut off if you plan on donating again – I'd also give them a call and hear what they say about dyed hair, they might have changed the rules. My granddaughter also had her hair cut and donated it too, she was only 5 at the time but was adamant about wanting to do it. Love that your daughters followed suit too. Lead by example right?
Wow! I remember reading your post years back when you decided to donate your hair – and it still amazes me how long and healthy it is 🙂
Good on you for giving back this way.. Hopefully you can donate again!
I started growing my hair last spring (from a boy cut) and it is now to my shoulders. It make take awhile to get to where I can donate it but I will.
My mom is near the end (stage 4 breast cancer) and this is my way to honour her.
Please join me and cut your hair again.
MY daughters had long enough hair to donate and here you get a certificate too!! Really made her day
Hopefully you can donate again,my granddaughter 5 and her mom both donated
All the coloured hair is still coloured, unless it is a demipermanent. If it was permament then it is still coloured. You would have to cut that out and go from there.
Wow!!! You're hair grows super fast! I should have done this before the grays started to creep in (I don't have too many yet) but I highlight my hair. Maybe I'll grow out the highlights and donate too! Such an inspiration.
Your hair grows so fast! Mine hasn't grown that long in 15 years (I never cut it so that could be the problem).
As for your question about donating your hair, I think that it is a personal decision but I admire you greatly for even thinking about doing it… again.
I look forward to many more updates on your beautiful hair and all that it has done to make this world a better place.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Love the article, its inspiring, Thank you for sharing,