Locks of Love... anyone have experience?

[Nashville]

Gathering a little info... I've been checking out the website but I'd like to hear from anyone who has worked with this organization.

 

[gemgirl]

I don't, but my girlfriend has, a few times. Both she and her daughter let their hair grow for a few years and donate it to Locks of Love during annual St. Baldrick's events. Her husband and her sons shave their heads annually in support also, but that hair doesn't go anywhere.

My husband and I saw a documentary on LofL not too long ago. If you search on line, I'll bet you could watch it on your computer.

 

[elrohwen]

A few of my friends have done it and have had great experiences! I know you need to have at least 10 or 12" of hair in order to donate (I can't remember which).

 

[somethingshiny]

Lots of girls here do it. You can have it cut professionally or do it yourself and send it in. It has to be clean and in a braid or ponytail. You should cut above the band so the hair stays together. Just a few days ago my friend's 5 yr old had me cut hers so she could send it in. I think it's a great way to give a little!

 

[vc10um]

I've done it before as well. You need a minimum of 10" for Locks of Love. My hairdresser cut my hair in 3 smaller ponytails and sent the bundle off with my information. About a month later I received a thank you postcard in the mail.

Pantene also has a similar program, and for that you only need 8" to donate...

 

[monarch64]

SO has donated 11 times, #12 is coming up in March. His hair is mostly gray now and I like to tease him by asking him if they dye it before they make it into a wig for a child. Anyway, SS and others are correct, you can DIY or have it done at a salon and they will also mail it in for you.

 

[pinkstars]

I don't have experience with Locks of Love, but I did donate my hair with Patene Beautiful Lengths.
I just researched a bit before deciding on which organization I wanted to go with. But it's the best feeling though, plus I got a little letter in the mail after wards thanking me for donating, and I just love that letter! I can't wait until I can donate again.

 

[Rae~]

I don't have personal experience but in the past I have done a lot of reading about LOL.

I am sorry I can't post any links/info at the moment but I am using my phone while we wait for our internet connection to be transferred to the new place. I will try to return with info soon.

In short, if I recall correctly, Locks-Of-Love advertises as if the hair is "donated" to "needy cancer patients", but actually it is SOLD on ebay etc. Then the profits are used to make wigs, which are then SOLD to sufferers of alopecia (a hair loss condition). So, not a lot of charity going on here.

A couple/few years ago, LOL was actually listed as in breach of the BBB, although I can't remember the specifics. I am sure one could look it up.

They (I feel) prey on the kindness of people, many of whom think they are actually donating their hair directly to cancer victims, for wigs. In reality, they can't use (ie make wigs from) hair that has been dyed or chemically treated in any way (straightened etc), or from greying hair. So most hair they receive from donors is just sold to make hairpieces for random whoevers. And their core business is to SELL wigs (admittedly at a minor discount) to alopecia - NOT cancer - sufferers.

Ugh.

 

[monarch64]

Rae...I'm not shocked by your comments but intrigued and will begin a wholehearted attempt to figure out if there is an issue with LofL as soon as I have a chance tomorrow. If your concerns are true, it will just unhinge SO.

My mother suffers from alopecia, and I expect to have the same issue since female hair issues are just that--passed down through the female side of the family.

Wow. How unfortunate that this is even in question. I look forward to hearing more from you and will do my part with further research.

Best,

Monnie

 

[sba771]

This was the NY Times article I read when I was deciding and it made me decide to head right to Pantene Great Lengths program
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/06/fashion/06locks.html

I personally would not donate to locks of love, but I am almost ready to do my second donation to Pantene.

 

[vip0802]

In short, if I recall correctly, Locks-Of-Love advertises as if the hair is "donated" to "needy cancer patients", but actually it is SOLD on ebay etc. Then the profits are used to make wigs, which are then SOLD to sufferers of alopecia (a hair loss condition). So, not a lot of charity going on here.

A couple/few years ago, LOL was actually listed as in breach of the BBB, although I can't remember the specifics. I am sure one could look it up.

They (I feel) prey on the kindness of people, many of whom think they are actually donating their hair directly to cancer victims, for wigs. In reality, they can't use (ie make wigs from) hair that has been dyed or chemically treated in any way (straightened etc), or from greying hair. So most hair they receive from donors is just sold to make hairpieces for random whoevers. And their core business is to SELL wigs (admittedly at a minor discount) to alopecia - NOT cancer - sufferers.

Ugh.

i donated my hair this past December, and while researching charities, i came across this very same info about LOL. i was thinking of Pantene's Beautiful Lengths, but i did have a few remnants of highlighted hair so i was afraid they wouldn't accept it. i ended up donating 15 inches to Children With Hairloss which states that even though non-treated hair is preferred, they will accept any hair as long as it's in good condition.

i think they're a lovely charity and they even sent me a certificate for my donation. their products and assistance are provided at no cost to the recipients, and the children they help suffer from all kinds of hair loss such as cancer, alopecia, accidents, burns, etc...

 

[Nashville]

In short, if I recall correctly, Locks-Of-Love advertises as if the hair is "donated" to "needy cancer patients", but actually it is SOLD on ebay etc. Then the profits are used to make wigs, which are then SOLD to sufferers of alopecia (a hair loss condition). So, not a lot of charity going on here.

A couple/few years ago, LOL was actually listed as in breach of the BBB, although I can't remember the specifics. I am sure one could look it up.

They (I feel) prey on the kindness of people, many of whom think they are actually donating their hair directly to cancer victims, for wigs. In reality, they can't use (ie make wigs from) hair that has been dyed or chemically treated in any way (straightened etc), or from greying hair. So most hair they receive from donors is just sold to make hairpieces for random whoevers. And their core business is to SELL wigs (admittedly at a minor discount) to alopecia - NOT cancer - sufferers.

Ugh.

i donated my hair this past December, and while researching charities, i came across this very same info about LOL. i was thinking of Pantene's Beautiful Lengths, but i did have a few remnants of highlighted hair so i was afraid they wouldn't accept it. i ended up donating 15 inches to Children With Hairloss which states that even though non-treated hair is preferred, they will accept any hair as long as it's in good condition.

i think they're a lovely charity and they even sent me a certificate for my donation. their products and assistance are provided at no cost to the recipients, and the children they help suffer from all kinds of hair loss such as cancer, alopecia, accidents, burns, etc...

WOW, I'm shocked... I do recall reading on their site that hair that is unable would be sold to help offset the cost of production (I imagine this isn't cheap). But I thought my hair would be going to cancer patients mostly. Alopecia, while certainly a horrible disease to deal with isn't life threatening or physically painful, and I wish the wigs were charitable GIFTS to children battling cancer.

I will shift my attention to Children with Hair Loss, thank you SO much for all this great info!!!

 

[stephbolt]

I don't have personal experience but in the past I have done a lot of reading about LOL.

I am sorry I can't post any links/info at the moment but I am using my phone while we wait for our internet connection to be transferred to the new place. I will try to return with info soon.

In short, if I recall correctly, Locks-Of-Love advertises as if the hair is "donated" to "needy cancer patients", but actually it is SOLD on ebay etc. Then the profits are used to make wigs, which are then SOLD to sufferers of alopecia (a hair loss condition). So, not a lot of charity going on here.

A couple/few years ago, LOL was actually listed as in breach of the BBB, although I can't remember the specifics. I am sure one could look it up.

They (I feel) prey on the kindness of people, many of whom think they are actually donating their hair directly to cancer victims, for wigs. In reality, they can't use (ie make wigs from) hair that has been dyed or chemically treated in any way (straightened etc), or from greying hair. So most hair they receive from donors is just sold to make hairpieces for random whoevers. And their core business is to SELL wigs (admittedly at a minor discount) to alopecia - NOT cancer - sufferers.

Ugh.

Ditto. LoL does sell the majority of the hair that is donated (actually makes hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds this way). Applicants for the wigs (primarily children with alopecia) are required to submit tax returns and letters of recommendation to obtain the hairpieces, which, as stated above, they pay for (on a sliding scale).

Monnie - for your FI's purposes, LoL definitely sells all the gray hair they receive. http://www.locksoflove.org/faq.html#Aa9

I admire anyone who has the patience to grow out their hair and donate it, but if I could ever do it myself I don't think I would go with LoL.

 

[atroop711]

I wanted too but they don't take hair that's been dyed My hair is so long now and I'm about to cut it again..they would be able to get about 18 inch from me. Too bad it will all go to waste

 

[atroop711]

I don't have personal experience but in the past I have done a lot of reading about LOL.

I am sorry I can't post any links/info at the moment but I am using my phone while we wait for our internet connection to be transferred to the new place. I will try to return with info soon.

In short, if I recall correctly, Locks-Of-Love advertises as if the hair is "donated" to "needy cancer patients", but actually it is SOLD on ebay etc. Then the profits are used to make wigs, which are then SOLD to sufferers of alopecia (a hair loss condition). So, not a lot of charity going on here.

A couple/few years ago, LOL was actually listed as in breach of the BBB, although I can't remember the specifics. I am sure one could look it up.

They (I feel) prey on the kindness of people, many of whom think they are actually donating their hair directly to cancer victims, for wigs. In reality, they can't use (ie make wigs from) hair that has been dyed or chemically treated in any way (straightened etc), or from greying hair. So most hair they receive from donors is just sold to make hairpieces for random whoevers. And their core business is to SELL wigs (admittedly at a minor discount) to alopecia - NOT cancer - sufferers.

Ugh.

oh now...I don't like this

 

[geckodani]

I don't have personal experience but in the past I have done a lot of reading about LOL.

I am sorry I can't post any links/info at the moment but I am using my phone while we wait for our internet connection to be transferred to the new place. I will try to return with info soon.

In short, if I recall correctly, Locks-Of-Love advertises as if the hair is "donated" to "needy cancer patients", but actually it is SOLD on ebay etc. Then the profits are used to make wigs, which are then SOLD to sufferers of alopecia (a hair loss condition). So, not a lot of charity going on here.

A couple/few years ago, LOL was actually listed as in breach of the BBB, although I can't remember the specifics. I am sure one could look it up.

They (I feel) prey on the kindness of people, many of whom think they are actually donating their hair directly to cancer victims, for wigs. In reality, they can't use (ie make wigs from) hair that has been dyed or chemically treated in any way (straightened etc), or from greying hair. So most hair they receive from donors is just sold to make hairpieces for random whoevers. And their core business is to SELL wigs (admittedly at a minor discount) to alopecia - NOT cancer - sufferers.

Ugh.

I also discovered that Locks of Love charges for at least some of the wigs they create, which sucks. Found a local organization called Wigs for Kids that does NOT charge. I hadn't heard of Pantene Great Lengths, we ended up using a local organization called Wigs for Kids.