I have grown out my hair and avoided highlighting it for about a year in order to be able to donate hair to Locks of Love. The above is a collage of my hair before, during and after (and then, due to the photo program having a mind of its own--before AGAIN) my LOL cut. LOL in this case refers to LOCKS OF LOVE, not Laugh Out Loud (at least I hope so.)

If you have considered or would consider donating your or your child's hair (they should be willing, too!) to help children who have lost their hair, here is some helpful info. on LOL.

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.

Please Note: Anyone can cut your hair as long 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.
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.
Hair that is 6-10 inches in length will be accepted and sold at fair market value to offset the manufacturing costs.
Gray hair will be accepted and sold at fair market value to offset the manufacturing costs.

YOU SHOULD KNOW
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.

For more information about Locks of Love, please visit http://locksoflove.org.

Note of PRAISE:

Since I donated my hair I have "met" (via MySpace) a local girl who was blessed by receiving a wig from Locks of Love when she was a child going through illness-related hair loss. Sometimes we tend to be unsure as to the truth and accountability of an organization until we get a first hand account of it. So, take it from me--and from my new friend--Locks of Love is legit!

Rejoicing in Grace,

Jennifer