As the winter continues to drag on and pull you down, many people start searching for new ways to lift their spirits and help them feel good again. One of the most popular ways to do so is to revamp your look and give yourself a hair makeover. Whether its a new color, length or style, getting rid of the old and introducing the new is a guaranteed way to lift you out of that winter blues funk! Many people often feel like their hair is dragging them down at this time of the year, so they choose to change up their length. If this is the route you choose to take, why not take it a step farther and choose another popular feel-good trend: hair donations!

I’m sure many of you are aware of Thon, the annual fundraising event that took place at Penn State this past weekend. Each year students and alumni alike come together for a 48 hour dance marathon to raise money for pediatric cancer. Going along with their motto, FTK, everything done that weekend and the weeks leading up to the event is “For The Kids”. Although the main focus of the event is the dance portion, there are other ways interested students can get involved and help out, such as donating their extra locks of hair. Halfway through the event, a station is set up on the stage where interested participants, can have their hair donated to the cause in front of thousands of people. Although these donations won’t help cancer research like the money does, it will go to creating wigs for children that have lost their hair to cancer, which is an awesome way to help!

Just like any other dramatic change, I know there are some concerns that many people have. One common concern seems to be that if you donate your hair, you’ll be left with an uneven tattered look, and there won’t be any hair left at all! However, this is an extremely false myth, and I think it’s about time we put a stop to it. For some reason, most people assume that if they donate their hair, they have to get it cut by the foundation that accepts the hair instead of legitimate hairdressers from usual salons. The truth is that if you wish to donate your hair, you can go to any salon and tell them you want to donate your hair (even your usual hairstyle cutting salon!). Most salons have encountered donations at some point, so they already know how to manage them.

First, they will put your hair in a loose ponytail just below where you want your hair to stop. Then, they will cut evenly across directly above the pony. This leaves them with a ponytail holding the loose cut hair, and your hair at a much shorter length. They will then take the time to cut and style your new hair like they originally would have. After your hair is styled, you take your ponytail, package it up, and send it off to the company that you wish to donate it to. It’s as simple as that, and you’re left with a cute new do’ and a feeling of pride!

When it comes to donations, my suggestion is to only donate as much as you feel comfortable getting rid of. If you are too generous and donate too much your first time, you could be left with hair much shorter than you would have liked, and may end up regretting your decision. You should also go to a salon you trust, such as my favorite salon, Verve 360! If you go to a salon that you are unfamiliar with, they might also cut it a little too short or style it in a way you aren’t used to. However, if you want a new look, want to do something nice for those in need, and have a salon that you can trust, then go for it and donate your hair today!