It is becoming a common trend: women are growing their hair longer and then cutting it all off. While short hair is trendy, these women are not thinking of fashion when they make the big cut. They are donating their hair to be made into wigs for children through the Locks of Love organization. Penny Blanchard, of Kimball, was one woman who recently cut her hair. Armed with her ruler, a package for her hair, and her mother and son for support, Blanchard went into Hair-Do’s Salon for the big cut. Blanchard explained that she has been growing out her hair for four years. “Last time I cut my hair, it seemed like such a waste, this time I know that it will be going to a good cause.” Blanchard combed through her hair, put it in four separate ponytails and had stylist Linda Rosenow cut off ten inches of her hair. As most women know, losing ten inches of hair is a big deal, literally like losing part of your identity. However, Blanchard seemed relatively unphased by the cut, knowing that she was doing something great for someone else. While in the salon, Blanchard said she decided to donate her hair after following the lead of many young girls at her church. Blanchard explained that the main inspiration was a third-grade girl at her church who had been diagnosed with cancer. Once she was cleared of cancer, the girl decided to grow out and donate her hair to others. St. Cloud Tech Senior Bria Magnuson said this young girl lead by example. “She had to wear hats all of the time. When she grew out her hair, she was an inspiration to me.” Magnuson went with another girl from from her school to get her hair cut. “I was only going to cut eight inches, but my friend convinced me to do a foot,” said Magnuson. Magnuson was pretty nervous to cut her hair, but it was a very rewarding experience to do this for someone else. “I am actually growing out my hair to donate again. It is something that I can give and it is easy for me since my hair grows really fast.” Magnuson explained that she will probably donate again in three months. Locks of Love puts certain restrictions on hair donations. Donations cannot be chemically treated and must be ten inches or longer, as this length is ideal to make wigs. A single donation is combined with others to make a wig. On average, about ten to 15 ponytails are needed to make one custom-fitted hairpiece. These hairpieces are given to financially disadvantaged children, under the age of 18, who have medical hair loss problems. Locks of Love began its work in 1997 and has already helped more than 850 children. With more donations, the organization can continue its work. For more information on Locks of Love, visit their Web site at www.locksoflove.org.
