Locks of Love

Locksoflovefaces

Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. The organization aims to help restore the self-esteem and confidence of these children by giving them hairpieces made from donated ponytails. Locks of Love primarily assists children with alopecia areata, a medical condition that causes patches of hair loss on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body. However, they also help children suffering from other forms of hair loss due to medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, or diseases, such as trichotillomania.

Mission and Services

The mission of Locks of Love is to return a sense of self, confidence, and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to create high-quality hair prosthetics. The organization provides these hairpieces to children under age 21. These custom-fitted hair prosthetics are provided free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need, ensuring that no child has to face their condition without support.

Donation Process

The donation process for Locks of Love involves individuals growing out their hair and then cutting a length, typically a minimum of 10 inches, to be donated to the organization. The hair is then mailed to Locks of Love, where it is sorted, processed, and eventually made into hairpieces. While the organization accepts hair of any color and in good condition, it cannot use hair that is bleached or dreadlocked. The process of creating a single hairpiece is intricate and can involve the hair from multiple donors.

Eligibility and Application

Children under the age of 21 with medical hair loss are eligible to apply for a hairpiece from Locks of Love. The application process involves submitting a completed application form, medical documentation of the hair loss condition, and before-and-after photos. The organization works closely with each child and their family to create a hairpiece that matches the child's natural hair as closely as possible.

Controversies and Criticisms

Locks of Love has faced criticism and controversy, primarily concerning the use of donated hair and financial transparency. Some critics have questioned what percentage of donated hair actually goes into making hairpieces for children, as well as how the organization allocates its funds. Locks of Love maintains that a significant portion of donated hair does not meet their stringent requirements for making hairpieces and is sold to offset manufacturing costs, with the proceeds supporting their mission.

Conclusion

Locks of Love plays a crucial role in supporting children experiencing medical hair loss by providing them with hairpieces that help improve their self-esteem and confidence. Despite facing criticisms, the organization continues to rely on hair donations and financial contributions to fulfill its mission. Through its efforts, Locks of Love not only provides a practical solution to a challenging problem but also brings communities together in a shared act of kindness.