Should You Sell or Donate Your Hair?

Start with two questions: how much hair do you want to cut, and what would you like to happen to it? You might want the proceeds for yourself, want to support a charity directly, or want to raise money for a particular cause. Selling and donating can each make sense; neither is automatically the more generous or useful choice.

If selling feels right for you, BuyAndSellHair explains how the marketplace works and what it costs to advertise. You can explore the process before committing to a haircut.

Donate the hair if a programme fits your plans

Choose an organisation first. Check its current length, treatment, condition, preparation and postage requirements against the hair you intend to cut. Different programmes accept different donations, and an old blog’s rule is not a substitute for the recipient’s instructions.

The Little Princess Trust’s donation guide explains its current requirements and how it wants hair washed, dried, secured and posted. Locks of Love’s FAQ explains its treatment restrictions and how some donations are used; for example, it says grey hair is sold to help cover manufacturing costs. Read the organisation’s own explanation rather than assuming every donated bundle becomes a wig.

Take the instructions to your hairdresser. Confirm that your intended haircut leaves enough usable hair for the recipient. If it does not, you can choose another programme, grow it longer, support the cause another way or simply have the haircut you want.

Sell if you want to choose how the proceeds are used

Selling gives you the option of keeping the money or donating an amount you choose. It also involves preparing an advert, answering questions, agreeing terms and arranging delivery. There may not be a buyer, and an asking price is not a promised sale price.

Before choosing this route, consider how much time you want to spend and which costs you would cover. Do not plan a donation around money you have not received. Our seller guide walks through measurements, photographs, offers, payment and dispatch.

Combine a haircut with fundraising

You can ask people to sponsor a haircut whether you sell the hair or donate it. Be clear about who receives the money, any costs you will deduct, whether the haircut depends on reaching a target, and what happens if the target is missed. If you are fundraising in a charity’s name, check its guidance first.

Keep sponsorship and a possible hair sale separate in your totals. “I will donate the sale proceeds after the stated delivery cost” is a clearer promise than presenting an estimated hair value as money already raised. Update supporters with the actual outcome.

A quick way to choose

• Want to support a particular hair-donation programme? Check whether it can use your intended cut.
• Want money for yourself or flexibility over the recipient? Consider selling, with realistic expectations about demand and costs.
• Want to involve friends and family? A sponsored haircut can accompany either choice.
• Not comfortable with the required length or process? Change the plan. Supporting a cause does not require a haircut you do not want.

You do not need to shave your head to make the occasion meaningful. Plan the style you want to keep, then work backwards to the sale or donation requirements.