Thursday, November 4, 2010

9. Chop off my Hair for Cancer Donations

I have long hair. Really long hair. Last time I measured it was 27 inches long, but probably closer to 30 or so now. I trim it regularly, but haven't had it short for about eight years now. I love the programs Locks of Love and Beautiful Lengths. You can donate your cut hair to these foundations that make wigs for people with cancer.

I'm terrified to chop it though. My hair is a large part of who I am. I'm very much so attached to it, and can't picture myself without it. I've always wanted short hair, but just for a few months or so. I hate the idea of having to wait years for my hair to grow back. But then again, at least it does grow back. Also it's comforting to know that someone will benefit from the hair. My family would be the first ones to pull out the scissors if I said yes. They all think my hair is too long. My friends on the hand say, "No, don't do it. You can't!"

I love pixie cuts, but I'm definitely not brave enough for one of those. Perhaps when I get the courage I'll go chin length at first to get my toes in the water.

I must give all those girls with short hair my applaud, because that takes guts. Guts I clearly don't have.

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5 comments:

  1. I'm with you on the guts thing. I've had long hair for as long as I can remember except a few failed experiments with 'bobs' (oh, junior high was bad). But someday I'd like to donate my hair to one of those good causes, too. the good news is that the minimum donation is 10 inches (for Locks of Love), so someday I hope to grow it reeeeally long before donating so the end result isn't quite as shocking.

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  2. I know how you feel too! I always had long hair most of my life until last April I cut it just below my ears. It was terrifying at first and I'm not going to lie, I almost cried after it was really gone. Good news is, I didn't mind having it short after I got used to it. It was pretty nice for a change, and great in the winter when I just threw a beanie over it most the time and it still looked nice. It's still pretty short now compared to how it was before. It's just below my shoulders now, and I've been letting it grow with only little trims here and there. I was thinking about donating my hair as well but I had some parts of it dyed purple at the time so they wouldn't have accepted it. I say go for it though! It's for a good cause and, as you said, it will grow back :)

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  3. Do it!!! You will feel so good about it in the end. And hair grows fast! About 6 years ago I had hair down past my butt (38 inches). I hadn't cut my hair in 11 years. I finally did and donated it to Locks of Love. I was petrified. In fact, I cried in the salon chair. But in the end, I was fine. And they did leave some length (they cut it to just below my shoulders). People loved my new "do." You're young ~ I say go for it!! :)

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  4. I'd say go for it! I recently cut my hair to my shoulders ( it had never been that short since I was 7 years old and play scissors...) but I think that donating to Locks of Love, is a fantastic cause, I've had many friends donate to it, and I don't think any of them regretted it because you know that you're hair is going to be gift to someone else, and will mean the world to them that a stranger would voluntarily cut their hair off. :) And if you're worried about it not growing long enough, there are clip in extensions to help an awkward grow out phase!

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  5. I think hair can be a huge part of a woman's identity. Sorry guys, but us girls just have a lot more options when it comes to clothes, hair, and styles. I totally understand how hard it is to change or cut your hair.

    Growing up I always had chin or shoulder length CURLY hair (at the longest), and was always fascinated with long hair. My curls always set me apart, which meant that my friends always wanted to straighten it. Once in high school I let them. I was looking at a stranger in the mirror. Never again. But, I did buck up and grow my hair out. I would like to donate it someday, but am having too much fun with my long hair for now.

    Lately I have found the pixie cut totally appealing. Those chicks rule. It's like a tall woman who isn't afraid to wear high heels. You can totally rock the short hair, especially for such a good cause!

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