Questions?
Can I donate my gray or white hair?
If the white or gray is only a small percentage of the hair, we'll be thrilled to accept it. However, if the hair is totally white or gray, we can sell the hair and use its value to support the costs of the wig making other than the hair. Sending ZM gray or white hair proclaims your agreement to the above.
Can I donate hair that was colored or dyed?
Yes, as long as the hair is of reasonably good quality.
Can I donate my dreadlocks?
We're sorry, but there is no current demand for dreadlocks.
Can I donate my son's upsherin (first 3-year-old haircut) hair?
Yes! We'll be honored to make use of these sweet locks of hair.
Can I donate hair that is tied in a ponytail?
Yes, but please tie it in several rubber bands 2-3 centimeters (1-1.5 inches) apart so that it does not fall apart. Hair that arrives in a clump is unfortunately not usable.
Can I donate my hair, even though it's less than 30 cm (12 inches) long?
Yes. If the hair is several centimeters (1-2 inches shorter) than the above, it can be used to create a wig. If it is substantially shorter, Zichron Menachem will probably sell it and use the proceeds to fund one of the many special activities that it sponsors for children and teens with cancer.
Should I measure my hair when it is loose or braided?
It doesn't really make a difference, but it's usually preferable to measure it after it has already been neatly braided.
How is my hair transformed into a wig for a cancer patient?
Donated hair undergoes sorting and processing. Hair is sorted according to shade and length and then washed and combed with a special comb. Damaged and split ends are removed. Thereafter, the hair is sewn onto long strips of material which are used to construct the wig. Each wig requires a lot of hair—usually three complete ponytails.
Wigs are very expensive, but you can donate the most important component—your hair.
Can I communicate with and/or receive a picture of the child who will benefit from my hair?
The cleansing and processing that the hair undergoes removes all identifying marks from it. Zichron Menachem therefore can not trace your hair to any specific wig, which is why we don't know who will benefit from your hair. Moreover, although a lot of the hair that we receive is made into wigs; some of it is also sold to sponsor Zichron Menachem Special Activities and Events to benefit pediatric cancer patients.
For further inquiries and information, please contact us at Zichron Menachem: info@zichron.org