Why Hair Donation Matters
Childhood Cancer in the United States
Each year in the United States, approximately 15,000 children and adolescents (ages 0–19) are newly diagnosed with cancer. Over the past five years, this means more than 70,000 families have faced a childhood cancer diagnosis.
While survival rates have improved significantly thanks to medical advances, the journey through treatment remains physically and emotionally challenging for many children.
Hair Loss Is One of the Most Visible Challenges
For many pediatric cancer patients, hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Studies and clinical reports indicate that the vast majority of children undergoing cancer treatment experience partial or complete hair loss.
Hair loss is not just a cosmetic change. For children, it can affect:
- Self-confidence and self-identity
- Willingness to attend school or social activities
- Emotional well-being during an already difficult time
Looking in the mirror and no longer recognizing themselves can be one of the hardest moments in a child’s cancer journey.
Why Real-Hair Wigs Are So Important
High-quality wigs made from real, donated human hair can help children feel more like themselves again. These wigs:
- Look more natural
- Feel more comfortable on sensitive scalps
- Can be custom-fit for a child’s head and lifestyle
However, producing just one custom pediatric wig often requires 20–30 individual hair donations, along with many hours of skilled labor. Because of this, the demand for suitable donated hair continues to exceed the supply.
Is Hair Donation Increasing?
Interest in hair donation has grown in recent years, especially after the pandemic, as more people looked for meaningful ways to help others.
However, not all donated hair meets the requirements for wig making. Length, hair health, and prior chemical treatment all matter. As a result, even when donations increase, there is still a significant ongoing need for healthy, long hair donations to support children facing medical hair loss.
How Angel Hair Association Helps
Angel Hair Association (AHA) exists to make hair donation accessible, supported, and sustainable.
We believe hair donation should not feel overwhelming or rushed. Instead of asking donors to act immediately, AHA:
- Helps donors plan and prepare over time
- Supports healthy hair growth with guidance and resources
- Connects completed donations to trusted wig-making partners that provide wigs to children at no cost to families
Our goal is to turn individual goodwill into long-term impact for children who need it most.
You Don’t Have to Donate Today
You can start by simply registering with us.
AHA supports donors for up to two years, walking alongside you during the hair-growing journey—until you’re ready.
Your hair can help a child feel confident again.