Herefordshire man donates hair to Little Princess Trust

A Herefordshire man has donated his hair to The Little Princess Trust after growing it in memory of his father, who died of cancer. Reported by the BBC, the story centres on Tim Howson, who chose to mark his bereavement with a practical act of support—turning months (often years) of hair growth into a donation that can be made into a wig for a child or young person experiencing hair loss.

For many readers, it’s also a reminder that “hair journeys” aren’t always about trends or transformations for their own sake. Sometimes, a haircut can function as a meaningful milestone: a way to process grief, show solidarity, and contribute to a cause with real, visible impact.

What the Little Princess Trust does — and why hair donations matter

The Little Princess Trust is a UK charity that provides wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair through cancer treatment and other conditions. While the emotional significance of hair loss is personal and varies from child to child, hair can be tied closely to identity, confidence, and a sense of normality—especially during long, life-disrupting treatment periods.

Wigs made from real hair require careful sourcing and skilled production. That’s why donations like Howson’s can be so valuable: they’re a tangible contribution that begins with an individual choice and ends with a crafted piece that can help someone else feel more like themselves.

In UK salon culture, charity cuts are often community moments—often arranged around a final “before” photo, a celebratory chop, and the sealing and packing of the ponytail. It’s a small ritual with a big emotional imprint.

Growing your hair for donation: realistic timelines and care basics

If this story has sparked something in you, it’s worth knowing that growing hair long enough to donate is not just about patience—it’s also about keeping the lengths in good condition. Many stylists recommend planning for regular micro-trims to keep split ends from travelling; this can help you retain length over time, even if it feels counterintuitive.

While individual growth rates vary, hair typically grows steadily month by month. What you can control is hair handling: reducing breakage, minimising heat stress, and choosing styles that protect the ends.

• Book “maintenance trims” rather than big cuts: Ask your stylist for the smallest trim that keeps the ends tidy and healthy.
• Be gentle when wet: Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush and start from the ends, working upward.
• Reduce high-heat styling: If you blow-dry or straighten, keep temperatures moderate and avoid repeated passes.
• Protect hair overnight: Many people find a loose braid or a soft scrunchie bun reduces friction and tangling.
• Keep lengths conditioned: Focus conditioner and masks on mid-lengths and ends, where hair is older and more fragile.

Real-world practicality: if you’re considering donating, start by taking a quick “baseline” photo of your current length and measuring it (dry, straightened down). It makes the goal feel achievable—and helps you track progress without guesswork.

Planning the charity cut: how salons typically prepare your donation

A donation cut is a little different from an ordinary appointment. Most salons will want to tie off multiple ponytails or plaits so the hair stays aligned and usable. This not only makes packaging easier but also supports the donation process by keeping the hair neat and consistent.

Before you book, it’s sensible to check three things: the charity’s current requirements, whether your hair length meets the minimum once it’s cut, and what condition the hair needs to be in (for example, clean and dry is commonly requested).

Many stylists also recommend coming in with an idea of your post-donation style. Shorter cuts can feel liberating, but the change can also be emotionally intense—especially if the growth period was tied to a personal story, as in Howson’s case. A few reference photos can help you and your stylist land on a shape that feels like a fresh chapter, not a compromise.

The emotional side of hair: grief, identity, and choosing a meaningful change

Hair is deeply personal—and that’s why a story like this resonates far beyond the haircut itself. In Howson’s case, the act of growing hair in memory of his father, then donating it, suggests a gentle arc: from private mourning to public generosity.

In salons, hair professionals often see how major life events show up in the chair—bereavements, breakups, new jobs, new babies, new beginnings. A cut can be symbolic, but it’s also practical: a way of doing something with your hands, on a date in the diary, that marks time passing.

It’s also worth acknowledging that charity donations aren’t the only way to engage with this kind of story. Some people choose to support by fundraising, spreading awareness, or simply talking more openly about the experience of hair loss and the emotional realities around it.

Key Takeaways

• A Herefordshire man donated his hair to The Little Princess Trust after growing it in memory of his father, highlighting how hair can carry personal and community meaning.
• Hair donations can be transformed into wigs for children and young people, helping support confidence and normality during hair loss.
• Successful “donation growing” is as much about minimising breakage as it is about time—gentle handling, conditioning, and measured trims help.
• A charity cut is usually done in tied-off sections to keep hair aligned; planning with a stylist makes the process smoother.
• If you’re inspired, take one practical next step: measure your current length, read the charity’s donation rules, and set a realistic haircare routine for the months ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone donate hair to The Little Princess Trust?
Many people can, provided their hair meets the charity’s requirements for length and condition. It’s best to check the charity’s official guidance before booking your cut, as criteria can change.

Do I need to cut my hair at a salon?
A salon isn’t strictly required, but many donors prefer a professional cut because stylists can section and secure the hair correctly, reducing the risk of unusable bundles.

Should my hair be washed before a donation cut?
Charities commonly ask for hair to be clean and fully dry. Ask your salon what they prefer on the day, and follow the charity’s packing instructions once the hair is cut.

Will colouring or heat styling stop me donating?
Some charities accept coloured hair and some do not, depending on the type and condition. Heat styling doesn’t automatically exclude hair, but excessive damage can. Always check the latest charity guidance.

How do I keep my hair healthy while growing it out?
Focus on preventing breakage: condition the lengths, detangle gently, limit high heat, and consider protective styles. If your scalp feels persistently irritated or flaky, many dermatologists suggest seeking professional advice rather than self-treating aggressively.