St Helens man cuts four-year-grown hair to donate to charity
A St Helens man will cut his hair this Sunday, 23 November, after four years of growth — donating the length to The Little Princess Trust. The local fundraising event highlights the personal and community motivations behind hair donation and offers a useful reminder of how straightforward giving can be when you understand the steps and charity guidelines.
Why he’s donating after four years
The decision to grow and then donate hair is often both practical and emotional. In this case, a St Helens resident has spent four years growing his hair specifically so he can make a meaningful contribution to The Little Princess Trust at a community charity event on 23 November. While the original report provides limited personal detail, the act itself follows a growing pattern of people choosing to convert long-term hair growth into donated hair for wig-making charities.
What The Little Princess Trust does — and why donations matter
The Little Princess Trust is a UK-based charity known for providing real-hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair through illness, particularly cancer. Donated hair is one of the key resources charities use to make natural-looking wigs, which can help restore confidence and a sense of normality for recipients and their families.
How to donate hair safely — practical steps
If you’re inspired by the St Helens fundraiser, here are the practical steps most charities ask donors to follow. Always check the specific organisation’s own guidance before you cut or post a ponytail.
Prepare: Wash and thoroughly dry your hair. Do not use styling products or conditioners that can coat hair strands.
Section: Gather hair into one or multiple small ponytails (depending on thickness) and secure each tight with an elastic close to the scalp.
Measure and cut: Ensure each ponytail meets the charity’s minimum length — many organisations set a minimum (commonly several inches or centimetres). Cut above the elastic so the ponytail remains intact.
Package: Place the cut ponytail in a sealed plastic bag and then into a padded envelope. Include any donor forms requested by the charity.
Post: Send the package via a tracked or recorded delivery, if advised, to the charity’s donation address.
Local hair donation events like the one in St Helens often combine a community atmosphere with practical support for charities.
Preparing for a public charity haircut
Charity events that include a public haircut combine fundraising with awareness-raising. If you plan to attend or take part, consider these points:
Book a slot if the event requires it — many community fundraisers use timed appointments to manage queues.
Ask whether a professional stylist will cut and prepare the ponytail to the charity’s specifications.
Bring identification or donation forms if requested by organisers.
Consider fundraising alongside the cut — sponsorship pages, local collections and small entrance donations help cover wig production costs.
Check whether the charity prefers postal donations or accepts hair directly at the event.
Community impact and personal motivation
People choose to donate hair for many reasons: in memory of a loved one, as a show of solidarity with someone undergoing treatment, or as a personal goal turned charitable act. Local events often generate wider awareness, encouraging others to consider the simple act of donating hair and raising funds for wig-making and associated support services.
Key Takeaways
Donating hair is a tangible way to support children and young people who have lost hair due to illness; charities such as The Little Princess Trust turn real hair into wigs.
Always consult the charity’s official guidance on minimum lengths and preparation — requirements can vary, so check before you cut.
Preparing a ponytail correctly (clean, dry and secured) helps ensure the donation meets processing standards and arrives in good condition.
Community haircut events combine fundraising, education and local engagement; they make donation practical and visible, inspiring others to take part.
Even if you can’t donate hair, volunteering, fundraising or sharing verified charity information are effective ways to contribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do charities accept coloured, permed or dyed hair?
A: Acceptance policies vary. Some charities will accept dyed or highlighted hair as long as it is healthy and meets the minimum length, while others prefer natural hair. Always check the charity’s guidance to be sure.
Q: What is the minimum length required?
A: Different charities specify different minimum lengths. It’s common for wig charities to request a minimum ponytail length — check the organisation’s website for the exact measurement before cutting.
Q: Can anyone donate hair?
A: In most cases, yes — adults and children can donate provided the hair meets the charity’s length and condition requirements. Some charities may have age-related rules for minors, so review the guidance or contact the charity for clarification.
Q: How is donated hair used?
A: Donated hair is sorted and processed by charities or partner manufacturers to create real-hair wigs. These wigs are then provided to children and young people who have lost hair due to medical treatment or conditions, often free of charge.
Q: What if my hair isn’t long enough yet?
A: Growing and setting a target can be a meaningful personal project. Many donors plan for months or years to reach the length needed — like the St Helens man who grew his hair for four years to make a donation.
