About two months ago I cut off 9 inches of my hair. My hair had been long enough to reach all the way down my back for quite some time and the idea of cutting my hair had been on my mind for awhile. People I saw almost every day were beginning to comment on how long it appeared. I remember thinking to myself well yeah, I know... I am the one who has to brush the knots out of it every day. It wasn't until the point in which I saw photos of myself and realized how long my hair actually appeared I decided it was time to go.
Some of my friends were supportive of my haircut idea. Contrarily, other would hint by saying things like "Oh, I'd kill to have your hair." (In other words, sounds fun my friend, but quite frankly you'll deeply regret that decision!) The thought then occurred to me that perhaps someone would genuinely WANT my hair. That's where I decided to donate my hair!
Some of my friends were supportive of my haircut idea. Contrarily, other would hint by saying things like "Oh, I'd kill to have your hair." (In other words, sounds fun my friend, but quite frankly you'll deeply regret that decision!) The thought then occurred to me that perhaps someone would genuinely WANT my hair. That's where I decided to donate my hair!
Initially, my main concern about donating my hair was that I still had highlights. My second worry was that I wasn't sure if I really wanted to donate a foot or more of hair. After some research online, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there are organizations that accept various lengths, dyed, as well as grey hair. Finding a non-profit organization that I could give my hair to was also high up in importance to me.
In the end, I decided to go with 360 Hair, a Canadian organization located in British Columbia. One thing that really stood out to me about 360 Hair is that their wigs are custom made for cancer recipients under the age of 19. I also felt that choosing 360 Hair put less pressure on me, as the minimum length requirement is six inches. | Click to visit the website of 360 Hair. |
Donating my locks to 360 Hair was a great experience, one I highly recommend! If you are thinking of cutting your hair, search for an organization that fits your criteria and needs. Chose an organization based on the type of hair you have, the length you wish to donate, or the cause you are willing to contribute to.
Scroll below to see photos of my before and after transformation!
Or if you are considering it.. For every inch I cut off, here is a reason why I think you should cut and donate your hair too!
Scroll below to see photos of my before and after transformation!
Or if you are considering it.. For every inch I cut off, here is a reason why I think you should cut and donate your hair too!
Why you should chop your locks (and donate)
1. It's time for a change.
Who doesn't love a fresh start? From now on events shall be cited as BTH and ATH (Before The Haircut & After The Haircut). If it weren't for the time when tom-boy-me decided to sport a bob in the fourth grade, I could say I've had long hair all my life. It wasn't until I turned 18 and became an adult that I chose to cut off almost a foot of my hair. Supposedly, you could say that Coco was right, "A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life." (At least it was true in my case.)
2. Confidence is key.
I've always admired the ladies out there who were bold enough to go for a dramatic chop, and yet I never dared to follow in those steps until recently. The truth is that society places high value in physical appearances (possibly too much in my opinion). Quite honestly, I believe people are entitled to their own opinions but unfortunately there are also superficial people who like to judge. So let them! I'm not saying there won't be times when you feel insecure. (At first you might even startle yourself seeing your reflection.) In the end you are still yourself, regardless of what others think or what you look like. Learn to love yourself so that others can love you too; a haircut doesn't affect who you are. No more hiding behind that hair, girl!
3. It's convenient.
Let's be real, short hair generally requires less effort than long hair. It's funny how quickly I realized just how true this was. Hours of fighting knots, washing, drying and styling? Not anymore! Everything is much more simplified. You might also be pleasantly surprised to learn breezing through your routine means extra time during the morning can indeed be used to catch some extra zzz's. As an added bonus, there's no worry about having hair caught in car windows or armpits anymore- cos come on now, it happens to the best of us!
4. You'll save a dollar or two.
The morning following my latest haircut I watched an inordinate glob of shampoo make it's way down the drain of the shower. The thought occurred to me "hey, I no longer need to use a horse hair quantity of shampoo". Ultimately, it would only make perfect sense that after I cut off 9 inches of hair I didn't need to take care of it anymore. According to Research and Markets, the global industry hair care product revenue is forecast to reach an estimated $82.2 billion in 2018. The reality is we as consumers use an abundance of hair products. The money spent on this mass? You guessed it, it's coming out of your pocket. Just think about all the money you spend annually on hair products alone! Then, consider that a haircut can reduce that number significantly...
5. It's trendy.
There's no denying short hair is popular in fashion right now! While the concept of 'short' varies, popular hair styles range from the edgy but simple pixie cut to the modern LOB (also known as the long-bob). Here are some celebs who rocked their short do's!
Who doesn't love a fresh start? From now on events shall be cited as BTH and ATH (Before The Haircut & After The Haircut). If it weren't for the time when tom-boy-me decided to sport a bob in the fourth grade, I could say I've had long hair all my life. It wasn't until I turned 18 and became an adult that I chose to cut off almost a foot of my hair. Supposedly, you could say that Coco was right, "A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life." (At least it was true in my case.)
2. Confidence is key.
I've always admired the ladies out there who were bold enough to go for a dramatic chop, and yet I never dared to follow in those steps until recently. The truth is that society places high value in physical appearances (possibly too much in my opinion). Quite honestly, I believe people are entitled to their own opinions but unfortunately there are also superficial people who like to judge. So let them! I'm not saying there won't be times when you feel insecure. (At first you might even startle yourself seeing your reflection.) In the end you are still yourself, regardless of what others think or what you look like. Learn to love yourself so that others can love you too; a haircut doesn't affect who you are. No more hiding behind that hair, girl!
3. It's convenient.
Let's be real, short hair generally requires less effort than long hair. It's funny how quickly I realized just how true this was. Hours of fighting knots, washing, drying and styling? Not anymore! Everything is much more simplified. You might also be pleasantly surprised to learn breezing through your routine means extra time during the morning can indeed be used to catch some extra zzz's. As an added bonus, there's no worry about having hair caught in car windows or armpits anymore- cos come on now, it happens to the best of us!
4. You'll save a dollar or two.
The morning following my latest haircut I watched an inordinate glob of shampoo make it's way down the drain of the shower. The thought occurred to me "hey, I no longer need to use a horse hair quantity of shampoo". Ultimately, it would only make perfect sense that after I cut off 9 inches of hair I didn't need to take care of it anymore. According to Research and Markets, the global industry hair care product revenue is forecast to reach an estimated $82.2 billion in 2018. The reality is we as consumers use an abundance of hair products. The money spent on this mass? You guessed it, it's coming out of your pocket. Just think about all the money you spend annually on hair products alone! Then, consider that a haircut can reduce that number significantly...
5. It's trendy.
There's no denying short hair is popular in fashion right now! While the concept of 'short' varies, popular hair styles range from the edgy but simple pixie cut to the modern LOB (also known as the long-bob). Here are some celebs who rocked their short do's!
Ironically I had contemplated cutting off a good chunk of my hair right around the time when the 'short hair movement' picked off. Thinking I would be the carbon copy of every gal out there if I followed along, I quickly changed my mind. However, I then realized that short hair isn't all the same. As you can tell, short hair can be very versatile.
6. Everything feels better.
One of the most popular questions I've received since cutting my hair is why I did it. In case nobody ever mentioned it to you, long hair is a hassle and a half. So much so that I don't even regret a single one of the 9 inches I snipped. First of all, let me say that although I did highly enjoy my long hair, almost nothing is better than the feeling of no split ends! On top of that, showering is like an entirely new and foreign concept; it's now possible to comb my hands through my hair. I repeat: I can. comb my hands. through. my hair. Pretty crazy stuff huh?
7. It'll compliment you, literally.
Your face is the first things people notice when they see you. Long hair has a way of giving off a limp appearance that usually hides facial features. For the same reason, people often say that haircuts allow a certain individual appear younger or older. Based on the look you are trying to achieve trained hairdressers will assist you in executing your vision. Not only will people notice your big change, you'll realize a fresh haircut actually compliments you too.
8. It'll grow back.
Not to sound like your mom, but it's true! As naive as it is, haircuts are sometimes nerve wracking. I mean, a haircut basically equates to part of you LITERALLY being CHOPPED OFF. Sorry hair, you didn't make the cut! If the idea of something major is too much of a leap for you, a better idea might be to gradually cut your hair shorter. (Hey, I do realize I only cut off a few inches and was still left with more than I cut). After all, nobody is forcing you! On the flip side, if you still dislike your shorter hair after 'x' amount of time, you can always say you gave it a try!
9. You can give others hope.
Donating hair is easy and can greatly impact someone who is in need of a wig. Personally, I decided to donate my hair to an organization called 360 Hair which is affiliated with the Canadian Cancer Society. 360 Hair makes custom (free) wigs for cancer patients that are 19 and under. Besides chemotherapy, there are numerous other causes of hair loss including radiotherapy, medications and diseases like Alopecia areata (spot baldness). However you decide to donate, your hair will be a meaningful way to support someone in confidence on their journey!
6. Everything feels better.
One of the most popular questions I've received since cutting my hair is why I did it. In case nobody ever mentioned it to you, long hair is a hassle and a half. So much so that I don't even regret a single one of the 9 inches I snipped. First of all, let me say that although I did highly enjoy my long hair, almost nothing is better than the feeling of no split ends! On top of that, showering is like an entirely new and foreign concept; it's now possible to comb my hands through my hair. I repeat: I can. comb my hands. through. my hair. Pretty crazy stuff huh?
7. It'll compliment you, literally.
Your face is the first things people notice when they see you. Long hair has a way of giving off a limp appearance that usually hides facial features. For the same reason, people often say that haircuts allow a certain individual appear younger or older. Based on the look you are trying to achieve trained hairdressers will assist you in executing your vision. Not only will people notice your big change, you'll realize a fresh haircut actually compliments you too.
8. It'll grow back.
Not to sound like your mom, but it's true! As naive as it is, haircuts are sometimes nerve wracking. I mean, a haircut basically equates to part of you LITERALLY being CHOPPED OFF. Sorry hair, you didn't make the cut! If the idea of something major is too much of a leap for you, a better idea might be to gradually cut your hair shorter. (Hey, I do realize I only cut off a few inches and was still left with more than I cut). After all, nobody is forcing you! On the flip side, if you still dislike your shorter hair after 'x' amount of time, you can always say you gave it a try!
9. You can give others hope.
Donating hair is easy and can greatly impact someone who is in need of a wig. Personally, I decided to donate my hair to an organization called 360 Hair which is affiliated with the Canadian Cancer Society. 360 Hair makes custom (free) wigs for cancer patients that are 19 and under. Besides chemotherapy, there are numerous other causes of hair loss including radiotherapy, medications and diseases like Alopecia areata (spot baldness). However you decide to donate, your hair will be a meaningful way to support someone in confidence on their journey!
Thanks for following along and chasing me on this journey!
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