The Little Princess Trust: A Complete Guide to Donating Hair and Changing Lives

For many people, hair is far more than just a physical attribute; it is a form of self-expression, a security blanket, and a significant part of personal identity. Now, imagine the impact of losing that hair at a young age due to cancer treatment or other medical conditions. This is where The Little Princess Trust steps in, acting as a beacon of hope for thousands of children and young people across the UK and Ireland.

This comprehensive guide explores the mission of The Little Princess Trust, the profound importance of their work, and the detailed process of how individuals can contribute—whether through hair donation or fundraising—to help restore confidence in young lives. Whether you are considering a dramatic chop or simply want to learn more about this incredible cause, this article covers every necessary detail.

The Mission and Heart of The Little Princess Trust

Founded in 2006, The Little Princess Trust was born out of a personal tragedy that transformed into a legacy of hope. The charity was established in memory of Hannah Tarplee, a five-year-old girl who sadly lost her battle with a Wilms tumour. During her treatment, her parents, Wendy and Simon, struggled to find a suitable wig for her. They found that high-quality, real hair wigs for children were difficult to source and incredibly expensive. After Hannah passed away, her parents launched the charity to ensure that no other family would have to face the same struggle alone.

Since its inception, The Little Princess Trust has provided thousands of real hair wigs to children and young people, up to the age of 24, who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other conditions such as Alopecia. What makes this charity truly unique is that these wigs are provided entirely free of charge to the recipients. The cost of manufacturing a single wig is substantial, yet the Trust absorbs this cost through fundraising and financial donations, ensuring families can focus on their child's health rather than the financial burden of a wig.

Beyond providing wigs, the charity has expanded its mission significantly. Since 2016, The Little Princess Trust has also funded vital research into finding better and kinder treatments for childhood cancers. By supporting ground-breaking research institutions, they are working toward a future where, perhaps one day, the need for their wigs might be reduced because fewer children are losing their hair to harsh treatments.

Why Real Hair Wigs Matter for Children

The psychological impact of hair loss on a child or young adult cannot be overstated. For a child undergoing chemotherapy, losing their hair is often the most visible sign of their illness. It marks them as "different" from their peers at school and can attract unwanted attention or questions when they simply want to feel normal. Similarly, for young people suffering from Alopecia Areata, the sudden and unpredictable loss of hair can be devastating to self-esteem and mental health.

Synthetic wigs, while improved in recent years, often lack the movement, texture, and durability of real hair. They can feel hot, itchy, and look unnatural, which may increase a child's self-consciousness. A real hair wig, tailored to fit the child's head specifically, behaves like natural hair. It can be styled, it moves naturally in the wind, and it allows the scalp to breathe.

Receiving a wig from The Little Princess Trust is often a turning point in a child's journey. It restores a sense of normalcy and control in a life that has been turned upside down by medical appointments and treatments. It allows a teenager to walk into a classroom without feeling like a patient. It allows a young child to play in the park without staring eyes. The wig is not just a cosmetic accessory; it is a suit of armour that helps young people face the world with renewed confidence.

The Critical Guidelines for Hair Donation

One of the most common misconceptions about hair donation is that any hair can be used. In reality, The Little Princess Trust has strict guidelines to ensure that the resulting wigs are of the highest quality. Because the wigs are hand-knotted and designed to last, the hair used must be in excellent condition. Understanding these guidelines is crucial before making the cut.

Length Requirements

The charity has specific length requirements that change based on their current stock levels, but generally, the longer the hair, the better.

• Minimum Length: The absolute minimum donation length is usually 7 inches (17cm). However, it is important to note that up to 4 inches of hair is lost during the wig-making process (specifically when the hair is reversed and knotted into the wig cap). Therefore, a 7-inch donation may only result in a very short wig.

• Ideal Length: The Trust is almost always in desperate need of donations measuring 12 inches (30cm) or more.

• Urgent Demand: There is currently a significant shortage of very long hair donations, specifically 16 inches (41cm) and longer. These donations are vital for creating long wigs, which are highly requested by recipients.

Hair Condition and Type

• Natural Hair: The hair must be in great condition. No split ends. The charity cannot use hair that is dry or damaged.

• Coloured Hair: The Trust can accept hair that has been dyed, provided it is of a natural colour (e.g., brown, blonde, black). They cannot accept hair dyed unnatural colours like blue, green, pink, or purple. If the hair is dyed, it must be in good condition.

• Bleached/Highlighted Hair: This is a critical distinction. The Trust cannot accept bleached or highlighted hair. Even if the bleach was applied years ago, if it is still in the hair being cut, it cannot be processed. The manufacturing process involves gentle bleaching to sanitize the hair; if the hair has already been bleached, it will disintegrate during this stage.

• Grey Hair: Historically, grey hair was not accepted, but guidelines have evolved. Currently, the Trust can accept hair with a small percentage of grey (less than 10%). However, fully grey hair is often not suitable for the standard wig-making process used for children, though it may be sold to offset costs.

• Afro Hair: The Little Princess Trust proudly accepts Afro hair. They have specialized wig makers who can work with this texture to create beautiful, culturally appropriate wigs for children with Afro hair.

The Step-by-Step Donation Process

Donating hair is a straightforward process, but it requires precision to ensure the donation is viable. Whether you are visiting a professional salon or doing the cut at home, following these steps is mandatory.

• Wash and Dry: The hair must be freshly washed and absolutely, completely dry. Never send wet or damp hair. Wet hair will mould in transit and will have to be discarded immediately upon arrival, rendering the donation useless. Do not use conditioner or styling products before the cut.
• Sectioning: The hair should be divided into sections. For thicker hair, dividing it into two or more ponytails is often better than one thick ponytail. This ensures the maximum length is preserved and the hair is easier to cut evenly.
• Secure the Hair: Secure the hair in a ponytail or braid using a hair elastic at both the top (near the head) and the bottom. Securing both ends is vital to keep the hair running in the same direction (root to tip). If the hair becomes scrambled, it cannot be used.
• The Cut: Cut the hair just above the top elastic band. Ensure you are cutting off the required length (checking the ruler against the ponytail, not the hair on the head).
• Packaging: Place the dry ponytail(s) into a recyclable cardboard envelope or a clear, resealable plastic bag. Avoid wrapping it tightly in tissue paper or foil, as this makes it difficult for the sorting team to process.
• The Form: Download and print the hair donation form from The Little Princess Trust website. This form ensures you receive a certificate of thanks. If you cannot print, a handwritten note with your details is acceptable.
• Postage: Weigh the package and pay the correct postage. The charity cannot pay postage fees for donations.

The Economics of Kindness: Why Money Matters Too

While hair donations are the raw material, they are only half the equation. It is a common myth that donating hair creates a wig for free. In reality, the logistics of sorting, storing, and shipping hair, combined with the specialist labour required to manufacture a wig, are expensive.

It costs The Little Princess Trust roughly £550 to £700 to provide one real hair wig to a child. This includes the manufacturing costs and the fitting service. The wigs are hand-made, with individual strands of hair knotted into the cap to ensure a realistic look and comfortable fit. This is a labour-intensive process that can take up to 60 hours per wig.

Therefore, the charity encourages donors to consider fundraising alongside their hair cut. "The Big Cut" is a popular fundraising method where donors ask friends and family to sponsor their haircut. Even a small donation helps cover the cost of shipping the hair to the wig manufacturers. Without financial contributions, the hair donations would simply sit in storage. Financial donations also fuel the paediatric cancer research grants that the Trust funds, making a double impact.

The Journey of the Hair: From Salon to Smile

Have you ever wondered what happens after you drop that envelope in the mailbox? The logistical operation at The Little Princess Trust headquarters in Hereford is impressive.

Upon arrival, the mail is opened by a team of volunteers and staff. Every donation is inspected. They check for dampness (which results in rejection), lice, and adherence to length and condition guidelines. The hair is then sorted by colour and length.

Once sorted, the hair is shipped to specialist wig manufacturers, primarily in China, who are experts in hand-making wigs. It takes approximately 7 to 10 individual hair donations to make a single wig. This is because hair must be blended to create a natural look—no one has hair that is all exactly one tone or texture. The hair is processed, cleaned, and sewn into wig caps.

The finished wigs are then returned to the UK. When a child needs a wig, they visit an accredited salon or wig fitter in the Trust's network. The fitter measures the child and helps them choose a wig that matches their original hair or their desired look. The wig is then cut and styled on the child’s head to frame their face perfectly. This fitting service is also paid for by the Trust, ensuring the family incurs zero cost.

The Role of Professional Salons

Professional hair salons play a pivotal role in the ecosystem of The Little Princess Trust. While the charity does not have its own salons, thousands of independent stylists and salons across the country act as supporters.

Experienced stylists are essential for ensuring the donation cut is performed correctly. They can accurately measure the hair to ensure not a single centimetre is wasted. Furthermore, a professional stylist can restyle the donor's remaining hair into a chic, fashionable new look. This is important because the donor is making a sacrifice, and they deserve to leave the chair feeling beautiful and proud of their new short style.

Salons also act as information hubs, educating clients about the possibility of donation. Many people growing their hair out may not realize they are sitting on a valuable resource until a stylist mentions it. By facilitating the cut and often handling the paperwork, salons bridge the gap between the public and the charity.

Top Tips for a Successful Donation Cut

To ensure your hair donation is accepted and makes the biggest impact possible, consider these expert tips:

Measure Twice, Cut Once: Before booking your appointment, measure your hair at home. Use a ruler, not a visual estimate. Curly hair should be pulled straight to measure. Ensure you have enough length to donate and* enough left over for the style you want.

• Keep it Natural: In the months leading up to your donation, try to minimize heat styling and harsh chemical treatments. The healthier the hair, the better the wig.
• Trim the Ends: If you have split ends, get a small trim a few weeks before your big donation cut. The charity cannot use split ends, so it is better to remove them beforehand so you are donating solid, usable hair.
• Braid It: While ponytails are accepted, a tight braid is often safer for transport as it keeps the hair strands neatly aligned and prevents tangling within the envelope.
• Don't Forget the Form: If you want an email certificate to commemorate your donation, the email address must be clearly written on the donation form included in the package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I donate hair that has been highlighted or balayaged? A: Unfortunately, no. The Little Princess Trust cannot accept hair that has been bleached, highlighted, or balayaged, even if it was done a long time ago. The bleaching process damages the internal structure of the hair, making it unsuitable for the wig-processing chemicals.

Q: Does it cost the family money to receive a wig? A: No. The wig is provided completely free of charge to the recipient. The Little Princess Trust covers the cost of the wig and the professional fitting.

Q: What is the most needed hair length? A: While 7 inches is the minimum, the charity is in urgent need of hair measuring 16 inches (41cm) and longer. These lengths are essential for older children and teenagers who often prefer longer hairstyles.

Q: Can I donate hair from a male donor? A: Absolutely. Hair has no gender. As long as the hair meets the length and condition guidelines, it is gratefully received regardless of the donor's gender.

Q: What happens to hair that is rejected? A: If hair cannot be used for wigs (e.g., it is too short or in poor condition), it is not thrown away. The Trust usually sends unsuitable hair to other programs, such as those that use hair to make mats for soaking up oil spills, or it is sold to specialist buyers to raise funds for the charity.

Q: Can I donate dreadlocks? A: No, the charity cannot accept dreadlocks or hair extensions. The hair must be loose (though tied in a ponytail) and free of permanent styling.

Conclusion

The Little Princess Trust represents the very best of community spirit. It transforms a simple act—a haircut—into a life-changing gift for a child facing a daunting medical journey. By understanding the guidelines and the importance of both hair and financial contributions, donors can ensure their gift has the maximum impact.

Whether you are growing your hair out for the "Big Cut" or looking to support the cause financially, your involvement helps restore confidence and identity to children when they need it most. If you are ready to make a change, consult with a professional stylist today to plan your donation and become a part of this beautiful cycle of giving.