Locks of love countdown

 In exactly 21 days I will be waving goodbye to a chunk of hair

My hair cutting appointment card has helped me stay strong in knowing that on September 1st at 10:30 I will be getting rid of my hair.

For the life of me I cannot remember the exact number of times I have donated my hair...3 or 4 times. Three does not seem like enough and four sounds like too many. So have I donated my hair 3.5 times. 

I started growing my hair out to be donated when my grandma was going through cancer. She lost her hair due to kemo and radiation. She had two wigs one made of artificial hair and the other real hair. I could tell that she preferred the wig made out of real hair because...well it was made out of real hair. 

I saw how a simple detail made her happy and beautiful. When she passed I decided I would "pay it forward" and donate my hair in memory of her. 

Since then I have donated my hair each time in memory of someone who has passed away due to cancer 

My grandma

Mrs. Decker

Mr. Martin

And the 4th person prayerfully will not come for a long while

I guess this will be my fourth time

I always get questions about the process of growing my hair out. So if you are thinking about donating your hair hopefully this will help.

How long does it take to grow out your hair?

For me it takes a year and a half although this time it has been two years and two months. Everyone's hair is different therefore the timing will change. 

Do you notice when your hair grows the fastest? 

Yes, for me it is during the summer months...a good couple of inches

How often do you wash your hair? 

When my hair is close to the cut off date I extend my wash to three days...two depending on how active I am. 

Do you cut your hair while you are growing your hair out and if so how much?

Yes, regular trims maximizes how fast and healthy my hair is...I have gotten my mom to trim my hair a time or two! I typically get the bare minimum when cutting my hair.

Can you color your hair?
No, locks of love or any other hair donation organizations have regulations as to what hair they will take. Do your research to make sure your hair can be donated.

Strangest question ever asked
Does growing your hair out hurt?
At the moment this question was asked I said no because I do not feel my hair growing! Truth be told my hair does give me a headache every now and again. I tend to change how I am wearing my hair throughout the day...down, high bun, pony tail, braid. If I leave my hair in a bun or pony tale my scalp will be tender by the end of the day.

Just so you know my hair type is thick, thick, thick
And can become very heavy the longer it gets.