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Photos: A hair cut to help others

An Estevan youth has had her hair cut to help other children. Nevaeh Wakely had her hair cut at the Empire Salon and Studio. This is the second time that Nevaeh has used her long hair to help others.

An Estevan youth has had her hair cut to help other children.

Nevaeh Wakely had her hair cut at the Empire Salon and Studio.

This is the second time that Nevaeh has used her long hair to help others. The first was a couple of years ago to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, but that program has been discontinued. Nevaeh and her family looked into other organizations who would accept human hair.

Wigs for Kids Canada has been operating for over 30 years. They require a minimum of 12 inches in length for a donation. Nevaeh's was 16 inches. The longer the hair, the better. Hair must be clean, dry, not permed, with no permanent hair dye and no dreadlocks.

It takes approximately 10 to 12 ponytails to make a wig.

A wig can cost about $1800 for the recipient. Wigs for Kids provides hair replacement systems at no cost to the children or their families.

Nevaeh’s mother Brenda said Nevaeh likes that her hair can be used for other people rather than just throwing it out. Her hair grows fast and it is thick and strong so doesn't break easily.

“We were concerned that there weren't places that still accepted human hair for donation as demand has gone down with synthetic products becoming used,” Brenda said. “The children benefiting from wigs suffer from many illnesses or accidents that cause not just temporary loss like chemotherapy or radiation but in some cases permanent hair loss such as burns, alopecia, trichotillomania and others.

“We have experienced cancer in our own family so we see this easy type of support as something that Nevaeh feels really good about.”

So if you are considering cutting your hair contact the company you choose to verify they accept donations because there is always a need, Brenda said.