Caitlin, SA

I wanted to give hope to children, and support them and their families. I’ve always had fast growing and healthy hair and have always strived to help others. Donating my hair was the least I could do, and being able to raise funds for the charity was so fulfilling because I know it will go a long way for so many people.

Eliza A, NSW

**A Journey of Love: Donating My Hair** In 2013, my life took an unexpected turn. A routine check-up led to a whirlwind of emotions, and for the first time, I found myself standing at the precipice of uncertainty regarding my health. No cancer but my journey was terrifying. As I navigated through those tumultuous waters, I realised how fragile life can be and how quickly everything can change. It was during that period of introspection that I decided to make a difference for others who were grappling with their own battles against cancer. The first time I stepped into the salon, my heart raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension. I had spent years growing my hair, and as the stylist snipped away, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. With every inch of hair that fell to the floor, I felt a sense of purpose grow within me. I was donating my hair to help create wigs for those who had lost theirs—a tangible way to support individuals enduring their own cancer journeys. It was a small act, but it was filled with love and empathy. Year after year, I continued this ritual, dedicating my donations to friends and family members who were battling cancer. Each strand of hair represented a prayer, a thought, and a wish for their strength and recovery. However, this year felt different. This year was heavy. I found myself mourning the loss of two family members who had bravely fought their own battles. In addition, seven others in my circle are navigating their own difficult journeys with cancer. With this weight on my heart, I felt compelled to share my story more openly. I wanted to inspire others to recognise the importance of health—not just for themselves but for the people around them. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, often neglecting our own well-being until it’s too late. I wanted my experience to serve as a reminder to prioritise our health and to be sensitive to those battling illnesses. This year, I decided to make my donation louder, to amplify my message, and to encourage others to join me in this mission. I look forward to sharing the stories of my loved ones who had fought cancer and emphasising the impact of compassion and community support. I urged everyone to consider donating their hair or, if they could, to contribute funds to organisations that support cancer patients financially. Let’s fight together against cancer and extend the support to those who need it.

Sophia Princess, NSW

I've donated my hair before and my daughter was inspired seeing the certificate you sent to me. I explained to her why I was donating my hair. For her 7th birthday she decided to also grow her hair long to donate for the kids.

Harry, QLD

My name is Harry, I’m 11, I started growing my hair long in Grade 2 and always said I would cut it off at the end of Grade 5. So, I cut it off this year and asked my Mum and Dad if I could give it to someone that could use it. They helped me find where to donate it. I love that someone can use my hair to make a wig and make themselves feel better!

Sowjanya, VIC

To help the people in need.

Sandra, QLD

My family has been hit by Cancer in so many ways. It has already taken a couple of members of our family (two aunts and my grandmother) and currently we have another aunt who is still fighting the battle with breast Cancer. Chopping and donating my hair every two or three years has become a tradition for me. I really hope my donations are being used and in some way I am contributing to at least a smile.

Carmen, QLD

This is my second donation. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide my hair to those who need it, in the hope of giving confidence and pride to those wonderful people.

Halie, QLD

I was on my university placement when a little girl donated her hair and it inspired me to do the same. This is now my second donation to this program and comes from 4.5yrs of growth. I am an early childhood teacher and all I want to do is give back to the children of Australia, and this simple task is effortless but worth so much. I hope who ever gets my hair wears it with pride, as I wear my shaved head with pride. It's the least I can do the help and has been worth it every time!

Priyanka, NSW

I want to do my best for the kids and this is my first step towards it.

Foxx, QLD

I needed to cut my hair because of the new school I'll be going to next year, so I decided to donate my hair so that another child could love my hair as much as I did. I donated 40cm!

Katie, SA

My husband and I chopped our hair - with all the heartache happening in the world we wanted to raise awareness and support for children facing indescribable hurt and trauma.

Deyanna, NSW

I want to donate my hair so that sick people will be happy . Deyanna 6yr

Phuong, VIC

In the last 12 years, this is my fifth time cutting my hair for donation. It is the longest hair I have ever grown to donate, and it holds the most meaning for me. I have a four-year-old daughter, Ivy and I want to share this incredible journey with her – a journey of giving and accepting who we are, even without long hair. I am still the same person, perhaps an even better one, as I embrace my identity more fully. I hope she, too, will come to cherish her inner beauty and develop resilience in a world that can sometimes place too much pressure on young girls to look a certain way to fit in.

Lebron, NSW

A Mother’s Dream to Donate Her Son’s Hair I’ve always dreamed of donating my son’s hair to help children who’ve lost theirs due to illness. As his hair grew longer, the thought of it being used to bring joy to a child warmed my heart. I imagined the day he would get it cut, knowing it would make a difference in someone’s life. This dream is not just about the haircut, but about teaching him the power of kindness and giving

Ashleigh, NSW

I had wanted to shave my head for a long time, but when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer I put my foot down and grew out all the dye so I could donate it too. Luckily my sister is still with us today too.

Sreya, SA

Cutting my hair is a blessing, especially for a good cause. I hope that my hair brings some joy to whoever gets to wear it next. A lot of love and hugs xxx

Isla, NSW

This is my second donation (my first was when I was 7 years old). So many people compliment me on my hair, which I am grateful for. I want to share this gift with children who are struggling with medical illness and who are less fortunate than me.

Amelia, SA

I am very lucky to have long, thick and healthy hair. When I have a haircut, it often seems like a waste when other people can benefit from having it. When I was growing up, I was close with a few families and other children who went through tough times and I think Variety can help support those people where they most need it.

Natalie, NSW

I believe everyone has the right to feel comfortable with themselves and if a wig is what they use to express themselves then why not give what I can. I realised that so many kids without hair want wigs but cannot afford one. My hair can grow back but theirs may not and I’m willing to sacrifice something as small as hair to make someone smile. I donated my hair in 2018 and am more than happy to do the big chop again in 2024.

Olivia, NSW

2 years ago I decided to go for the big chop to help people that have lost their hair because of an illness. My biggest inspiration is my sister Therese who has a rare medical condition and requires lots of help from medical teams and therapists. The money that I’ve raised will go towards children like Therese that require specialised equipment.

So that we can personalise your experience, please select your state.

Hair With Heart Stories