"If my hair can change a child's life by increasing self-esteem then consider it done"

THE CAUSE:

Alopecia areata (AA) is a medical condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body. There is no known cure to date. Effects of alopecia are mainly psychological - because hair loss can lead to significant appearance changes, individuals may experience social phobia, anxiety, and depression. In severe cases where the chance of hair regrowth is slim, individuals need to adapt to the condition, rather than look for a cure.

WHAT I'M DOING:

On Monday the 16th of January I will be cutting 30cm off my hair so it can be used for this cause. The process will be filmed, documented, and made available online to increase awareness. There will also be media coverage in GC/Brisbane/Sydney papers.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

/ Donate money via this page which will go towards purchasing a human hair wig for a child with alopecia.

/ Hair donations can be made via http://www.princesscharlottealopecia.com/TressesforPrincesses.aspx This is a separate organisation called 'Tresses for Princesses' which collects hair donations and has them made into wigs specifically for alopecia patients. See website for further information.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

/ It costs approximately $3000 for one wig to be made. The wigs are unique in that a suction mechanism is used allowing children to go swimming, play sport, etc. without the wig falling off, they are made from real human hair, many hours go into manufacturing, and they last many years.

/ 16-19 ponytails are required to make just one wig

/ The market for hair extensions takes away from this cause, as hair is being purchased for extensions making it harder and more expensive for those with medical hair loss to purchase it.