A Nottingham hair salon is fronting a project which provides real hair wigs to children with cancer across the UK.
M Hair Nottingham, on George Street, is working alongside the Little Princess Trust to collect used hair extensions for use in wigs for both boys and girls who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment and hair loss (alopecia).
Salon co-owner, James Henderson, who has specialised in hair extensions for 25 years, started the initiative after reading about the charity’s work in 2015.
James, 40, approached the charity with the idea of donating used hair extensions for wigs, which has since contributed to the production of over 4,500 free wigs.
He said: “So much high quality hair is removed every day and it’s crazy that it was going in the bin.
“We’ve received a positive response from clients but I’m hoping to raise awareness about the project and encourage more clients to get involved.
“It’s nice for them to know that as well as having their hair done, they are also donating to a great cause.”
Clients are given the opportunity to donate their extensions when it is time for them to be replaced – which is usually around four months after application.
150g of hair is required to make one wig, which is roughly the hair of one to two clients.
Once collected the hair is cleaned and prepared, and sent in bundles to the Trust who forward it to a manufacturer to be made into wigs.
James said: “This project has really changed the concept of the charity and is making a difference to children’s lives – I am totally in awe of the great work they do.
“We’re pleased to be the leading salon involved and will continue to push the scheme.
“It’s an amazing thing to be a part of and I’m very pleased I thought to get involved.”
In 2013 pop star Jessie J famously donated her hair to the trust after shaving her head.
Currently the only hair extensions that can be used are from hair extension manufacturer Great Lengths, a company for which James is an ambassador, as they are ethically-sourced and 100% real hair.
However the wigs feature a mix of hair from a number of donors.
The scheme has now been launched in 1500 Great Lengths hair salons across the UK, although M Hair Nottingham is the leading contributor to the charity.
In September the salon beat others across the UK to win the Great Lengths Trophy Award for Extension Excellence.
The Little Princess Trust is the only UK and Ireland based charity to work with specialist wig suppliers to tailor wigs to each individual.
More information about the charity and hair donations can be found on the Little Princess Trust website.
