• My Zone

The power of a haircut

• 8 Months Ago - 2024-02-29 00:00:00

Did you know that you can donate your hair to the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN)? They use these donations to create wigs for cancer patients. While donating hair may not cure them, it has the power to assist cancer patients in coping with the loss of their hair. Hair loss often has a psychological impact on patients, and wearing a wig can help them manage the changes they experience. It becomes something they can control during their battle with cancer.

My Zone interviewed Francois ‘Fafa’ Kotze after he recently cut his hair and donated it to the Cancer Association of Namibia.

He explained: “For the initial part of my first year, my hair was kept very short, as it was a rule in my student residence. After some time, I was curious as to what I would look like with long hair and started to grow it. Initially, I had no intention to donate my hair due to my ignorance of the possibility, especially male donations. When I came to realise the possibility, I decided that I wanted to make a hair donation to the Cancer Association of Namibia. From short hair to getting length, it almost took a year to grow.

“Throughout my life, I’ve realised how much hair does for the confidence of the people around me and, more personally, for myself. The unfortunate truth is that victims of cancer lose their hair often due to chemotherapy treatments. I decided that because I have the privilege of being able to grow my hair, I want to make someone else’s day a bit better by giving them a bit more confidence.

“I generally take very good care of my hair and the health thereof. I wash and apply conditioner to my hair daily, and I use other products from time to time.”

On the question of whether he would consider doing a donation again, Kotze said: “Yes, I am considering doing it again, and I hope to inspire many other young people to do the same. Many people, especially men, are still unaware that donating your hair is an actual thing people do.”

Kotze quoted Martin Luther King Jr. to express his commitment. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

Criteria

My Zone then knocked on the door of Rolf Hansen, CEO of the Cancer Association of Namibia, who explained the factors to keep in mind when donating hair.

Hansen listed the following criteria:

1. Hair should be at least 20 cm long and preferably not recently dyed or in a variety of colours, unless it is the natural hair colour of the donor.

2. The hair should be freshly washed, dried and straightened. It is important that the hair is not moist or contains any hair products like hair gel, mousse, etc.

3. Both ends of the cut hair piece should be tied with an elastic band.

4. Ideally, the hair piece should be sealed in a see-through, clean plastic bag or cling wrap.

5. Deliver to the Cancer Association of Namibia‘s offices.

“We encourage everyone who fits the criteria to do a hair donation. It is easy, free, and very inspiring.” Hansen said.

“All the hair donations are collected and stored in the medical centre at CAN until we have the “wig-making workshop,” Hansen explained when asked about the process post-hair donation.

“This takes place twice a year when volunteers come together to start sewing the strand lines for the wigs to go into further production.”

Hansen explained that one wig needs about 20 donations that have the approximate same colour, hair type, and length.

“If we have a small shortage of hair to complete a wig, we blend the hair with purchased synthetic hair to complete the job. It is very timely, so it also depends on the availability of volunteers to help with the basic sorting, stitching, etc., and then the big work comes when, very carefully, the lines must be hand-stitched to the lace caps that hold it all together.”

Hansen concluded by saying: “Gratitude is as radiant as their generosity. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has selflessly donated their hair to bring comfort and hope to those battling cancer. Your kindness creates a beautiful ripple of positivity.”