Should I go through with it????

[OakLeaf]

Charity Navigator rates them four stars. According to their latest IRS filings, they spent over 90% of revenues on program expenses. That's a very high percentage. They're not listed on Charity Watch, though - which isn't necessarily a bad sign, but if they were, it would mean that they'd been through the American Institute of Philanthropy's more extensive review process.

Honestly? I'd never heard of the "Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance," and they don't have a current report on Locks of Love. Note that the Wikipedia article has no citations for the Better Business Bureau report. As an overall organization, I don't consider BBB to be much more trustworthy than Wikipedia. The Wikipedia article also acknowledges that "Hair that is less than ten inches or grey is separated from the donations and sold to offset manufacturing costs." If most of their donations come in-kind as hair, obviously they need cash to meet their operating expenses, and selling some of the donated hair would be a way to get that cash.

If you have a financial advisor, they should have access to the detailed reports from GuideStar and AIP. I personally don't know anything about Locks of Love, and it's always good to be skeptical when considering a donation, but these are the resources I normally use to check out a charity.

[singletrackmind]

I had mine chopped off for Locks of Love and it was weird but I was ok with that. When I went in to have it done I had trepidations but overall felt good about it. It's almost to my butt again but I'm having trouble letting go. I was glad to have done it and will do it again....I just want to enjoy having it again for a little bit longer...I really missed it while it was gone. Though it was nice how little time it took to dry, not sitting on it, someone else not sitting on it, cooler in the summer, etc. Still....I missed it, it's my one and only nod towards being my version of girly.
If your hair doesn't fit the criteria listed, such as greyed, colored, permed, etc, then I wouldn't do it since they prolly wouldn't use it anyway.

There's also Wigs for Kids (min 12", grey ok) and Pantene's Beautiful Lengths (min 8", can be up to 5% grey).

[bmccasland]

Imdeanna - I had long hair, fine but lots of it, donated 13 inches to Locks of Love, and I still have shoulder length hair. If your hair is heavy enough to give you a headache, then cut it. On the initial cut, I still wanted longer hair, and asked that I would still be able to put it up in a pony tail for working out - which is how 13 inches got cut off. I couldn't go to short hair after having hair below my waist. It's amazing the weight off your head when it's cut, feels much better. I doubt I'll ever grow it real long again. So, get it cut, but you can stil have a longer style.

Back when I was married, and I had long hair, I was also working outside a lot, in the deserts of Arizona. Hubby liked my long hair, objected to the concept of a hair cut, but I had it cut anyway. Told him it was my head, and I'm hot! He adjusted.

[activediva]

I own a salon that cuts for free on behalf of locks of love. I was disappointed that they are not giving out thank you cards anymore and not giving salons the free advertising on their website to find us that they once used to. It's mostly kids who donate and I think they should be rewarded! I know they sell a lot of the hair donated. Not sure to who.

I contacted LOL about doing a specific fundraiser for a local child here who needed a wig and they would not even write back. I sent a envelope of letters requesting help and nothing. I sent emails, nothing.

I think they are a great cause, but not sure who's running it now and what their intentions are....I am disappointed.

If you are going to cut off enough to make a drastic change and are apprehensive - DO NOT DO IT. Wait until you hair is longer so the change won't be that noticeable. Anything over 6" is usually too drastic if you aren't ready. I see women cry all the time when they shock sets in. It grows back but hair usually only grows a half to one inch a month. It could take a year to come back.

[Zen]

It could take a year to come back.

You make a year sound like a long time.
You must be very young

[activediva]

You are awesome Zen!

[csr1210]

But bad hair years are kinda like "dog years"....(or longer!)

[shootingstar]

Imdeanna:

You have a good face shape for a diverse range of haircuts. A haircut might actually lift a bit of natural wave in your hair. (At least to me, it looks like natural wave in your long hair.)

Just make sure you choose a cut that is minimal blow-drying, etc. and easy when you cycle!
Your hair colour looks good in the photo.

And over time, you will appreciate a hair stylist, particularily those who are experienced and cut hair with precision.

Think about your haircut as priority decision instead of the donation, since it is a change for you.

[imdeanna]

Last night, while soaking in the tub....I glanced at my floating hair and got a very good feeling about donating my hair.....a calming affirmation that this is what I want to do.

I do completely trust the stylist, and am actually very excited to see what he does for me.....He's well known for looking at ones face features/shape/lifestyle and just creating the best doo.... I'm also going to get a couple colors thrown in.....to really update myself So that part is the exciting part for me...

Like 'singletrackmind' mentioned....my long hair has been the ONE 'girly' thing about me.....but honestly I am bored with it....and it's getting so long now that I think it's kind of looking stringy...so I haven't been all that happy about the way it looks lately, which is why I've worn it with the sides pulled into a pony tail for the last 6 months STRAIGHT!!

So not sure why I'm scared to do this.....maybe just a a fear of the unknown.

[imdeanna]

Here's a funny thing I just realized:

Here is a pic of me and my family last October.....(This is the SAME OLE EVERYDAY hair pulled back doo)

from the front, I look like I have SUPER short hair anyway!!

So really...from the front view...it probably won't be any different anyway!!!! lol.....

[Tuckervill]

Beautiful family!

Sounds like you've made your decision. I'm sure you will be beautiful no matter what your hair looks like. It's just hair.

Karen

[bouncybouncy]

reading through this I had a ton of thougts:

* it is just hair..it grows back (on most!) my G-ma had cancer and it was the best gift ever when she received a "natural" wig

* it is just hair...if you are healthy it will grow back...be thankful you have the opportunity to grow it back

* what makes long hair girly anymore?

* why bother having long hair when you pull it back all the time?

* it is just hair...it will grow back.

* if you have a stylist you speak so highly of...why worry?

I just cut mine off for Locks of Love...will post some pics when I finally get a pic of my new short hair!

I am glad you came to peace with the cutting...and remember the time it takes to grow it back is fractions of the happiness it will bring someone!!!!

[imdeanna]

It was a wonderful experience!!! I really enjoyed my 2 hours at this Salon!
Here's the results: Before........and After...........

Oh....and I was able to donate 12" !!!!

[Wahine]

Wow!! DeAnna it looks fabulous. I didn't see you without your helmet on Saturday to see f you went ahead. I love it. What does BF think?

Good job on the ride Saturday!!

[imdeanna]

Wow!! DeAnna it looks fabulous. I didn't see you without your helmet on Saturday to see f you went ahead. I love it. What does BF think?

Good job on the ride Saturday!!

Thanks! I did still have my hair on Saturday....just got the cut done last night!

Wasn't the weather GREAT for Saturday's ride? Loved it!!!

Can't wait until next year....when I go the entire way w/you guys!!!!