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Prepare Your Hair

Pantene Beautiful Lengths Donation

*UPDATE - Ponytail donations will only be accepted through December 31, 2018. For more details about how our program is changing, please see our main page.

To Be Made Into a Wig, Your Hair Must Be:

minimum 8'' no dyes, bleaches or chemicals no more than 5% grey

For more information, see How to Make the Cut.

Here's why bleached, permanently coloured or grey hair is restricted:

For a realistic-looking wig that has consistent colour, all these ponytails must be processed and then dyed the same shade.  It is critical for each ponytail to absorb dyes at the same rate in order to create a wig that is one natural-looking colour. Grey hair and some chemically treated or permanently coloured hair does not absorb dye at the same rate as other types of hair.  It is much harder to colour and, once coloured, fades more quickly.

Preparing Your Hair: DO

  • Use a conditioner after every wash to help keep hair moisturized and protected against damage.
  • Use a spray, leave-in conditioner for extra protection when using heated hair appliances.
  • Look for new technology in your drying and styling tools to help minimize damage.
  • Avoid excessive teasing of hair, as it can uplift cuticles, making them fragile and susceptible to breakage.
  • Use deep-conditioning treatments once a week, or as often as needed, to help minimize split ends and keep hair in top condition.

Preparing Your Hair: DON'T

  • Use a brush on wet hair when you step out of the shower; once hair is washed and conditioned, use a comb with smooth, wide-set teeth to gently detangle hair, working from tip to root.
  • Attempt to blow-dry soaking wet hair immediately; to expedite your blow-out process and help prevent thermal damage, towel-wrap your hair for 10-15 minutes and remove excess water before using a blow-dryer.
  • Overbrush hair; despite the common myth that 100 strokes a day are good for hair, this can lead to breakage. Regular, gentle brushing promotes hair health and natural oil distribution.
  • Wait more than eight weeks to get hair trimmed; regular salon visits are essential to keeping hair healthy and beautiful.

Related Links

Make the Cut