Donating my hair upon arrival in Santiago

[Kr4ftyKreationa]

I am currently walking the route of Camino Francés and although my hair is very low maintenance and very long. I originally had plans to cut it and donate it to locks of love upon returning home. However, I’ve been thinking of adding to the idea of going home “lighter” in this manner as well and would like to cut my hair upon arriving in Santiago. I don’t dye my hair, blow dry it or use any harsh chemicals that damage my hair and would love to donate it as originally planned . I’ve done some research but can’t seem to find any concrete information of where to go or what to do once arriving in Santigo in order to ensure my hair is donated to charity for use by those in need. Any ideas or recommendations??

 

[Theo59]

I am currently walking the route of Camino Francés and although my hair is very low maintenance and very long. I originally had plans to cut it and donate it to locks of love upon returning home. However, I’ve been thinking of adding to the idea of going home “lighter” in this manner as well and would like to cut my hair upon arriving in Santiago. I don’t dye my hair, blow dry it or use any harsh chemicals that damage my hair and would love to donate it as originally planned . I’ve done some research but can’t seem to find any concrete information of where to go or what to do once arriving in Santigo in order to ensure my hair is donated to charity for use by those in need. Any ideas or recommendations??

In my town there is a club for supporting people who suffer from cancer. Usually they handle these things. Maybe you could google about similar clubs at the region you are. I am glad for you. There is hope for human kind.

 

[VNwalking]

What a wonderful idea, Theo!
How about donating it before you walk - as a conscious setting foot on the way, and a separation from what has been from what is beginning? And you can donate in your town, right before you set off. What a lovely start to a camino!
It is SO much easier to care for very short (or no) hair on the camino than long hair.
No need for shampoo, conditioner, brushes...any of that. Freedom.

 

[Kathar1na]

There appears to be one hairdresser's in Santiago de Compostela who is part of the network Peluqueros Solidarios - see here https://www.pelucasolidaria.com/peluqueros-solidarios-galicia/ . It's Sensay Peluqueros in Rúa de Gómez Ulla 20. However, I merely found this on the internet, no personal experience or knowledge. I looked for donaciones de cabello España. There is also the Spanish Cancer Society AECC as a possible contact point, by phone or even a visit as they have offices in Galicia and in Leon y Castilla, including in towns on the Camino Francés, though none in Santiago de Compostela (see their online map).

It's a good idea to do this at the very end of your walk. I've read about one person who did this before the start of a camino and I'm friends with another person (a camino peregrina) who's been considering this for some time but hasn't done it yet.

 

[Kr4ftyKreationa]

Thank you for the info. I will be arriving in leon the day after tomorrow to spend the day and will see about arranging a location in their network upon arriving in Santiago.

 

[t2andreo]

Just a thought, but when you make an appointment with the salon in Santiago, you might ask them to call the local newspaper, La Voz de Galicia, to offer them this story as both a human interest and Camino positive situation.

The locals love human interest stories. Having a peregeina from outside Spain donate their hair would send a powerful message.

If you need or want help doing all of this, ask Ann or Faith at Pilgrim House (Rua Nova #19) to help. Show them this thread. They know me very well. They might like to share positive publicity, if you are so inclined...

Alternatively, at the Pilgrim Office, ask to speak to a female staff member to ask for help. If you tell them that “el Sherif” recommended this, they will at least hear you out. They know me well and may be able to suggest alternative salons, and to facilitate connecting the media... again, if you are also interested in leveraging your effort and donation to do good on a larger scale.

The local TV and newspapers are at the Pilgrim Office regularly. The office managers have a good rapport with the local media...if you are interested in persuading others to follow your example... just sayin...

Hope this helps.

 

[Jim ME]

I am currently walking the route of Camino Francés and although my hair is very low maintenance and very long. I originally had plans to cut it and donate it to locks of love upon returning home. However, I’ve been thinking of adding to the idea of going home “lighter” in this manner as well and would like to cut my hair upon arriving in Santiago. I don’t dye my hair, blow dry it or use any harsh chemicals that damage my hair and would love to donate it as originally planned . I’ve done some research but can’t seem to find any concrete information of where to go or what to do once arriving in Santigo in order to ensure my hair is donated to charity for use by those in need. Any ideas or recommendations??

What a kind thing to do. The message in church today was to be missionaries in all we do. You are a great example of this in action!

 

[trecile]

Just a thought, but when you make an appointment with the salon in Santiago, you might ask them to call the local newspaper, La Voz de Galicia, to offer them this story as both a human interest and Camino positive situation.

The locals love human interest stories. Having a peregeina from outside Spain donate their hair would send a powerful message.

If you need or want help doing all of this, ask Ann or Faith at Pilgrim House (Rua Nova #19) to help. Show them this thread. They know me very well. They might like to share positive publicity, if you are so inclined...

Alternatively, at the Pilgrim Office, ask to speak to a female staff member to ask for help. If you tell them that “el Sherif” recommended this, they will at least hear you out. They know me well and may be able to suggest alternative salons, and to facilitate connecting the media... again, if you are also interested in leveraging your effort and donation to do good on a larger scale.

The local TV and newspapers are at the Pilgrim Office regularly. The office managers have a good rapport with the local media...if you are interested in persuading others to follow your example... just sayin...

Hope this helps.

Great idea!

 

[K Turner]

I did mine before starting a couple weeks ago. I don't know where to go on the CF but suggest looking into the companies that take the hair. As someone who has been bald on multiple occasions for medical reasons, I learned some charge patients exorbitant prices for the wigs, and exclude many illnesses.

 

[malingerer]

I am currently walking the route of Camino Francés and although my hair is very low maintenance and very long. I originally had plans to cut it and donate it to locks of love upon returning home. However, I’ve been thinking of adding to the idea of going home “lighter” in this manner as well and would like to cut my hair upon arriving in Santiago. I don’t dye my hair, blow dry it or use any harsh chemicals that damage my hair and would love to donate it as originally planned . I’ve done some research but can’t seem to find any concrete information of where to go or what to do once arriving in Santigo in order to ensure my hair is donated to charity for use by those in need. Any ideas or recommendations??

Speaking as a "baldy" these problems worry me deeply I had thought of offering my beard but then I need that to hide me crumbs in for accompanying my gruel on the morrow! Oh what saintly thoughts! Besides which I shave my skull anyways as I tell the uninitiated I am a descendant of the people of the chosen skull.

Yours aye

The Malingerer

 

[henrythedog]

You claim to be bald, yet it’s obvious to all that you’re covered in purple and yellow fur from head to toe.

 

[gloria lowe]

My hair before and after my 1st Camino in 2014. Donated for kids with cancer. Camino was too hot to carry all that hair!

 

[jgiesbrecht]

Just a heads up, please do not ever donate to locks of love. (I have donated once to them when I had my first real hair cut). They actually charge their patients for the wigs. I was so disappointed to learn that.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Just a heads up, please do not ever donate to locks of love. (I have donated once to them when I had my first real hair cut). They actually charge their patients for the wigs. I was so disappointed to learn that.

A concern, such as you have mentioned, is important when deciding on supporting a charitable organization. It can also be difficult to determine the validity of both negative and positive comments and concerns. The concern you have stated about Locks of Love has been around for a while, and when examined has been found to largely be based on incorrect information.

These links may help.

FACT CHECK: Does Locks of Love Sell Donated Hair?

Claims that Locks of Love sells most donated hair for profit and charges exorbitant amounts of money for wigs are based on a misunderstanding of the charity's procedures and functions.

www.snopes.com

VERIFY: Is Locks of Love charging recipients for hair that’s been donated?

Is Locks of Love charging recipients for hair that's been donated?

www.wusa9.com

Locks of Love Charges Some Recipients for Wigs-Truth! & Fiction!

Locks of Love Charges Some Recipients for Wigs-Truth! & Fiction! Summary of eRumor: Locks of Love charges recipients for wigs even though they're

www.truthorfiction.com

I've donated my hair to charity 4 times, but I probably never will again. Here's what you need to know if you want to do it.

Several charities have different missions and varying guidelines for you to follow before you send them your ponytail. We compare them all.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[Yosefatic]

I got a haircut before starting the journey and it was a great decision. It was as if I started my journey as a new person. I wonder who I'll be when I get to the end.

 

[Tincatinker]

Excuse me, may I ask you to share the continuation of the story? Which option did you choose for yourself? I have long beautiful hair that has never seen any chemicals on it.

@Kr4ftyKreationa has not visited the Forum since 27 August 2019. I doubt you'll get a response to your question.