Pantene Beautiful Lengths

My hair is getting long, which is what happens when I get busy. The past year has been crazy and I kind of forgot about my hair and let it do its own thing. As my fellow curly-headed girls might understand, curly hair is probably most low maintenance when it is medium-long. Also, long is probably the way that I like it best: versatile and feminine, it suits my personality.

However, I am not one of those people that freaks out about getting their haircut, either. I don't mind mixing it up sometimes.

I recently heard about how Pantene has joined with the American Cancer Association and is taking hair donations to provide free wigs for women suffering from hair loss due to chemotherapy.
I know that there are a lot of organizations like this (Locks of Love, Children with Hair Loss, ect), but here is what I like about the Pantene Beautiful Lengths:

1. There are several organizations which provide wigs for children, but this one provides wigs for adult women. I have known several women who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy and were unable to afford a wig made out real hair. My mom anticipated losing hers when she started chemo (she was the only patient her doctor ever saw not to lose all of her hair on that particular type of chemo) and I know that it was an uncomfortable prospect for her to face.  Even though I think that it is wonderful that there are several large organizations which focus on providing wigs for children, I like that Pantene is focused on women specifically. I think that hair loss from chemo is especially sensitve for women who want to feel strong and beautiful while they are fighting cancer.

2. Beautiful Lengths accepts donations of 8", unlike many other hair donation companies which require 10" or 12". This makes it a little more feasible for some.

3. Beautiful Lengths has a good reputation for using donations and  is clear about the kind of condition hair needs to be in to be an acceptable donation. They don't want for someone make a donation that can't be used. Some similar organizations are not so squeaky clean when it comes to what happens with their product.

4. Cancer sucks. This is something easy that women can do to give back to other women who are going through something horrible. If you are reading this, I very sincerely hope that you never have to go through the Hell that is cancer. I hope you never have to have it affect you at all through anyone you care about. But the truth is, I've realized, that you never know who it will affect. I think that Pantene Beautiful Lengths is a unique way for women to help other women.


So you're probably wondering, "She's hyping it up so much, is she going to do this?"

Absolutely! Unfortunately, my hair is not in awesome condition at the moment due to its year-long neglect. I dyed my hair about a month ago which is taboo according the the guidelines. I will have to talk to my hairstylist about what do to about that.  I also need to work on getting more regular trims, and am planning to grow my bangs out a bit more before making the cut.  That's something also: if you want to do this, make sure your hair is in the right condition because otherwise your generous intentions could be for nothing. While it may take me a few months to get my hair in right condition to donate it, I am excited about doing this!

My point in writing this post is to make other women aware of what is going on with Pantene Beautiful Lengths and explain why I think it is special and unique. I don't want to pressure anyone, merely to encourage other long-haired girls out there to consider making a change and making someone's battle with cancer a little easier.

Here is a link to the site which includes the requirements and other info:
http://www.pantene.com/en-us/pantenebeautifullengths/details/beautiful-lengths-make-the-cut.aspx