RHS math teachers Krystina Occhicone, left, with Courtney Iszczyszyn and Monica Housen all donated hair.
Some 23 donors offered their hair to make wigs for cancer victims in the first Ridgefield High School Hair to Share event.
The event, sponsored by the National Honor Society, was at the Rec Center on March 4.
Members of the honor society arrived early to set up and await five hair stylists representing three local salons — Adam Broderick, Ciao Bella, and Cut Loose — which donated their time.
The public was invited to donate a minimum of eight inches of hair to be shipped to Beautiful Lengths, a collaborative effort of Pantene and the National Cancer Society, to make wigs for women who have lost their hair from chemotherapy. These wigs are offered free of charge.
“My prediction was 15 people would donate,” said Theresa Fischer, National Honor Society adviser. “The fact that more people came out for this first time event says a lot about the dedication of the community to service projects like this.”
Monica Housen, a teacher at RHS and adviser to Hair to Share, said, “It takes between eight and 12 ponytails to make one real-hair wig, so the 23 donations we got will contribute to making two or three wigs. It’s a great service.”
Ms. Housen explained that hair of similar texture and color is chosen for one wig, then dyed for a smooth and unified look. This is why chemically treated and gray hair cannot be made into wigs; it does not hold the dye the same way that other hair does.
Esther Kim, RHS class of 2014, said organizing the event was challenging but, “Everything was worth it in the end. We all had fun at the event, seeing all the hard work pay off when people came in to donate their hair.”
“We couldn’t have done it without Esther,” Ms. Housen said. “She was instrumental in designing the publicity flyer, spreading the word on social media, and gathering the other NHS students to make posters, buy snacks, and otherwise organize the event. She was the student leader of this project, the liaison between the advisers and students.”
The first hair donation didn’t actually take place at the Recreation Center. Ms. Housen said she received an e-mail from a parent whose daughter, five-year-old Abigail Black, wanted to contribute, but could not participate on that day. “She got her hair cut before the event, and brought her beautiful hair braid to the high school as the first donation.
“Another parent e-mailed to say that his daughter was counting the days to our event, and couldn’t wait to help make a difference for someone in need of a wig,” she added. “So many charities ask for money. We thought it would be much more symbolic for people to literally give a piece of themselves to help someone else. It was really touching to see how many people are willing to do that, and support this cause.” Many students who helped organize the event enjoyed the spirit of the afternoon and decided to donate that day. Ms. Kim and Ms. Housen also contributed, each donating at least 10 inches of hair. “It was definitely nerve-racking,” said Ms. Kim. “But at the end of the day, hair is hair, it will always grow back.”
“Hair to Share would like to thank Adam Broderick, Ciao Bella and Cut Loose for dedicating their time. We want to especially thank the donors,” Ms. Kim said. “Without them, Hair to Share would not have been such a great success!”