ALEXANDRA: A SHORT CUT FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

Reader Alexandra decided to take the plunge and cut her hair - so that a child going through chemotherapy could benefit...

Alexandra says:
I found out about the Little Princess Trust after a girl in my school donated her hair to the charity and talked to us in assembly about how the charity make wigs for children who have lost their hair through chemotherapy for cancer. She explained what a big effect losing your hair can have on a child and how self-confidence can plummet as a result. I have had long hair ever since I can remember and have only ever trimmed it, never had a proper cut. I imagined how I would feel if I lost my hair to cancer and that's when O first considered cutting my hair to donate it.I told my mum and sister, and although Mum was initially upset because she loves my hair she agreed that it was a good thing to do in order to make another girl happy. My older sister Francesca also decided to donate her her - she is on the right in the picture above.

On the last day of school, I went up to London for an appointment at the hair salon Vidal Sassoon. I had checked beforehand on the Little Princess Trust website to see how much hair they needed and any specific requirements. Some charities will not accept hair that has been previously dyed, for example, or hair that has had a lot of products used on it over the years. When I arrived, they measured thirteen inches of hair and tied it with an elastic band, then cut above the band and put the hair into a small, plastic zip-lock bag. They then styled the rest of my hair and gave me a side fringe. While this was happening, I admit I got a little upset - even from a very young age, I have never liked having my hair cut. Afterwards, though, I was really happy, not just because I loved my new hair but because I knew someone else would be happy because of it all.

The man in the picture to the right was my hairdresser - he was Romanian and was spending a while in the UK to train as a hairdresser. He spoke little English, but told me it made him happy to see children willing to do this in order to help others. If you have ever considered cutting your hair to donate it to a charity such as the Little Princess Trust or Wigs For Kids, I can tell you it is a very positive thing to do. Each wig requires about fourteen ponytails to make, and so they do desperately need more people (like YOU!) to donate! Not only will it make a child somewhere very happy, it will make you happy too to know you have done something wonderful for somebody else. Be sure to check the charity websites first to make certain your hair fits their requirements, though! Overall, this is something I was very proud to do and to be honest I also love my new haircut much more than I thought I would!

Cathy says:
Wow... what an amazing thing to do! I love long hair, but Alexandra and Francesca have done a wonderful thing here - just awesome. Would YOU ever cut your hair for a charity? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!