On Friday, January 26th at 4:55am my grandmother, Edna Weninger, passed away. A wonderful woman that cared about everyone around her deeply and unconditionally. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago and though it had gotten under control the complications from the procedures left her with a weakened immune system and chronic lung infections. It was a hard last few years for her, so I'm glad she's now at peace.
I'd been growing out my hair for about 5 years, with the occasional trim, and decided to have it cut off and donated to the Canadian Cancer Society to make wigs for cancer patients. I figured I'd share the process here, although there's not much to it.
Hair's got to to be clean, so I took a shower before leaving the house. There's still a bit of curl to my hair, but this is a better indication of the length than if it were dry. Stretched it came down to about my belly button.
At the hair salon here. The stylist took a farewell picture of my hair before she got to work. I still hope my frizzy hair doesn't cause any problems in the wig making procedures.
The stylist tied up my hair inter several ponytails. I believe there were 8 in all, enough for 2 wigs. I always had thick hair, so there was plenty to work with.
And the comparison shot. I got my beard shaved off too. Kind of regret that, I think I looked pretty good with short hair and a beard, but I got it done with a straight razor which was kind of cool.
The donation, all ready to go and delivered to the CCS. Just had to have it collected in ponytails and bagged up before driving it down to one of their offices.
It's strange having short hair again for the first time in half a decade, but it's not too bad. Bit cold. I hope my donation goes on to help some people who are struggling like my grandma was. May she rest in peace.
I'm sorry for your loss. It's so nice of you donating your hair, I have nothing but respect for you !
You stand exactly the same on the before/after photos, it's really strange aha ! Was that intentional or not at all ?
Not intentional, but I have a habit of making the same poses for pictures constantly. I've got about 10 years of pictures where my smile is exactly the same :P
You chose a wonderful way to honor your grandmother's memory. Thank you for sharing this special experience. That is a big amount of hair to help someone who is struggling. And I have to say, your photographs remind me of the selfie contest I'm hosting this week. It's giving me the idea to do a "before" and "after" photo contest next time :)