Monday, February 13, 2006

Hair donation - mission accomplished

Last Friday saw the completion of a two-year mission: to grow my hair long enough to donate to a wig program for cancer patients.

This is the second time I've done this and it will be my last. Now, sadly, there is more and more grey hair. It normally takes me about two years to grow it long enough to donate. There is a lot more grey in it these days and since it is fine to start with, the grey is particularly brittle and weak - in other words, not so good for donating, since they process the hell out of it when they make wigs. So... another two years from now, there would just be too much grey to make it suitable for donating.

I decided that it's been five years of prepping, growing and donating and so, my service to humanity is done (at least in that regard). I went to see my stylist of about 7 years - Dave A. Richards of Deva Dave Salon and Boutique (
www.devadave.com) and told him he could put some colour in it.

In case you're wondering, hair for donations should be all natural - no colour, perm or other chemical treatment.

For the first time in half a decade, I had colour put in my hair! Deva Dave was about halfway through the highlighting process when it finally dawned on me to ask, "Umm.... sweetheart, what colour are we putting in?"

"Blonde!" He said.

"Er... what shade?" I asked.

"Oh don't worry! It'll be fabulous!" He said, with his usual glamorous flair.

And with that, I settled back and trusted he would be right. I realized that he'd kept me talking and laughing so hard that I was oblivious to the fact that he hadn't even run some ideas past me, most likely knowing that if he'd asked me, I'd never have opted for such a dramatic change as the result was! It's definitely blonde! It's been a few days and I'm starting to get used to it... And yes, he was right... As colour goes, he is a pro.

Here we are after all was said and done...

(He got it all lovely and straight... I'll never be able to do that, I'm sure!)

Today I mailed the 9-inch pony tail to the wig maker.

Now I just have to learn how to deal with this mess of blond-ish curls on top of my head!

If you're interested in more information on hair donations in Canada, check out the Canadian Cancer Society website.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

OH MY SARAH..
YOU DO look Fabulash!:0 )
I can see your face so much more now..HOT!
Deva

Turtle Guy said...

Absolutely stunning! Your eyes just POP! Beautiful.

Joyce said...

aww you look fab :)
i hope it went to a reputable agency... so many of those wig making places are a scam

Granny said...

Wow, look at you.

Such a lovely thing to do.

Backofpack said...

Your hair looks great! It's always a challenge to "reproduce the do" that the hairdresser gave you. You look very cute with it short. Now you'll have to change your profile picture.

Anvilcloud said...

You did a good thing. Can't think why they won't accept my offer though.

Amber said...

Love the new look!!!

Madcap said...

Oooh, BABY! I like it both ways, but as someone who lost hair in cancer treatments, I sure do appreciate people like you. Thanks for having such a generous heart. I hope you're happy with the new look too.

soap said...

I like short hair on women, and I agree that you look great -- and younger -- but what I really like... is your stylist! Talk about style! I love that guy. Great picture.

And what you did is really commendable. Getting your hair "painted" (as they say here in Greece) is the least reward you could give yourself. Bravo!

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Sarah,

You look great! What a great reward for yourself, for doing such an unselfish act!

Wonderful! Enjoy the new do!

Janice~

M A F said...

When you wrote blonde, I wasn't sure what to expect...let me say that your stylist did a fabulous job. That doo is really you!

Your donating hair is really cool by the way. A wonderful way to help others. I personally go for donating platelets.

Sorry to hear about your possible stress fracture. It might explain the slow rehab of your knee.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by the other day and for the comment you left about integrating running into other areas of life.

I started turning gray when I was 16, My daughters have never seen me with dark hair. I've cared for enough cancer patients in my congregation to know what a blessing the gift of your hair will be.

I've been reading for a while. My favorites have been your election day story and the one about your oven blowing up.

I don't require that my friends go to church.

ipodmomma said...

wonderful! I like the blonde and the new 'do is striking, and what a lovely thing to do for someone else...

very special gal you are, Miss Sarah!

zouzou said...

Woo hoo! Stunning dahlink Simply stunning. Say no more. I MUST see you in person