Posted on July 08 2019
After seeing so many of our clients go through cancer and other issues, we know how heartbreaking it is to watch someone you love not just battle this disease, but also watch them lose a bit of themselves as they began to lose their hair.
We are often contacted by women who inquire about where to donate or find free wigs. We know how important it is to take back control over your appearance when undergoing chemotherapy, and not everyone has a the finances to purchase a wig. This is especially true for cancer patients that have hefty medical expenses.
How To Donate Wigs
There are many ways to donate gently used wigs. Here at Wigs.com, we donate to American Cancer Society wig banks. This organization has resource centers all across the nation, offering wig programs that offer free wigs to cancer patients as well as other cancer-related items such as educational guides, information for medical resources and comforting gifts.
To donate your wig to American Cancer Society, search for your location on their website. Then choose the program type "Wigs - free" in the drop-down menu.
Another great organization that takes donated wigs called EBeauty.com. After the wigs are donated, they are then restored and offered for free to women with cancer in the United States.
EBeauty's mission statement is such:
"To enhance and strengthen the education, charitable and community support network for women undergoing cancer treatments. EBeauty works to improve the quality of life of women undergoing chemotherapy treatments through the implementation of its Wig Exchange Program and Hospital Partnership Program. Our primary goal is to provide all women, regardless of economic status or geographic location, access to wigs."
If you wish to donate a wig, the process is quite simple. There is a form for you to fill out and include in the package, and the wig must be packaged in plastic bags and bubble mailers to help with the sorting process once it is received, along with a $20 donation to cover any sorting, cleaning, and shipment to the future recipient. As this is a tax-deductible donation, if you want a tax receipt, all you need to do is attach a note in the package with your email address. It's as simple as that.
Headquartered in DC, most of the drop off locations are in the North East (DC, Maryland, and Virginia); but they also have some drop-offs in California. And don't worry if you aren't located nearby. You can also mail in your wig to the address listed here and on their website:
EBeauty.com
1350 Eye St. NW
Suite P-100
Washington, DC 20005
ebeauty@ebeauty.com
Also included on their website in relation to mailing and donating wigs is this statement: "If you do not live near any of our current drop off locations, then do not hesitate to mail us your wigs. We are always here to take a wig for another woman in need. If you have any questions, please email Alex Brown at Alex@EBeauty.com."
More Ways To Donate Wigs
It's amazing that organizations like this exist, working to help the recovery process in a way that many people may forget is so critical. Here are some additional resources to which you can donate wigs:
CancerCare.org
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY10001
800‑813‑HOPE (4673)
info@cancercare.org
Accepts wig donations for women in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
TheWigExchange.org
The Beauty Bar & Salon
8 Bowman Ave
Port Chester NY 10573
914-412-4884
info@thewigexchange.org
You can also donate wigs to your local cancer center, cancer support group, or even oncology offices! So do a little research and find a location to donate near you.
When someone loses a part of themselves that has defined them for so long, they often feel like they are losing their identity - making recovery and fighting cancer even harder than before. When fighting a physical illness or disorder, it is imperative to take just as much care of the patient's mental state and outlook on the world as much as their physical healing.
More from Wigs.com
Shop:
Wigs for Cancer Patients
Medical Wigs
Read:
Wigs.com Stands Up to Cancer
Monofilament Wigs for Cancer Patients
The Best Wigs for Cancer Patients
Choosing A Wig Before Chemo
Have you ever donated a wig? Share your story in the comments below!
I have a lot of wigs to donate
Hi, Kari, I do have a wig to donate. It’s a high-quality brunette pageboy style wig made with human hair. It’s my twin’s that she wore when she was battling a rare blood cancer and is the one thing I could never let go of. I always knew one day I would be ready. She always, always lent a hand and went out of her way to help people. I decided today was the day I would start the process and have read the comments about how difficult it is to donate to the American Cancer Society, which is disappointing to say the least. I’d be happy to have it shampooed and have the ends trimmed before I send it. I’m also happy to send you a picture of it if you’re interested. My twin was so embarrassed when she lost her hair (although she rocked the super short look as well when it started growing back). I know she’d be happy if she could help you. 45 is way too young. Cindy C.
Kari K I have a couple that I would donate, please email me for details
Hi. To Carol S. and other ladies that have tried to donate wigs and were turned down: I think that’s sad anyone would turn down your offer to donate your wigs because there are people like myself who would be overjoyed to receive a free donated wig. I’m not a cancer patient and I do hope any cancer patient that needs a wig can get one free and I certainly would never want to try and get one for myself before a person suffering through chemo. However I am suffering from hair loss and as a 45 year old woman, its quite embarrassing. I would be so greatful to receive a donated wig If anyone has one.
This website (and the American Cancer Society website) was pretty much useless. Although you say that your central location is MD, DC, and VA, I typed in Washington DC and came up game show buzzer for where to donate a wig. Guess they’re going in the trash.
Hi Brenda!
We recommend finding a wig group on Facebook. There’s different kinds for trades, swaps, donations, and more.
- The Wig Experts
I just want to donate wigs I had hardly worn and new wigs but I haven’t found any thing here in Las Vegas could someone help me. I’m a 4 x cancer survivor and I know what they’re going just trying to help. Can afford the online wig place where u mail them your wigs and pay for them refreshing the wigs $20 for per wig with a person on fix can’t afford this. Need an answer please thanks 🤓
It’s really sad that ACS (at least in Illinois) is no longer accepting wig donations. My mom went through chemo years ago, and I know her wig cost an absolute fortune because I was with her when she purchased it. It’s sitting in it’s original box, and I’m sure there is someone out there that can use it, but I can’t seem to find a place that will take it. Has anyone found a place that helps cancer patients in Illinois that would accept a used wig as a donation?
Like others, our family’s looking to donate wigs, hats, etc. I contacted ACS & was told many locations no longer accept. He searched by my zip code, then w/in100 miles & then decided to check the state…GA locations no longer accept these items. I just want to say how kind & helpful this young man was-he didn’t stop when we learned ACS wasn’t the answer. He continued by listing other orgs we might try and suggested checking w/ local hospitals, hair salons, etc
I have brand new wigs never worn that I would like to donate.
Hi Anita,
That is good information – thank you for sharing!
- The Wig Experts
I called my local American Cancer Society in Chicago and was told they are not in the business of accepting used wigs. Suggested I contact a local hospital. I expected something a little more helpful!
Thanks for your advice back in August.
Hi Carol,
Try reaching out to your local/regional chapter of American Cancer Society if your town’s cancer center will not accept your donation.
- The Wig Experts
I have a lot of wigs some used but in good condition and some new that were never worn. I no longer need my wigs . I tried to give them away to the cancer place in my home town but was told they have their own place where they get them from , for their patients in need. What can I do as I know a lot of people out there are in need of free wigs as they cannot afford them because of high medical expenses.? I just want to help others like I was helped after my hair loss.
Thank you,
Sincerely , Mrs. Carol Shamgochian
Hi Debbie!
Each “chapter” or region of American Cancer Society has different rules for wig donation based on the frequency of donations, volume of wig donations they receive, the quality of donations, and more.
Thanks for commenting!
- The Wig Experts
Several years ago I was told by the American Cancer Society in my area (Sacramento) that they were no longer taking donated wigs. After years of donating to them I was quite surprised by this message, but you are telling us they do take wigs. I was donating the wigs that were either never worn or worn maybe once or twice. Can you please clarify.
Yes, I donated been 10 and 20 wigs I no longer wore. I gave them to a wig shop here in Boise and the owner cleaned and styled them and donated them to the cancer unit of a hospital here. I’m hoping that many women who couldn’t afford to buy one got them.