Donate your ponytail

Why donate your hair?

Through the “Geknipt voor Haar” project, Pink Ribbon collects ponytails from people who voluntarily grow out their hair, have it cut, and donate it. Pink Ribbon sells the hair to Belgian wig makers.

The proceeds from the sale of the hair—which Pink Ribbon along with donations—go entirely toward the nonprofit’s projects focused on breast cancer awareness, prevention, early detection of breast cancer, psychosocial support for (former) patients and their loved ones, and scientific breast cancer research. So, by donating your hair, you are (indirectly) supporting breast cancer patients and helping to create a world with greater awareness to prevent cancer.

How do you go about it?

You can get your hair cut at any salon, or you can grab a pair of scissors and Pink Ribbon yourself a Pink Ribbon -style ponytail.

To be eligible to donate your hair, it must meet certain requirements :

1. Your ponytail is at least 35 cm long. The longer your hair, the more valuable the ponytail becomes.
2. Request your "Geknipt voor haar" envelope using the contact form at the bottom of this page.
3. Make sure your hair is freshly washed and completely dry.
4. Make a ponytail using two sturdy hair ties: one at the height where you want to cut your hair, and one about ten centimeters lower.
5. Just above the top elastic, cut off your ponytail.
6. Insert your ponytail into the donation envelope and tape closed.
7. Mail the envelope for free or drop it off at a Multipharma store.
8. Once we have received and processed your donation, you will receive a thank-you email.

Please note: It may take a little while for us to process your envelope request and/or donation and for you to receive a thank-you email. Be sure to check your spam folder as well.

Going to the hairdresser?

You can take her to any hair salon to get her hair cut, but at the bottom of this page, you’ll also find a map showing “Gekniptvoor haar” salons that are happy to participate in our project. This means they generally have donation envelopes available (you can also request one yourself) and/or sometimes offer a discount on the haircut. The latter, however, is at their own discretion and certainly isn’t always the case.

Ask your hairdresser to cut your ponytail according to the guidelines on the donation envelope. They can place your ponytail in a donation envelope and send it to Pink Ribbon for free. Or you can simply mail it yourself.

Join us as a hairdresser

Would you like to become a "Geknipt voor haar" hairstylist and be featured on our website? You can let us know by filling out the contact form below and request a large number of envelopes.

Frequently Asked Questions

View the answers to frequently asked questions here.

New: The "Geknipt voor Haar" Fund

Hair loss resulting from breast cancer treatment is life-altering. The additional costs associated with purchasing a wig or headscarf often don’t make this difficult time any easier. Because everyone deserves comfort and self-confidence during this struggle, Pink Ribbon is launching a brand-new initiative: the Geknipt voor Haar Fund.

Through this fund, we aim to provide patients with additional financial support when they need it most. The fund has a total annual budget of €50,000. This is made possible entirely thanks to your generous support: it is funded, on the one hand, by direct donations to the “ Pink Ribbon ” Fund (administered by the King Baudouin Foundation) and, on the other hand, by the proceeds from the annual sale of all donated ponytails to external wig makers.

What is the fund?

Pink Ribbon The statutory reimbursement you receive from the RIZIV (through your health insurance fund) doubles:

• An additional €180 for the purchase of a wig.

• An additional €120 for the purchase of a scarf or hat.

How do you apply for financial assistance?

We've kept the process as simple as possible so you can focus on your recovery:

1. Download the form.

2. Have it filled out: Take the form to the social services department at your breast clinic and have them fill in the necessary information.

3. Submit it: Send us the completed document following the instructions on the form.

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