FInd out how we are marking Hair Loss Awareness Month during out 20th Year

This August, we are marking Hair Loss Awareness Month.

Here at The Little Princess Trust, hair loss is at the core of what we do – and has been for the last 20 years. Since the charity was born back in 2005, we have helped more than 19,000 children and young people experiencing hair loss.

We understand that for many children and young people, hair loss can be difficult to experience. Whilst there is no ‘correct’ way to deal with hair loss, many people find wigs can help with the transition of losing their hair and help to restore their confidence and identity. That’s why we provide real hair wigs to anyone experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment or other conditions, such as alopecia, up the age of 24.

“My wig’s given me so much confidence and it’s utterly amazing how it looks” - an LPT wig recipient

About hair loss and how LPT can help:

Hair loss due to cancer treatment is nearly always temporary. When undergoing treatment, hair loss doesn’t always happen immediately and most commonly occurs after the second or third session. When hair grows back, it can come back as a different colour, texture, or thickness to the hair that was lost.

Hair loss can happen to anyone at any age, not just people going through cancer treatment. Conditions such as alopecia, trichotillomania and tinea capitis can result in hair loss too. Hair loss can occur all across the body, not just the scalp. This includes eyelashes, eyebrows and arm and leg hair.

There is no ‘correct’ way to deal with hair loss – it is an incredibly personal journey that each person can deal with differently. Many people find cutting their hair shorter before losing their hair can help with the transition, whilst others may choose to shave and donate their hair to take control and send their locks to a good cause. Wigs and head coverings are also often used to help with the transition – and that’s why LPT are here to help!

We want our wigs to look and feel like the recipient’s natural hair and to be the closest replacement for the hair that has been lost. That’s why our wigs are made from real, donated hair, with lace caps that have been specially designed for children.

Our wigs are super versatile! Because they are made from real hair, this means they can be cut, styled, straightened, or curled just like natural hair. They can also be washed and dried and, when cared for, last a long time.

“You guys matched my exact colour and it’s much thicker than my real hair - I am in love!” - an LPT wig recipient

We also aim to make the process of receiving a wig as simple as possible. That’s why we have a network of 150 wig fitting salons across the UK to try and ensure there is a local salon for each of our recipients.

A parent of one of our wig recipients told us: “We contacted LPT and within about 4 days she had her wig”.

If you would like to request a wig or to get in contact with our Wig Referrals team, please click here.

We are also incredibly passionate about funding research into kinder and more effective treatments for childhood cancers. On the whole, research into childhood cancers is significantly underfunded compared to adult cancers – however we want to change this! As a charity, we aim to bring unity and collaboration to this sector to ensure research is as effective as possible and we are committed to this until there is no longer a need for what we do.

“Curing cancer isn’t an impossible dream – it just needs great research and perseverance” – Simon Tarplee, LPT Trustee and father to Hannah Tarplee

How can I help during Hair Loss Awareness Month?

Here at LPT, we are so grateful for all of our supporters who choose to help our mission of giving Hair and Hope. It is only thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters that we are able to help children and young people who are experiencing hair loss.

So, if you want to get involved and support us during Hair Loss Awareness Month this year, make sure you request your FREE Fundraising Pack and check out a few of our fun ideas below:

Donate your hair and fundraise
Donating your hair and fundraising is one of the most popular ways to support our mission! As it costs roughly £700 to provide one real hair wig, we are so grateful to receive any funds to help us continue to provide our wigs free of charge!

Funky Hair Funday
Now the summer holidays are in full swing, why not take part in a Funky Hair Funday to help raise funds for our mission? All you need to do is style your hair or head in a fun and funky way and collect sponsorship! Check out our free Funky Hair Funday packs here and get planning!

Take part in an event
If you want to get your running shoes and get active for LPT, we have a list of events you can take part in to help us continue our free wig provisions service and vital research mission. Whether you take on a marathon, 10k or any other event, make sure you get your LPT merch to let everyone know who you are supporting as you take on the challenge!

Bake sale
Embrace your creative side and try making some delicious bakes to sell to friends and family. Maybe you could make some purple inspired creations – but don’t forget your apron!

Car wash
Help out your friends, family and neighbours by offering to wash their cars for a donation for our mission! Make sure you let them know about who we are and what we do too, to help spread the word.

However you decide to support us, we are so incredibly grateful for everyone who gets involved. Without our supporters, none of this would be possible!