Hair Donations Plummet 50% in Israel, Free Haircuts Offered to Encourage Contributions
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
An event in Kfar Saba on October 13 will offer free haircuts for hair donations to support cancer patients, as donations have fallen by 50% in Israel. The "Zechariah Menachem" association and Pantene create wigs from donated hair, which is crucial for patients dealing with treatment-related hair loss. Despite a decline, public participation has been seen in cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with the event aiming to further boost contributions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hair donations in Israel have decreased by approximately 50% over the past two years.
- An event in Kfar Saba on October 13 offers free haircuts for hair donations.
- Donated hair is used to create natural wigs for cancer patients free of charge.
- The "Zechariah Menachem" association and Pantene are behind the initiative.
- A minimum of 30 centimeters of hair is required for donation.
A special event called "A Braid of Strength" will be held on Tuesday, October 13, at the "Arim Mall" in Kfar Saba, offering free haircuts to anyone who donates at least 30 centimeters of their hair. The initiative aims to bolster hair donations for the "Zechariah Menachem" association and Pantene, which create natural hair wigs for cancer patients. This event comes amid a significant decline in hair donations across Israel, which have dropped by approximately 50% over the two years leading up to November 2025. The association reported that following the outbreak of the war, monthly donations fell from around 3,000 to just 1,500 by the end of 2023, a trend that continued.
Losing hair due to chemotherapy can be one of the most difficult aspects of cancer treatment, impacting self-esteem and identity. Natural hair wigs can help patients cope with these changes and feel more confident. The "A Braid of Strength" project collects hair to craft these custom wigs, which are provided to cancer patients free of charge. Each wig requires significant amounts of hair, making every donation crucial.
Despite the recent drop, public engagement with the initiative has been noted. In 2025, Jerusalem saw 1,393 hair donations, Tel Aviv had 679, and Haifa recorded 471. The event in Kfar Saba will feature volunteer hairdressers and will run from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. No prior appointment is necessary, and donors will receive a gift from Pantene. Even dyed hair can be donated, provided it meets the association's guidelines.