Carver High School celebrated the generosity of one of its students when Senior Rubi Cruz gave nearly two feet of her hair to Locks of Love.
Locks of Love works with hair donors to makes sustainable, high-quality wigs for people up to 21 years old who have lost their hair to medical circumstances, including alopecia, chemotherapy, and traumatic burn incidents. After learning about the program and the difference it makes in people's lives, Cruz felt spurred to action. She’s been growing out her hair since she was in eighth grade, but she didn’t hesitate to share it with someone who might need it more.
“Just the thought of helping somebody who doesn’t have any hair, it makes me feel really happy,” Cruz said. “It feels like I’m doing a really good thing.”
Staff at Carver agreed, and when Cruz set her heart on donating, they decided to make an occasion of it. On Thursday, over 100 seniors were invited to the school auditorium to see Cruz get her haircut in an event that also featured a performance by the marching band. School Counselor Michelle Hines says that the civic-minded attitude behind Cruz’ donation should serve as an inspiration to the entire student body.
“It was a decision she made to help someone in need who she doesn’t even know,” Hines said. “We want all of our students to be able to see the difference that one person can make.”
Having real hair from a donor makes a huge difference in the wig making process. Synthetic materials are less realistic and durable, and while real hair can be bought, it’s likely to be damaged from chemicals in various products. Nathaniel Jones of Nathaniel Jaye Beauty, who cut Cruz’ hair on Friday, says that much of the human hair on the market comes from international vendors who don’t guarantee quality. Working with a donor yields far better results.
“We know that this hair is completely healthy and that it will last a long time,” Jones said. “That’s important, because for most people, they have a strong emotional attachment to their hair.”
Jones has made wigs for medical reasons in the past, and he emphasized the impact those wigs can have on a patient’s worldview. Hair is an important point of pride when people think about their appearance, and suddenly losing it due to unforeseen circumstances can damage their sense of identity. Donors like Cruz don’t just give the beneficiaries of Locks of Love their hair – they give them a sense of confidence and normalcy that they may have otherwise lost.
“I’ve had clients with alopecia, clients who have lost their hair to chemo, and I’ve made wigs for them,” Jones said. “I’ve seen little girls get their wigs, and immediately, their whole demeanor changes.”