June, 2022
San Diego, CA
Twelve-year-old Ian Rhee, soon to be a student at Pacific Trails Middle School, recently cut his hair and donated it to Wigs for Kids, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to children experiencing medical hair loss. Ian had been growing his hair for more than two years after deciding to make the donation.
According to Wigs for Kids, donated hair must be at least 12 inches long, but they encourage donors to grow it to 14 inches or more to have the greatest impact for a child in need.
Ian’s inspiration came from close to home. Both of his grandmothers battled cancer within the past decade. He learned that chemotherapy caused them to lose their hair, which deeply affected them emotionally and socially. This understanding sparked Ian’s determination to help children going through similar challenges.
“I told my parents, teachers, and friends about my plan,” Ian said. “Some were surprised, but most were very supportive of my journey.”
For a teenage boy, growing long hair can come with unique challenges. Physical activities can make hair care more difficult, and some people may question the decision without understanding the cause. Yet Ian stayed committed, taking good care of his hair to meet the donation requirements.
Hair donations play an important role in creating wigs for cancer patients, helping them regain self-confidence and feel more comfortable in a society where appearance often matters. Donating hair, however, is not as simple as it sounds—it must meet length and quality standards. More information on the process can be found at cancer.net, Locks of Love, and Wigs for Kids.
Interview with Ian Rhee
1. What inspired you to donate your hair?
Ian: A few years ago, I learned that my grandmother had cervical cancer and lost her hair from chemotherapy. More recently, my other grandmother had breast cancer and also lost her hair. They both went through a very difficult time socially and emotionally. I wanted to do something for them—or for someone like them. That’s where it all started.
2. Did you have a specific recipient in mind?
Ian: When I thought about donating hair, I thought about kids with cancer. They all deserve to grow up with self-esteem and self-confidence.
3. How did your family, friends, and teachers react?
Ian: Many people told me it would be hard and take a long time, but they were all very supportive.
4. How long did it take to grow your hair?
Ian: More than two years. I realized it’s not just about length—you have to take good care of it. My parents probably weren’t thrilled about the amount of shampoo and conditioner I used. (laughs)
5. What do you think would motivate more people to donate hair?
Ian: A supportive mindset is most important. We shouldn’t scare people by focusing on the difficulties. I wish there were an organization that not only receives donations but also supports donors along the way, maybe even providing good hair care products.
6. Any message you’d like to share?
Ian: We don’t usually appreciate our hair because it grows so quickly. But we should remember that someone else might appreciate it much more. Your hair will grow back.