Grace Stephenson gives the gift of self-esteem as Wigs for Kids stylist
 

[November 26, 2024]    Since 1981, the non-profit organization Wigs for Kids has been helping children under 18 who have medical hair loss by providing them with wigs. Because these wigs are made from natural hair, the children who wear them often have increased self-esteem.

Verdant Salon and Suites owner Grace Stephenson recently became a Certified Service Provider and hair donation specialist. Stephenson is the only one in Central Illinois with this training.

To become certified, Stephenson said she had to do some online trainings and watch a few videos. She also had to fill out a checklist showing she knew the approach, what measurements to use and how to care for the wig.

There is a several step process involved in getting wigs for kids.

First, a parent or guardian must apply online for the child who needs a wig. As part of the process, they have to provide medical documentation and photos.

If approved, the recipient will receive approval of funding and sponsorship.

The recipient then visits the certified service provider to get measurements done using custom Wigs for Kids tools.

Those who donate the hair to make the wig must have long and natural hair that is healthy and unprocessed. Stephenson said those donating must have hair that is at least 12 inches long, though 14-16 inches long is even better. She said the donated hair must not be colored or permed. Gray hair is acceptable.

Before cutting the donor’s hair, Stephenson usually separates the hair into six ponytails tied with several rubber bands.

The hair must be checked by volunteers to make sure it meets the Wigs for Kids standards before it is sent off to be made into a wig. This hair will be sterilized in a chemical bath.

All the ponytails are gathered together to make a wig. A Wigs for Kids brochure says, “It takes 20 to 30 ponytails to make one hair piece.” Stephenson said the wigs for kids wigs are 100% natural/real hair and not a mix, which makes it easier to use an hot tools on them since you don’t have to worry about it melting.

Recipients can choose the length, part and color for the wig.

A wig cap must be created for each wig. The brochure says, every “recipient gets a specially designed cap.” This wig cap is specifically fitted to the size and shape of their head “making sure it stays in place for even our most active kids.”

To make the wig look natural, “hair is hand tied into the wig one strand a time.”

Once the wig is completed, it will be sent the recipient.

Stephenson said when the child receives the wig, she cuts it and teaches the child how to properly wash and then dry the wig. She said it is important to make sure the wig gets dry before being worn so no mold grows in it. There is no need to style the wig, since it is already styled.

Stephenson said the Wigs for Kids project is run by volunteers. Because recipients are not asked to pay for the wig, funding comes through donations and fundraising.

Recently, John Young of Young Dance, Inc. did a dance at the salon to help raise money for wigs. Stephenson said Young does many fundraisers around the area.

Sponsoring a child is another way to help Wigs for Kids, whether is through annual sponsorship, monthly pledges or a one-time gift.

Stephenson loves seeing the confidence level boosted when a child gets a wig.

Other resources:

www.wigsforkids.org
wigsforkids.org/sponsor-a-child

[Angela Reiners]