Have you ever wanted to…Chop all your hair off and donate it?

Although the comments have ranged from, “Why would you do that” to “Wow you look like your mom,” I’m glad I decided to give up my long locks.

According to the Locks of Love website, Locks of Love is an organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. The first time I donated ten inches of my hair, I was in 4th grade. I convinced myself I would NEVER EVER do it again.

Seven years later, I’m back to my super short do. With October just around the corner, I really wanted to donate my hair in honor of breast cancer awareness month. I didn’t really plan it out, but one Saturday afternoon I said, “Let’s just do it.”

Even though my decision was a spur of the moment type of deal, I knew what I was in for. I pulled back my long, curly hair into a ponytail and the next thing I knew, I was holding those ten inches in my hands. When I first saw myself in the mirror, I wanted to cry. I had no idea it would be so short.

The rest of the time I sat in the chair I kept repeating in my head, “It’s okay Hanna this is for a good cause.” Taking a deep breath, I walked out of the salon and headed home to show my family.  Although my mom barely recognized me and my brother couldn’t help but laugh, they were proud of the decision I made.

Even with their appreciation, I couldn’t stand having short hair again. I threw a complete fit when I couldn’t pull it back into a ponytail without chunks of hair falling out. Everyone told me I had to get used to short hair and it would grow on me, but I couldn’t get over how awful I thought it looked.

I’ve come to the conclusion that hair is hair. It grows. Even though I absolutely hated my hair at first but was too ashamed to admit it, I truly am glad I did it.

Hanna LeBuhn is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.