“Beauty isn’t defined by your hair”
Line’s story about donating her hair
I finally found the courage to donate all my hair, a process that has been a long time in the making. It all started with a thought I had about 6–7 years ago. Back then I had long hair, but I was fascinated by the short-haired style.
When I later decided to cut my hair into a “long bob,” I had added light highlights, which meant I couldn’t donate it – but I held on to the idea. One day I would have short hair and donate it. I can’t actually remember exactly how the idea of getting a very short “buzz cut” started, but it simply became something I had to do at some point when I had the courage.
Right now I’m on a gap year, and I knew it was now or never. I started thinking about it more and more, and eventually I felt like it was all I could think about. One day I texted my friend, “now is the time.” After that, we picked a day when a group of my friends got together. We put my hair into ponytails, cut it all off, and I sent it to Toftild.
I definitely recognize that people look at me more now that I only have about 6 mm of hair on my head.
My little brother even told me recently, when we were walking down the main street, that people were staring a lot. Of course I notice it too, but it doesn’t really affect me anymore. I actually feel that I’ve gained more confidence and feel more at ease with myself and who I am now.
It has definitely made me a stronger person because I dared to do it. It also helps that the response from friends, family, and people out in the nightlife has been positive. I’ve realized that there is a great deal of respect around donating your hair—more than I had actually expected—and that many people really want to do it as well.
I had prepared myself, as well as my friends and family, that I would probably regret it after a few days, but that day hasn’t come.
I think it’s because it was something I had been thinking about for such a long time that I realized it wasn’t as big a change for me as I had first imagined.
I loved it from the very beginning and still do now, one month later. That being said, it’s not because I don’t miss having long hair—sometimes I do—but then I remind myself that my hair serves a good purpose, and I know I did the right thing. I’m not sure yet how long I’ll keep it this short, but I have the choice whether I want long or short hair. By donating my hair to Toftild, I know I’m giving a helping hand and an opportunity for other girls and boys to have that same choice—to decide whether they want long or short hair.
I would like to end by encouraging everyone to keep donating their hair. You can absolutely be beautiful both without and with hair, but it’s also very much about helping others so they once again have the opportunity to choose what makes them feel most comfortable.
Kind regards,
Line
