Semi-hidden solidarity: The “Wig Bank” where you can donate your hair for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

ROME – There are cases, almost unknown, of companies that play a role of solidarity, which we could define as “silent”, towards some categories of people affected by a hardship, such as that of hair loss, caused by a natural process or by pathologies skin specifics. There Tricostarc, a company founded by Giusi Giambertone, thanks to her experience in the field of trichological resolution of problems relating to hair loss, of a dermatological or oncological nature, knows well the discomforts of those who are faced with chemotherapy treatments or a dermatological pathology. It is worth remembering that trichology is the branch of dermatology that studies the anatomy, physiology and pathology of hair and body hair. The company, therefore, is very committed to supporting all that group of people who do not have the financial means to bear the costs of the necessary trichological solutions. Based on the current model of sharing economy there Tricostarc he founded the Tricostarc Onlus (the Wig bank) and, together with the Prometheus Foundation ONLUShas set up a series of initiatives aimed at promoting and supporting the “right to beauty” for everyone.

“Project Smile”, The “Wig Bank”. Health is not just the absence of disease, but the state of complete physical, psychological and social well-being. That’s how he called itWorld Health Organization. The goal of Tricostarc Onlus is precisely to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from trichological pathologies. The Project was born in 2009 Hair Smiledesigned by Tricostarc Onlus and supported by Tricostarc and the Prometeus Onlus Foundation in the oncological field. A solidarity project through which it is possible to donate one’s hair which will be used to make wigs and post-therapy reconstructions of the hair for cancer patients at the sole cost of processing. Tricostarc and the Prometeus Onlus Foundation established the “Wig Bank”a true chain of solidarity through which wigs, donated by women who no longer need them, are made available free of charge to other women who need them and who cannot afford them for economic reasons.

A symbolic bond of solidarity. THE Hair Smile Europe project has given voice to the needs of patients who suffer permanent hair loss due to dermatological diseases or in any case not due to chemotherapy. Often these patients undergo a bare head that can last a lifetime, with an important emotional and economic commitment to “mimic themselves” with a real hair prosthesis that allows them to continue their family, professional and relational life in general. Those who donate hair have the opportunity to leave a thought, a “smiley” for the person who will receive that gift, thus creating the symbolic bond of solidarity.

How to Donate Hair. Donating your hair is very simple, just observe a few small precautions, especially during their collection:
– Hair must be at least 40cm long (25cm for white or graying hair) in order to guarantee its use.

– curly or wavy hair should be measured natural without straightening it

– the hair can be of any type (fine, thick, dyed, mixed, with lightening, etc…) but it is important that it has NEVER been treated with henna (in this case you need to wait for the total regrowth of the hair to be able to donate it ) never mix them with those of another donor, deliver them well cleaned, dried and well tied at the ends with rubber bands. (It is very important to dry the hair well before sending it as it tends to intertwine, harden, get damaged and mouldy).

How to proceed for the cut. They can be cut by your trusted hairdresser who can proceed by dividing the head into 6 sectors, thus gathering the hair into small tails by length which will be cut just above the elastic. At this point it is sufficient to enclose them in an envelope without forgetting to accompany them with your dedication (the “Smile”) addressed to the person who will receive them, specifying your email (only one email and clearly legible) so that he can write to you to thank you for made her smile back.

Useful addresses. The hair can be sent either directly to Tricostarc, in Viale Libia 38 00199 Rome, or to the Prometeus Onlus Foundation (you will find the address by clicking here: www.fondazioneprometeus.it/contatti).
Tricostarc and the Prometeus Onlus Foundation established the “Banca della Parrucca” in 2012, a true chain of solidarity through which wigs, donated by women who no longer need them, are made available free of charge to other women who need them and that for economic reasons they cannot afford them.