Helping Children With Hair Loss

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

One of my most vivid childhood memories is when a boy in my elementary school had to undergo chemotherapy treatments for cancer. When he finally returned to class cancer free but with a bald head, his best friend decided to buzz off his own hair as a show of support. Even at such a young age, the friend understood how difficult it is to be the only one without a full head of hair.

Flash-forward many years later, and I’m happy to report that haircare company TIGI, which also owns popular brands Bed Head and Catwalk, has partnered with a non-profit called Children with Hair Loss. CWHL provides annual customized hair replacements and styling services, at no cost, to anyone under the age of  21 with medically-related hair loss. The goal is to empower as many children as possible by increasing their self-confidence and restoring one aspect of normalcy during a time when things are anything but normal. So now when you purchase a TIGI product you can feel great knowing that not only are you taking care of your hair, you’re helping a child regain his.

Image: Child combing hair via Shutterstock.com

Poll: Should Mattel Mass Produce Bald Barbie Dolls?

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

A Facebook group dedicated to the creation of a “Beautiful and Bald Barbie” is campaigning for Mattel to mass produce hair-less Barbie dolls as  “a great coping mechanism for young girls dealing with hair loss themselves for a loved one,” whether from cancer or other autoimmune disorders.  Scarves and hats would be ideal accessories for the Bald Barbie.

Both DigitalJournal.com and the Huffington Post reported on the growing campaign, which has over 48,000 “likes,”  and a petition at Change.org has 1,478 signatures (just 122 votes away from its goal of 1,500).

In 2011, CBS New York reported that Mattel made a unique bald Barbie doll for 4-year-old Genesis Reyes, who sufferend hair loss from chemotherapy. Another Facebook group campaigning for a “Bald and Brave G.I. Joe” action figure currently has over 2,000 “likes.”

As a parent, do you think having a bald Barbie will be beneficial for young girls who have a difficult time understanding and accepting hair loss? Take our poll below.