Hair We Share

What Hair We Share does

Hair We Share is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2014 and headquartered in Jericho, New York, that provides custom human hair wigs at no cost to children and adults in the United States experiencing medical hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, chemotherapy, burns, and other conditions. The organization operates an inventory-based wig matching system — rather than building each wig from scratch per recipient — selecting from existing stock by age, natural hair color, preferred length, texture, and one of four cap sizes (XS, S, M, L) to deliver wigs to recipients in days to a week. Wigs are produced through a partnership with a professional factory that performs hand-tying and construction, including cuticle alignment, hackling, measuring, bundling, washing, sanitization, and tressing; each finished wig requires 5–9 donated ponytails and 40–60 hours of skilled hand-tying labor, with an all-inclusive production cost of approximately $1,500.

The business model is donation-funded rather than commercial: recipients pay nothing, while revenue (such as it is) is generated through a combination of hair ponytail donations (minimum 12 inches, or 8 inches if sponsored via the $150 Ponytail Tracking Program), financial contributions across $20–$1,500 tiers, corporate sponsorships, salon fundraising through the United Salons of America network, and an annual gala. Distribution occurs through two primary channels: direct mail shipping nationwide following an online application reviewed by the board within five business days, and physical Wig Bank locations embedded in partner healthcare organizations such as CancerCare (Deer Park, NY) and Nassau University Medical Center, where 100 raw wigs are shipped per site and styled locally.

Name

Hair We Share

Legal name

Hair We Share, Inc.

Website

https://hairweshare.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Hair We Share is a Long Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 that provides free custom human hair wigs to children and adults across all 50 U.S. states experiencing medical hair loss, funded by donated ponytails, financial contributions, and a 150+ salon partner network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Medical Wig Donation Services

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Hair Extensions, Wigs & Hairpieces (CRABABAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Hair & Wig Replacement Systems (Hairpieces/Toupees) (HSALAAAK)

Keywords

• Medical wig donations
• Human hair wigs
• Nonprofit fundraising programs
• Hair donation program
• Cancer support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Jericho

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hair Donations: Donors contribute human hair ponytails (minimum 12 inches) which form the raw material for wig production. Hair is donated free of charge but requires $150 per ponytail for processing costs.
2. Financial Donations: Monetary contributions from individuals supporting wig production and distribution. Includes one-time and recurring donations via website, Venmo, PayPal, and check. Designated amounts: $20 (hair preparation), $50 (wig-making materials), $100 (ponytail sponsorship progress), $150 (full ponytail sponsorship), $500 (wig construction portion), $1,500 (complete wig).
3. Ponytail Tracking Program: $150 contribution bundled with hair donation that covers processing costs and provides tracking updates, certificate, and t-shirt to donors.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Business partnerships including event sponsorships, cause-marketing campaigns, product donations, and workplace giving programs. Includes Annual Gala sponsorship.
5. Fundraising Events: Annual fundraising gala, community events, salon fundraiser events (cut-a-thons), and partner events that raise funds for wig production.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Hair We Share provides free custom human hair wigs to individuals in the United States experiencing medical hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, chemotherapy, and other conditions. The organization collects donated human hair ponytails (minimum 12 inches) and financial contributions from individuals, salons, and corporate sponsors, then converts those donations into matched, ready-to-customize wigs that are delivered at no cost to recipients via direct mail or through Wig Bank locations at partner cancer centers.

Product overview

Hair We Share operates as a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of programs centered on providing free, custom-made human hair wigs to individuals experiencing medical hair loss. The core service is the Wig Donation Program, which provides wigs at no cost to children and adults. Supporting programs include the Ponytail Tracking Program ($150 sponsorship with tracking updates), the Wig Bank Program (placing wigs at cancer centers), and the Hair Donation Program (accepting 12+ inch ponytail donations). The United Salons of America sub-brand (launched 2024) mobilizes salons nationwide for fundraising and awareness. Additional offerings include Group Donation drives, the Annual Fundraising Gala, Corporate Sponsorships, Financial Donation options, and Social Media Fundraising campaigns. The organization partners with CancerCare and operates Wig Banks across the United States, with primary focus on Long Island communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wig Donation Program Hair We Share's primary service providing free, custom-matched human hair wigs to individuals experiencing medical hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, chemotherapy, and other conditions. Wigs are matched by age, color, length, texture, and cap size, and provided at no cost to children and adults nationwide.
• Hair Donation Program Accepts donations of human hair ponytails (minimum 12 inches, or 8 inches with Ponytail Tracking participation). Accepts dyed, natural-colored, permed, straightened, and gray hair; bleached hair is not accepted. Provides the raw material for wig production.
• Ponytail Tracking Program A $150 donation program that allows hair donors to track their ponytail's journey from donation through wig creation. Participants receive photo updates of the completed wig, a certificate, and an "I Made the Cut" t-shirt, and the donation covers manufacturing costs.
• Wig Bank Program Places ready-to-customize wigs directly inside cancer centers and partner healthcare organizations (including CancerCare Deer Park, NY and Nassau University Medical Center), allowing patients to receive wigs immediately at the point of treatment. Each Wig Bank receives shipments of 100 raw wigs, styled locally by partner salons or beauty school students before distribution.
• Group Donation Program Enables schools, salons, and community groups to organize hair donation drives and fundraisers. Combines hair collection with financial contributions to cover wig manufacturing expenses.
• Financial Donation Program Monetary contributions program to cover wig production costs. Designated donation levels include $20 (hair preparation), $50 (wig-making materials), $100 (ponytail sponsorship progress), $150 (full ponytail sponsorship), $500 (wig construction portion), and $1,500 (complete wig). Accepts one-time and recurring donations via website, Venmo, PayPal, and check.
• United Salons of America A nationwide network of salons and beauty professionals launched in 2024 to support Hair We Share's mission. Established 150+ salon partnerships; participating salons host fundraisers, collect hair donations, and provide styling services for wig customization, with annual April fundraisers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 30,000 ponytail donations collected since 2014
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• CancerCarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Hair We Share and CancerCare launched a Wig Bank with ribbon-cutting ceremony at CancerCare's Deer Park, NY location on October 29, 2025. The Wig Bank provides free wigs to individuals experiencing medical hair loss. Lindenhurst Cosmetology students style wigs using Moroccan Oil products, emphasizing community collaboration and empathy. Ongoing community events are planned at the location.
• Wave Wellness & Beauty ExposupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 September 2025Chose Hair We Share as beneficiary of their 2025 event proceeds. A portion of ticket sales from the September 21, 2025 event at the Hilton in Melville, NY goes directly toward funding Hair We Share's mission. Event brings together wellness and beauty industry for a cause-focused expo.
• United Salons of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative launched in 2024 by Hair We Share Co-Founders Dean Riskin and Suzanne Chimera in collaboration with Jo Marie as Chairperson. United Salons of America unites salons, schools, and stylists nationwide to support Hair We Share's mission. The program has established 150+ salon partnerships and holds annual April fundraisers. Participating salons host fundraising events, collect hair donations, and provide styling services.
• Life's WORCsupportingOthersDevelopmentally disabled adults from Life's WORC participate in vocational training at Hair We Share, learning real-world job skills while contributing to operations. Volunteers help prepare completed wigs for shipment to Wig Banks, participating in sorting, inventory, and photography as part of their life-skills and job-training experience.
• Women's ConnectionsupportingOthersMailroom volunteers from Women's Connection, a member-led nonprofit for women 50+, help process incoming ponytail donations. The group supports ensuring every donation is handled with respect from the moment it reaches the organization's door.
• Moroccan OilsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional beauty brand that donated professional-grade dye, including blonde dye, to help Hair We Share address a shortage of blonde wigs for recipients. Brand also provided educator to demonstrate professional wig-coloring techniques to volunteers and stylists.
• VerizonsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted an employee volunteer day bringing hands-on help and energy to Hair We Share's workspace, helping move projects forward that directly support wig recipients.
• Granite TelecommunicationssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerIncludes Hair We Share in their annual 'Saving by Shaving' event which raises funds for childhood cancer. Collects ponytails, sponsors them, and sends them in beautifully organized batches, providing a huge help to the production process.
• Pechanga Resort CasinosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted their 'Mane Campaign' where participants cut their ponytails and sponsored them, ensuring every donation could be processed into a wig. Their event brought awareness, funding, and beautifully prepared ponytails into the program.
• BBI (Wet Brush, Goody, Ouidad, Bio Ionic)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports Hair We Share events and donates products including hair care tools that directly benefit recipients. Brands help provide high-quality tools and care items that make wig maintenance easier and more empowering for people receiving wigs.
• Beauty Affair LI MagazinesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPrestigious Long Island publication featured the partnership between United Salons of America and Hair We Share, highlighting community impact and the beauty industry's dedication to meaningful change. Feature included quotes from Suzanne Chimera and Jo Marie, showcasing the initiative to readers.
• Lindenhurst Cosmetology StudentssupportingOthersStudents volunteer their styling skills for Wig Banks in their local community, preparing wigs for distribution to patients at partner healthcare locations. Their community service partnership includes hands-on training while supporting the mission.
• Nassau University Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner location for Wig Bank distribution, providing wigs directly to patients at the medical center.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• CancerCare: National nonprofit providing free professional support services to people affected by cancer, including hosting Hair We Share's Wig Bank. A natural partner/overlap as it also touches wig-distribution for cancer patients within a broader psychosocial support suite.
• Pantene Beautiful Lengths: Brand-operated hair donation program (historically partnered with American Cancer Society) accepting ponytails to fund free wigs. Comparable on supply-side hair donation funnel, though embedded inside a consumer brand rather than run as a dedicated charity.
• Hair Club (HC Holding Corporation): For-profit commercial provider of hair restoration solutions, including custom hair systems, serving medical and non-medical customers. Differs on funding model (paid service) but adjacent on the wig/hair-system customer category.
• American Cancer Society (TLC Direct): Large healthcare nonprofit that distributes free/low-cost wigs through its TLC catalog and Road to Recovery program. Overlaps on serving cancer patients with wigs, but as part of a much broader cancer-support portfolio rather than as a wig-specialist nonprofit.

Direct peers

• Wigs for Kids: Nonprofit providing free wigs to children who have lost their hair due to medical conditions. Closely mirrors Hair We Share's child-focused free wig model, salon-network fundraising (cut-a-thons), and hair donation processing requirements.
• Wigs & Wishes by Meridith: Nonprofit providing free wigs to cancer patients with national reach, combining wig distribution with wish-granting. Comparable both on the free-wig mission and on donor engagement tied to medical hair loss communities.
• Locks of Love: Nonprofit that provides free hairpieces primarily to children with medical hair loss. Directly comparable to Hair We Share on mission (free wigs to medical hair loss patients), funding model (donated ponytails + financial contributions), and recipient base.
• Lolly's Locks: Nonprofit providing free, high-quality wigs to financially disadvantaged women and children with medical hair loss. Directly comparable in providing free human-hair wigs reliant on donated hair and corporate sponsorship.

Others

• Wig Concepts / Henry Margu / Noriko (manufacturers): Commercial wig manufacturers and distributors in the broader human-hair and synthetic wig industry. Relevant as supplier-adjacent comparables that define production norms and pricing benchmarks Hair We Share operates against when sourcing production.

Regional players

• Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan: Michigan-based nonprofit providing free wigs to children with medical hair loss, with full salon services for wig fitting and styling. Highly comparable service model, but focused regionally on Michigan while Hair We Share serves nationwide.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HairWeShare
• Facebookfacebook.com/hairweshare
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/abo

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hair We Share