Locks of Love will host an event where students can snip away at a friend’s head of hair for more than just laughs but also for children who are in need.

Georgia Southern University’s Child Life Organization is hosting a Locks of Love event on March 28 at 6 p.m. in the School of Human Ecology building.

“Hair, mainly for girls, is something that makes us feel unique and beautiful. Donate your hair to let someone else feel beautiful,” Caroline Greene, president of Child Life Organization, said.

Locks of Love’s mission is to provide children under the age of 21 who are suffering from medical long-term hair loss with hairpieces that will return a sense of self to the children, Lauren Boothby, communications director for Locks of Love, said.

Lauren Amason, Child Life Organization’s volunteer coordinator, is helping to organize the event and is planning to donate her hair.

“It will be the week after Spring Break, time for a change. Come see the effect that cutting your hair can have for a child. It can change their lives,” Amason said.

Stylists from Bella Vita Hair Salon will be on site for the event to oversee the haircutting process.

“Jason Youngblood at Bella Vita has offered to come and oversee the cutting of the hair. They’re also offering free styles to people who donate their hair. You’ll get a free haircut, style and T-shirt,” Amason said.

“If you have someone you want to cut it—maybe someone close to you who is a cancer patient, cancer survivor or has alopecia—they can cut it for you,” Greene said. “It will make it more ceremonial or special.”

Alopecia is the loss of hair that has various causes such as damage to hair follicles or shafts and fungal infections.

“The finished products are custom-made prosthetics, not wigs,” Boothby said.

Each prosthetic will be designed specifically for the person in need and does not require glue or tape. A vacuum seal relieves children of the anxiety of having their hairpiece pulled off because the hairpieces can only be removed by the wearer of the prosthesis, according to the Locks of Love website.

The event is open to both students of GSU as well as the community of Statesboro. Both males and females are encouraged to donate their hair to Locks of Love.

Greene said, “Some people say they’ve never felt as free as when they donated their hair.”

For the full story, pick up Tuesday’s issue of The George-Anne.