From My Head to Hers- Maria’s Hair Donation Story

Winner of a Google Breakthrough in Technology Award, Maria Alvarez’s film “From My Head to Hers” documents the process of creating a Hair Replacement System from Wigs for Kids – from hair donor to recipient and everything in between.

Follow along as we meet Kenzie, who was diagnosed with Alopecia at 9 months old. She has lost all her hair, as Alopecia means the immune system attacks hair follicles, labeling them “invaders.” Kenzie, who loves doing hair but doesn’t have any of her own, has applied for a hairpiece from Wigs for Kids. She’s received a fitting for a custom cap that her wig will be created from and is now waiting for it to be created.

Meanwhile, Maria Alvarez, an aspiring filmmaker, decides to make a difference and document her experience. She cuts off 14 inches of her long locks, and devotes herself to visiting the facility in Italy where her hair will be transformed into a custom hairpiece made just for Kenzie.

Ms. Alvarez’s stunning film delves into the way the hairpiece manufacturer logs Kenzie’s desired hair color and texture, scalp color and other information to get the wig started. The film shows how an exact replica of Kenzie’s skull is created with 3D printing technology, and a biomedical polymer is developed to simulate the scalp. We see how donated ponytails get blended together and then individually inserted by hand to become Kenzie’s new hairpiece. Watch as Kenzie wears her hairpiece for the first time, and as her mom says she recognizes her daughter’s “happy face.”

Google has recognized this film for highlighting the use of technology to solve a problem and make the world a better place while aspiring to promote diversity in technology. We hope it helps you understand the process behind Wigs for Kids hairpieces – and the reason we continue to create these custom wigs for kids who need them.

Find out about how you can help other kids like Kenzie by donating your hair or making a financial contribution.