A Special Birthday for Willow

Willow is in the second grade and just celebrated her 8th birthday. In many ways, she is just like many kids her age: she loves to watch Bluey, go climbing, and spend time with her dog.

But unlike many girls her age, Willow has never had long hair.

Willow has Trichotillomania, a mental health condition that causes recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out one’s own hair from their scalp, eyebrows, or others areas of the body.

Willow shared that her short hair has caused confusion with others, stating, “Sometimes I get called a boy, and that’s hard.” Her family reached out to Wigs For Kids to help Willow gain the long hair she’s always wanted.

Through the Wigs For Kids Recipient Program, Willow received a hand-tied hairpiece made of donated, human hair and the products needed for its care and upkeep at no cost to her family.

Willow worked with hair stylist Grace Stephenson of Verdant Salon and Suites. Grace is a Certified Service Provider for Wigs For Kids. She has been trained and certified to work with children like Willow who are experiencing hair loss.

In their first visit, Grace measured Willow’s head to ensure the right fit for her hairpiece. Then, once the hairpiece arrived, Willow’s family returned to the salon to learn how to take care of her new, long hair.

Grace took the time to demonstrate proper care techniques for washing and styling.

Willow’s mother Jodie shared, “Willow is so happy!” and that she enjoys styling and accessorizing her new look.

Thanks to generous financial and ponytail donors, and stylists like Grace who donate their time, kids like Willow regain the opportunity to look themselves and live their lives.

If you are a stylist interested in helping our children, please click here for more information.

If you are interested in donating your hair, please click here for more information.

For recipient stories, please click here.

For more ways to support Wigs for Kids, please click here.