How I did it: After two years of waiting, my thick curly hair was finally down to the small of my back, and ready to be given away. I found a salon that was affiliated with locks of love, and let them go to work. They tied my hair in a pony tail, and cut just above the hair band.

I let the stylist do my hair however she wanted. She was really excited about that.

After my hair was cut and styled, I went to the front desk to pay. The lady beamed at me with a big grin on her face and announced "It's free for donating to locks of love!!"

I thanked the stylist for my wonderful new look, and walked out of the salon a new women.

Lessons & tips: Don't dye, bleach, or perm your hair. Some people are allergic to the chemicals used, so altered hair cannot be donated. You have to be willing to give up at least 10 inches of hair.

Also, I suggest letting the stylist pick the best new hair cut for you. They went to school to learn what style looks best on certain types of faces and frames, so let them put that knowledge to good use.

Resources: Great Clips is a member of the Locks of Love foundation

Nov 28, 2008, 09:07AM PST | 2 comments | 6 cheers