What is Ponytail Donation?

Ponytail donation is a life-changing way to help those experiencing medically induced hair loss by providing high-quality hair for wig-making.

Every year, at least 4,000 ponytails are needed to create enough wigs for people who have lost their hair due to conditions such as alopecia or cancer treatments.

Unfortunately, less than half that number of ponytails make their way to the right channels, making every donation incredibly valuable.

At The Cutting at Riverstone, we proudly partner with Sustainable Salons to ensure your ponytail is collected, sorted, and distributed to verified charities and wig-makers who create wigs for children and adults in need.

Why Choose Us

  • Supporting a Worthy Cause

    Your hair helps create wigs for individuals who have lost their hair due to medical conditions.

  • No Extra Postage or Hassle

    We handle the secure delivery of your ponytail to Sustainable Salons at no additional cost.

  • Specialised Haircuts for Donations

    Our hairdressers are trained in the correct technique to prepare and cut ponytails for donation.

  • Ethical & Verified Distribution

    Every ponytail goes to trusted charities and wig-makers who provide wigs to those in need.

  • Sustainable & Waste-Free

    Rather than ending up in landfill, your hair is repurposed for an important cause.

  • Celebrate Your Contribution

    We recognise and celebrate every donor who makes the generous choice to give back.

Testimonials

My ponytail donation was taken care of, they were beyond accommodating, and gave helpful guidance from start to finish.

Absolutely love these ladies they make you feel special and focus on your needs and I can’t recommend them more highly.

FAQs

The minimum length is 30cm, but 36cm or longer is preferred for children’s wigs.

Yes! Coloured and chemically processed hair is accepted and matched accordingly.

While you won’t receive tracking for your individual ponytail, Sustainable Salons ensures all donations reach verified charities and wig-makers.

For the best results, we recommend having your hair cut by one of our trained professionals to ensure proper preparation.

Hair grows approximately 1–1.5cm per month, so many donors return every few years to contribute again!

The Ponytail Donation Process

01

Consultation & Hair Preparation

Please arrive with clean dry hair free from product. We assess your hair length and type to ensure it meets donation requirements. We’ll also provide a quote so you know exactly what to expect.

02

Proper Sectioning & Tying

Hair is sectioned into multiple ponytails, secured with elastic bands to keep strands aligned.

03

Precision Cutting

Our trained stylists carefully cut the ponytail to meet Sustainable Salons’ standards.

04

Professional Haircut & Styling

After your donation, we shape and style your hair into a fresh new look.

05

Secure Delivery to Sustainable Salons

We send your ponytail directly to Sustainable Salons, ensuring it reaches the right hands.

06

Join the Cause & Inspire Others

You’ll receive information on where your donation goes and how it helps people in need.

Who Can Donate?

Ponytail donations are accepted from people of all ages, hair types, and colours, provided they meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum Length: 30cm (measured from the elastic band to the tip of the hair). High-grade ponytails (36cm or longer) are particularly valuable for children’s wigs.
  • Coloured & Processed Hair: Accepted and used in various ways, though virgin hair (uncoloured, untreated) is most valuable.
  • Curly Hair: Must meet the minimum length when pulled straight.
  • Layered Hair: Can be donated, but shorter strands under 20cm will be removed.
  • Hair Extensions: Only 100% human hair extensions are accepted (no clips, bonds, or tapes).

Ponytail Donation Pricing

$139

The price is $139 for 16 years and over or $99 for kids to 12 years old.

All hairdressers at our salon have been specially trained to cut ponytails for donation and can securely send your donation to Sustainable Salons on your behalf (no postage required!).

The process of preparing the hair to cut is more than that of preparing for a regular trim or haircut. You will need to arrive with your hair freshly shampooed, conditioned and dry.

Appointment Length

45-90 minutes

Photo Gallery

Where Do the Ponytails Go?

Once donated, your ponytail is sent to Sustainable Salons, where it is sorted and distributed to verified charities and wig-makers:

  • Charitable Organisations – Groups like Variety the Children’s Charity and the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation (AAAF) use donations to create wigs or fund life-changing programs.
  • Independent Wig-Makers – Local, verified wig-makers craft high-quality wigs for adults undergoing medical treatments.
  • Sustainable Salons Depot – Every ponytail is sorted by hand to ensure the right type reaches the right recipient, maximising its impact.

Sustainable Salons provides this service free of charge, ensuring that those in need receive the maximum benefit from every donation.

Ponytail donations

Learn More

Why hair donations matter
Ponytail donation vs synthetic wigs
Growing your hair for donation
What happens to your hair after your donate it
Who can donate hair
How to donate your ponytail