Hair We Share: Restoring Confidence, One Wig at a Time
For those experiencing medical hair loss, the impact extends beyond the physical—confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of identity can all be deeply affected. That’s where Hair We Share, a Long Island-based nonprofit, steps in to make a life-changing difference. With a mission to restore dignity and hope, Hair We Share provides custom, human-hair wigs free of charge to individuals battling conditions like alopecia, cancer, and other medical-related hair loss.
Founded in 2014 by Dean Riskin and Suzanne Chimera, this incredible organization relies on the generosity of hair donors, financial supporters, and corporate partnerships to continue its mission. Every wig created is carefully crafted to give recipients a sense of normalcy and comfort during their most challenging times.
Changing Lives, One Wig at a Time
Hair We Share operates on the belief that everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident, regardless of their medical circumstances. The organization takes donated ponytails and transforms them into high-quality wigs, customized to match each recipient’s natural hair as closely as possible.
Unlike for-profit wig manufacturers, Hair We Share doesn’t sell these wigs—they are gifted to children and adults who need them most. The organization works closely with hospitals, support groups, and other nonprofits to identify individuals in need, ensuring wigs reach the hands of those who truly require them.
“Our goal is to help people maintain their confidence and self-esteem during their most difficult times,” says Dean Riskin, CEO and co-founder. “A wig is more than just hair—it’s about identity, dignity, and a sense of normalcy.”
How You Can Help
Hair We Share depends on community support to keep its mission alive. There are several ways to make a difference:
1. Donate Hair
If you have 8 inches or more of healthy, unprocessed hair, you can become a donor. Your donation will be turned into a wig for someone facing medical hair loss.
2. Make a Financial Contribution
Each wig costs approximately $1450 to produce, and while hair donations are invaluable, financial support is equally crucial. Donations help cover the costs of processing, customizing, and delivering these wigs to recipients at no charge.
3. Sponsor a Wig
Through the Ponytail Tracking Program, donors can financially sponsor their own hair donation, allowing them to follow the journey of their ponytail as it is turned into a wig. This unique initiative adds a personal connection to the donation process.
4. Corporate & Community Support
Businesses, schools, and organizations can host fundraising events, organize hair-cutting drives, or become corporate sponsors to support Hair We Share’s ongoing efforts.
More Than Just a Wig
The impact of Hair We Share goes beyond simply providing wigs—it’s about empowering people to feel like themselves again. The organization has received countless testimonials from recipients who express immense gratitude for the confidence and emotional support they’ve regained.
“When people receive their wigs, they tell us they feel whole again,” shares Suzanne Chimera, co-founder of Hair We Share. “It’s not just about hair—it’s about restoring a part of themselves that illness or circumstances took away.”
Support Hair We Share at the Wave Wellness & Beauty Expo!
Hair We Share is proud to be a sponsor of the Wave Wellness & Beauty Expo, an exclusive event designed to explore the cutting-edge of beauty, wellness, and self-care. Join us on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Hilton in Melville, NY, from 12 PM – 6 PM, to learn more about our mission, meet our team, and discover how you can help make a difference.
Join the Mission Today
Hair We Share is fueled by compassion, generosity, and the belief that no one should have to face hair loss alone. Whether you donate hair, contribute financially, or spread the word, your support makes a real difference in the lives of those in need.
📢 Take action today! Visit hairweshare.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.
Together, we can help people regain their confidence, their dignity, and their smiles.
