Hair donations for cancer patients drop 50% as nationwide campaign seeks donors with free haircuts

OCTOBER 30, 2026 13:00Amid a sharp decline of approximately 50% in hair donations to cancer patients in Israel, the public will take part in a joint effort to reverse this decline through a free haircut and the donation of long braids, as part of an event that took place earlier this month at the Azrieli Negev Mall in Beersheba.The decline is sparking concern as there remains an ongoing need for new wigs made from natural hair for patients who have lost their hair following chemotherapy treatments, according to data published as part of the "Braid of Strength" campaign.The campaign is run by the non-profit organization Zichron Menachem, sponsored by the Pantene Association.During the event, barbers reportedly volunteered to cut hair free of charge for anyone who donates a braid. There is no requirement to schedule an appointment or register beforehand, and donors will receive a gift from Pantene in appreciation for their donation.“Donating hair allows the public to take part in responding to this need,” said Beersheba and Negev News.Hair donation for cancer patients: Free haircut in Kfar Saba, October 13, 2026. (credit: Shira Revach)Donations halved since the war In late 2023, Zichron Menachem reported that monthly donations dropped from about 3,000 to about 1,500 after the outbreak of the war. In November 2025, it announced that hair donations to women with cancer had dropped by about 50% over the two years before the report.According to estimates by the Israel Cancer Association for 2026, approximately 34,000 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in Israel, which equals about 93 new patients per day.The preparation process reportedly allows the wigs to be tailored to the patients' personal characteristics, including length, color, and hair type. In order for hair to be used to make a wig, a donation of at least 30 centimeters in length is required, and dyed hair may also be suitable for donation, subject to the organization's guidelines.The hair drive was open to the general public, and professional hairdressers, including Haim Pitousi, Rami Lagaziel, Hagit Emakias, and ‘LICABRUSH’ (an Israeli haircare brand), volunteered their time to perform the haircuts, according to Beersheba and Negev News."We are proud to host an important initiative at the mall that connects the community with truly meaningful giving. Donating hair is a gesture that can make a big difference for women dealing with cancer," said Fanny Barbiebai, CEO of Azrieli Negev Mall.According to Beersheba and Negev News, Barbiebai invited the public to participate, "We invite the general public to come, take part in the activity and turn a small act of giving into great hope for someone else."Earlier drive in Kfar Saba The event in Beersheba followed another recent project at Arim Mall in Kfar Saba.Zichron Menachem’s guidelines applied the same at both events, whereby hair donations were required to be at least 30 centimeters long, there was no requirement to schedule an appointment or register beforehand, and donors also received a small gift for their donation.Arim Mall regularly hosts dedicated national hair drive events in collaboration with non-profits like Zichron Menachem. The donations derived from this project make wigs from natural hair, which are given free of charge to cancer patients, according to Tzomet Hasharon.“For many women dealing with cancer, hair loss following treatment is one of the most difficult changes in coping with the disease,” added Tzomet Hasharon.Beyond a change in appearance, hair loss may significantly affect a patient’s self-image, sense of confidence, and the ability to maintain a routine.“A wig made of natural hair, tailored to the patient's appearance and needs, may help cope with the change and allow her to feel more comfortable during treatment,” the statement added.Why natural-hair wigs matter Founded in 1990 by a couple who lost their child to leukemia, Zichron Menachem provides support for any young person in Israel under the age of 25 living with cancer, as well as their parents and siblings.“Families of all religions and backgrounds turn to Zichron Menachem for the help they need most, be it information, a second opinion from our “clinic of hope”, or a break from the punishing routine of medical appointments,” according to its website.Zichron Menachem said they work closely with Israel’s leading medical professionals, “who believe that no child can be treated comprehensively without the support we provide”.Additional data published by the organization in April 2026 reveals that in 2025, 1,393 hair donations were recorded in Jerusalem, 679 in Tel Aviv, and 471 in Haifa. "A braid of strength is not a slogan, but a real solution for women and girls dealing with cancer," said Haim Arental, Zichron Menachem chair and founder. "A wig made of natural hair restores something basic: a sense of identity and control. Every donation is significant and important."Follow us on Google