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An act of love in a haircut
Two years of growth goes to a woman the donor doesn't even know
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| | | Julie Parmegiani proudly displays her donation and her new ‘do.’
Photo courtesy of Mary Ann Donovan (click for larger version) | |
November 04, 2009 | 02:34 PM
This summer, Julie Parmegiani of Setauket did something that seemed commonplace — but in fact was exceptional. Parmegiani made an appointment to have her hair cut. The appointment represented the end of a two-and-a-half year commitment to grow her hair. On Valentine's Day 2007, Parmegiani decided that instead of the traditional gifts of flowers and candy, she would pledge herself to an act of love. She signed on to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program created by Pantene and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. In doing so, Parmegiani did something truly meaningful for someone else. The Beautiful Lengths program encourages people to grow, cut and donate their hair to make free wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment.
Many Americans have an obsession with their hair. They spend a fortune on products to wash it, dry it, condition it, straighten it, curl it, flatten it, fluff it, dye it, highlight it, relax it, and more. They seek to wear it in the latest style or one that defines them. Judgments are sometimes made about people based simply on what they do or don't do with their hair.
Many men who are naturally bald choose not to wear a hairpiece. Indeed, many men with no hair loss choose to shave their heads as their choice of hair style. This is often true of athletes and entertainers. However, women who believe their hair is their "crowning glory" may also feel that female baldness is not socially acceptable. So, along with the dreaded diagnosis of cancer comes the realization that if chemotherapy is the recommended treatment, hair loss is often an inevitable side effect. Most women will choose to wear a wig while undergoing treatment.
Wigs that look natural are made with human hair. Unfortunately, there is only one source for human hair and that is another person. There are women who grow their hair to sell it to wigmakers. However, in order to provide free wigs, this program depends on the generosity of women such as Parmegiani. It takes great patience to grow hair to the required length of 12 inches. Long hair tends to tangle and requires extra care. When asked what the most difficult part of her commitment was, Parmegiani said it was drying her long hair, especially during the winter months. It was the gracious acceptance of what Parmegiani considered minor inconveniences that makes her act of love so special.
It was important that Parmegiani's hair be in the best possible condition when the Pantene program received it. James of Cactus Salon in St. James took special care to wash and deep-condition her hair before it was cut. A little over an hour after she arrived, Parmegiani left sporting a stylish hair cut and carrying the 12-inch ponytail ready to be mailed away in the package supplied by the program.
Despite the investment of time and "hair management" issues, Parmegiani is ready to start growing her hair again. When she thinks about what women go through in order to battle cancer, Parmegiani is ready to do whatever she can to help women with their fight.
For more information about the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program, call 800-945-7768 or visit www.beautifullengths.com online.
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