About Us

Our Story

Hair for Hope India was founded on June 19, 2013, by Premi Mathew to create awareness about hair donation—a concept that was virtually unknown in India at the time.

A wig made of natural hair is often too expensive for most people. Because chemotherapy itself is a significant financial burden, many patients view a wig as an unnecessary luxury, because it is often only needed for six months to a year. We believe a wig is more than a luxury; it provides the confidence to face society and the courage to fight the disease with dignity.

Inspired by a 6-Year-Old

The idea for Hair for Hope was sparked when Premi Mathew met Dylan (then 6), who was growing his hair out to donate to people in need. Despite pushback and teasing for being a boy with long hair, he stuck it out for two years until he could donate 16" of hair.

When he heard about Hair for Hope's first donation event, he was thrilled that "48 more people would have hair." Dylan’s single act of kindness helped define the core values that still guide us today: "No one is too young to make a difference, and no act of service is too small."

Growth beyond our wildest dreams  

What started as a single event in Kerala has grown into a massive movement across India and the UAE. Since our first wig donation in September 2013, the campaign has partnered with over 60 NGOs and clubs in 20 states, educating millions through press and TV coverage and saving countless ponytails from the bin.

The path has not always been easy. In the beginning, we personally worked to persuade wig makers to produce pieces at cost price, and we are forever grateful to the DM Foundation for volunteering to sponsor our first 30 wigs. Today, hair donation is a nationwide movement, and we continue to concentrate on spreading this mission across every corner of India.

Here's a summary of our growth in the first few years (up to 2023)

A TRULY GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT 

• No Funding: We are driven almost entirely by volunteer labor and donations, and strive for full transparency in the journey from donated hair to donated wig. Rest assured that anything you give to the cause makes a direct impact on a person in need
• Young Heroes: We have seen children as young as three join the cause, and children braving the summer heat and ridicule to grow their hair for patients.
• Motivated by Love: Many donors choose to go bald as a way to "avenge" cancer for a loved one, turning their grief into a gift of hope for others.
• Transparency: Like organ donation, hair donation must be protected from fraud. We work tirelessly to ensure every ponytail reaches a patient in need, while respecting the privacy of recipients who often prefer to remain out of the public eye.

Curious about who we are? Meet the team!