Cuts for the Coast – Yes, hair really soaks up the oil spill

The other day I was watching my local news (WAFB) when a story aired that looked at first to be a spoof. It seems that human hair can act as an absorbent for the Deep Horizon oil spill in the Gulf Coast. It wasn’t a joke. This method was actually used in 2006 during the Philippines oil spill.

When I was first diagnosed with Mr. Miyagi, I made a vow that I wouldn’t cut my hair and would let it grow as long as it was still intact. It grew. And it grew. Every once in a while I’d go through spurts where handfuls would fall out when I washed my hair, but it’s so thick that no one would notice (thank goodness). My hair grew past my shoulders, longer than it had been in decades.

Months later I still have a head full of hair, so I decided to call a local hair salon to see if they were collecting for the oil spill. I had been inspired by WAFB’s news story. Salon 360 in Zachary, LA was able to fit me in and my hair would be sent along to help with the coastal cleanup. So I did a very small thing – cutting my hair. This is just one of the many small ways to assist in helping an environmental disaster that may affect generations. Plus, it’s an all natural solution!

Here’s how you can help, be it with a hair cut or other ways:

Matter of Trust – Encourage your local hair salon to sign up and participate in donating hair clipping to make booms for oil spill cleanup. Take the entire family out for haircuts and know that even a small effort can make a big impact when a large number of people get involved.

Second Harvest – Learn how area food banks along the Gulf Coast are collecting to help families who will be affected by job loss and hardship due to the Deep Horizon oil rig explosion and spill. There is also information in assisting other communities affected by recent disasters.

Volunteer Louisiana – The official Louisiana volunteer site provides updates on how to submit your information for volunteer opportunities.

Oil Spill Volunteers – This website was started by Mississippi Gulf Coast residents who provide a resource for pairing groups with individuals wanting to volunteer. The website does not oversee volunteer activities, but acts as a matching site.

To Report Oiled Wildlife – Don’t attempt to clean oil wildlife yourself as you may do more harm than good. To report oiled wildlife, call 1-866-557-1401 and leave a message.

Get your hair cut for the Coast. It’s an easy way to help. Do you know of other resources to volunteer?