Girl gives golden 'locks of love'

Beautician Dee Danner prepares to lop off almost a foot of hair that Nicole Smith donated to Locks of Love.

Once Nicole Smith heard about Locks of Love, she knew what she wanted to do with her perfect hair.

Nicole, the daughter of Kim and John Smith of Austin, had been growing her golden brown hair -- now long and flowing - since birth.

Last weekend, she visited beautician Dee Danner in Prospect Park and, soon, her flowing mane was almost 12 inches shorter.

"I wanted to help someone else," said Nicole, simply, in explaining why she was willing to give up a piece of herself.

Even with the donation, she still has shoulder-length hair. One immediate bonus is that it requires less tending and it's cooler in the hot summer weather.

Locks of Love is an international, non-profit organization that accepts donations of human hair to make wigs for children under the age of 18.

Hair must be at least 10 inches long and healthy. Its color doesn't matter.

Children who are in need of wigs as a result of cancer treatments, alopecia or other conditions apply to Locks of Love. Those who qualify for hair have their heads measured and a mold prepared, from which a wig is created.

Amanda Reisinger snapped these before and after photos of Nicole Smith as she donated about 11 1/2 inches of hair to Locks of Love.

Each child accepted by Locks of Love is eligible for up to five wigs, allowing for a suitable fit all the way through age 18. Each wig, if bought on its own, would cost $1,200 or more.

Many who learn of stories such as Nicole's are motivated to offer their own long hair in support of Locks of Love. The best way to begin that process is to visit the website: locksoflove.org. Area beauticians also have information about the organization.

Most of those who do donate never know what becomes of their contribution. That's by design; Locks of Love is committed to privacy and anonymity when it comes to both the donors and the recipients.