Local man donates his hair

On Friday at Maria’s Hair Styling, getting a haircut was a spectator sport.

Joseph Caplan entered the Henrico salon with more than two feet of hair but left with less than 10 inches. What happened? A donation to Locks of Love.

“I donate blood. I’m an organ donor. I’m fortunate to be healthy, so why not?” said Caplan, who will donate 18 inches of his hair.

The non-profit organization that Caplan is donating to, Locks of Love, provides hairpieces for children who are financially disadvantaged and suffering from longterm medical hair loss.

Caplan said he turned down two offers for his hair, including one for $500, in order to save it for a child he’s never even met.

“A hair company and a hair school wanted to buy my hair, but I said that that wasn’t my purpose,” he said. “These kids have lost their hair, so I’ll give mine. If I can grow it, I’ll donate it.”

This is the second time the Lake Gaston resident has donated his locks.

“It was three and a half years ago since the last time I cut it,” said Caplan. “Last time 10 inches were cut.”

Hair being donated has to be at least 10 inches from tip to tip and braided or in a ponytail before being cut. Caplan met those requirements with no problem. He hasn’t used heat on his hair in more than eight years, and split ends were at a minimum at best.

“I just wash and condition my hair,” he said. “Nothing different. I just use Pantene shampoo and conditioner.”

Responsible for chopping off a foot and a half of Caplan’s hair was Oma Maxwell.

“This is my first time cutting someone’s hair for Locks of Love,” she said. “It’s very exciting. When he said he was growing it out for Locks of Love, I said, ‘This is wonderful.’”

For the time being, Caplan’s hair is the gift that keeps on giving. He plans to grow it another three years and then donate it again.