Hair donations for cancer patients drop 50% as nationwide campaign seeks donors with free haircuts

Hair donations for cancer patients in Israel have dropped by about 50% since late 2023. Non-profit Zichron Menachem, sponsored by Pantene, is running the 'Braid of Strength' campaign with free haircut events at malls in Beersheba and Kfar Saba, where donors give at least 30 cm of hair and receive a gift. The Israel Cancer Association estimates 34,000 new cancer cases in 2026.

Hair donations for cancer patients in Israel have dropped by approximately 50%, prompting a nationwide campaign by the non-profit Zichron Menachem, sponsored by Pantene. The 'Braid of Strength' campaign held free haircut events at the Azrieli Negev Mall in Beersheba and at Arim Mall in Kfar Saba, where barbers volunteered to cut hair for anyone donating a braid of at least 30 centimeters. Donors received a small gift from Pantene. The decline began after the outbreak of the war in late 2023, when monthly donations fell from about 3,000 to about 1,500. The Israel Cancer Association estimates 34,000 new cancer cases in Israel in 2026. Zichron Menachem provides support to young people with cancer and their families, and the wigs made from natural hair are given free of charge to patients.