Carmel Valley girl donates hair to Locks of Love for 3rd time
By Kristina Houck
Grace Daniels was 5 years old when she first donated her hair to children without any. Now 11, the Carmel Valley girl recently donated her hair to Locks of Love for a third time.
Locks of Love is a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.
“I like to repurpose anything I can,” said Grace, a sixth grader at Ocean Air Elementary School. “Instead of just cutting it and throwing it away, I can give my hair to other kids in need.”
Grace has always grown her auburn-colored hair long, said her mother, Chia Daniels. Since Grace was 5, she has donated at least 10 inches of her hair to Locks of Love every three years. After cutting 11 inches off July 22 at Bambinos Salon for Kids in Carmel Valley, Grace has donated more than 30 inches to the organization.
“It’s so long and it’s a unique color,” said Chia, whose family has lived in Carmel Valley since 2005. “Instead of just cutting it, we thought it would be nice to donate it to kids who might not be able to have hair.”
Locks of Love requires donated hair to be at least 10 inches long. Hair must also be in a ponytail or a braid before it is cut. Donors can visit a participating hair salon, such as Bambinos, or mail their donation in directly.
For more information about Locks of Love, visit
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