Marshall radio and beauty school team up for charity haircuts

Hair From the Herd event offers free cuts for 12+ inch hair donations to Wigs for Kids

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:22am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of people gathered around a table, with their hands and hair visible, suggesting the act of cutting and donating hair for a charitable cause.The annual Hair From the Herd event at Marshall University brings the community together to support children in need through the simple act of donating hair.Huntington Today

The Marshall University radio station WMUL-FM partnered with the Huntington School of Beauty Culture to host the annual 'Hair From the Herd' event, where anyone who donated 12 or more inches of hair received a free haircut. The donated hair is given to the Wigs for Kids organization, which creates wigs for children dealing with medical-related hair loss.

Why it matters

The event provides an opportunity for the local community to come together and support a meaningful cause, while also allowing participants to express themselves through their hair and make a tangible difference in the lives of children in need. It highlights the power of collaboration between student organizations and local businesses to drive positive change.

The details

During the one-day event, the Marshall radio station and beauty school welcomed anyone willing to donate 12 or more inches of their hair. In addition to the free haircuts for donors, there was also an option for a $5 regular haircut for those who wanted to participate without the big chop. All of the donated hair was collected and will be sent to Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit that creates wigs for children experiencing medical-related hair loss.

  • The Hair From the Herd event took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

WMUL-FM

The Marshall University radio station that organized the Hair From the Herd event.

Huntington School of Beauty Culture

The local beauty school that partnered with WMUL-FM to provide the free haircuts for hair donors.

Wigs for Kids

The nonprofit organization that will receive the donated hair to create wigs for children experiencing medical-related hair loss.

Emma Johnson

The news director of WMUL-FM who spoke about the importance of the event and the impact it can have on the community.

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What they’re saying

“Hair is a way that you can express yourself in so many different ways, from a haircut to a hair color. And, I know that being young, and especially through the organization, Wigs for Kids. They give back to children who have medical related hair loss. And so, I didn't imagine how I would feel if I didn't have any hair, and so I'm always super proud and honored to be a part of this.”

— Emma Johnson, News Director, WMUL-FM

“I think it's super cool because like, you don't have to do that. And so I think if people feel compelled to get their haircut, that just really speaks to them as a person. And goes to show that even if they love their hair and they may not be themselves without their hair, they're willing to give up a little to help support children who need.”

— Emma Johnson, News Director, WMUL-FM

What’s next

The Hair From the Herd event is an annual tradition, and the organizers hope to continue hosting it for years to come, allowing the Marshall community and local residents to support the Wigs for Kids organization through hair donations.

The takeaway

This collaborative event between the Marshall radio station and beauty school demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need. By providing an outlet for hair donations, the Hair From the Herd event fosters a spirit of generosity and compassion, while also allowing participants to express themselves and feel connected to a larger cause.