In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, hairstylist and philanthropist Shiva Kumar Yadav, founder of Hyderabad Hair Donation for Cancer Patients, shared his inspiring journey of turning discarded hair into a source of hope for cancer patients. Since 2020, his initiative has provided over a thousand wigs-free of cost-to economically challenged cancer patients across India
Tejal Sinha
In a small Hyderabad salon, hairstylist Shiva Kumar Yadav watched strands of hair being swept away after every haircut. But unlike most, he saw potential where others saw waste. Why let this hair go unused when it could bring hope to someone in need? he thought.
This idea led to the creation of Hyderabad Hair Donation for Cancer Patients in 2020, a heartfelt initiative that has since provided over a thousand wigs – free of cost – to economically challenged cancer patients across India.
As a hairstylist, Shiva had always admired the transformative power of a good haircut. But he also recognized that hair loss for cancer patients wasn’t a choice – it was a painful side effect of their treatment. “Every day, I saw long strands of hair being cut and discarded,” Shiva recalls. “I wondered, Why not put it to good use? That’s when I decided to start collecting hair and donating it for wig-making.” Initially, he sent the donated hair to an organization in Mumbai that specialized in making wigs for cancer patients. But soon, he had a new realization: Why not create a system in Hyderabad itself?
Just as Shiva’s initiative was gaining traction, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the Mumbai-based organization he relied on shut down operations. He was left with a stockpile of donated hair but no way to turn it into wigs.
Determined to keep going, Shiva began searching for a local wig-maker in Hyderabad. “I travelled across the city, meeting different people, but no one was willing to do it for free,” he says. Finally, he met Pradeep Kumar, a wig-maker who offered to help – but with a condition.
“He told me, ‘Nothing comes for free. If you can cover the making charges, I’ll help you make the wigs’,” Shiva remembers. With no other option, he started funding the wig-making process himself, ensuring that every wig reached a patient in need. Unlike many initiatives that stop at hair collection, Hyderabad Hair Donation for Cancer Patients manages the entire process – from collecting hair to making wigs and personally delivering them to cancer patients.
Each wig costs about Rs 4,000 to make and requires seven ponytails of at least 12 inches in length. Even after processing, only 600 grams of usable hair remain from every kilogram collected.
“We don’t just gather hair and send it somewhere. We make sure it’s transformed into wigs and given to the people who truly need them,” Shiva emphasizes. “It’s not just about cutting hair – it’s about making a difference.”
Since its inception, the initiative has donated over a thousand wigs to cancer patients across India. Shiva has received support from various donors, including his mother, wife, and anti-trafficking activist Sunitha Krishnan, who were among the first to contribute their hair.
As World Cancer Day (February 4) approaches, Shiva’s work stands as a beacon of resilience and kindness. “When I started, I never imagined we’d reach this point,” he says. “But seeing the smiles on cancer patients’ faces when they receive a wig – it makes everything worth it.”
One of the most remarkable aspects of this initiative is that there is no financial exchange involved. Shiva funds the entire wig-making process himself, ensuring that both donors and recipients participate purely out of goodwill.
“My donors are my heroes – or should I say hair-oes,” he smiles. “A small act of kindness, like donating hair, can bring confidence to someone who is battling for their life. That’s what keeps me going.”
With each wig, Shiva isn’t just giving hair – he’s giving hope, dignity, and the courage to face the world once again.
Recently, actress Madhavi Latha donated her hair to Hyderabad Hair Donation for Cancer Patients, supporting the cause of providing free wigs to economically challenged cancer patients. Founder Shiva Kumar Yadav emphasizes that his initiative operates independently and is not affiliated with any organization or hospital – wigs are given directly to patients in need. Additionally, Shiva recently had the opportunity to appear on a game show alongside popular actor Ravi Teja, helping to spread awareness about the importance of hair donation and its impact on cancer patients.
How you can contribute
Want to make a difference? Here’s how you can support the initiative:
l Grow your hair to at least 12 inches before donating.
l Avoid cutting, dyeing, or layering your hair while growing it.
l Wash and dry your hair before donation.
l Spread awareness by allowing a short video reel to be made for social media.
Shiva personally collects hair donations and delivers wigs to patients. If you want to donate or request a wig, you can contact him at +91 96664 06586 or follow @hyderabadhairdonation99 on Instagram.
