Shaving Your Head for Charity: Planning the Big Shave and After
A charity head shave works best when you plan three things: the cause and fundraising page, the shave itself, and the fortnight afterwards. Pick a registered charity and set up an official page with them, give people a fixed date four to six weeks away so sponsorship builds, and decide whether you want clippers down to a short grade or a full razor finish. On the day, the hair is clippered off first, then shaved if you want it smooth. Afterwards, protect the new skin from sun and cold, moisturise daily, and expect a short, even buzz within a couple of weeks. If your hair is long enough, consider donating it rather than sweeping it up.
Here is how to plan it so the event raises more and the result looks good.
Choosing the charity and setting it up properly
Many UK charities run organised head shave campaigns. Macmillan’s Brave the Shave is one of the best known, and plenty of cancer, children’s and medical research charities welcome sponsored shaves through their own fundraising pages. Whichever you choose:
- Use the charity’s official fundraising route so money goes straight to them and Gift Aid can be claimed where eligible.
- Check the charity register on gov.uk if it is a cause you do not already know.
- Say why it matters to you on the page. A personal reason, briefly told, does more than any slogan.
If you have long hair, look at whether a hair donation charity would accept it. That is a separate gift with its own length and condition rules. Our guide to donating your hair explains how, and the hair has to be tied and cut before the clippers go on.
Picking the date and building sponsorship
Most of the money arrives in two waves: when you announce it, and in the days around the shave. A date four to six weeks away gives you time for both.
- Announce with a target and a date. A specific date gives people a reason to give now.
- Post a “before” photo. The more hair you have, the more people want to see it go.
- Update midway. A short reminder with the running total moves people who meant to give and forgot.
- Make the shave visible. Do it in front of colleagues, friends or family, or film it.
- Post the “after” photo the same day and thank people by name where you can.
Some people offer milestones, such as a beard coming off too if the total passes a certain figure. That works well if you have one.
Clippers only, or a full razor shave?
Decide this in advance, because it changes how you look and how your scalp feels afterwards.
| Finish | What it looks like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 or 2 | Very short, still visibly hair | Gentlest on the skin, a little warmth left |
| Zero (no guard) | Near-bald with a shadow | Quick, low risk of irritation |
| Razor finish | Smooth, fully bald | The most dramatic photo, but the new skin is more exposed |
Our guide to clipper guard numbers shows what each grade looks like.
What happens in the chair
- A short assessment. At Highgate Cuts every visit starts with the barber looking at your hair and scalp and talking through what you want, including any moles, scars or sensitive areas.
- Long hair is tied and cut off first if you are donating, or simply cut short with scissors to stop it clogging the clippers.
- Clippers take it down. This is the moment for photos and video.
- Razor finish, if chosen. The scalp is softened with warmth and lather, then shaved carefully with the grain, which varies across the head.
- Soothing finish. A rinse and a moisturiser or balm on the newly exposed skin.
If you want the razor finish, a hot towel shave approach is the most comfortable, because heat softens the hair and skin before the blade. You can see the hot towel shaves and clipper work at Highgate Cuts on the barber page. If you want the shave done somewhere other than the shop, such as at work, a short clipper cut afterwards to even it out is a good idea.
The first two weeks after
Protect the scalp
Skin that has been under hair for years is not used to sun or wind. In summer, use sunscreen on your head or wear a hat. In winter, a hat keeps you warm; you will notice the cold far more than you expect. The NHS sun safety advice applies to your scalp as much as your face.
Moisturise
A light, unscented moisturiser every day stops the skin feeling tight and flaky.
Watch for bumps
Some people get small red bumps as the hair regrows, particularly after a razor finish. Do not pick at them. Gentle washing and moisturising usually settle them. If they become painful, spread or do not settle, ask a pharmacist.
Regrowth
Within about a week you will have stubble; within two to four weeks a short, even buzz. This is a good point to decide what to do next. Our post on whether to keep a shaved head helps if you are tempted to stay bald.
Day-of checklist
- Fundraising page link ready to share
- Someone filming and someone taking photos
- Hair clean and dry, and tied if donating
- A hat for afterwards, whatever the season
- Moisturiser and, in summer, sunscreen
- Time booked with the barber, if you want a clean finish
Questions we get asked
Can a barber shave my head for charity?
Yes. Mention it when you email so the right time is allowed, particularly if you want long hair cut for donation first or a razor finish.
Should I shave my beard as well?
Only if you want to. It makes for a bigger change and can be offered as a fundraising milestone.
Will my hair grow back the same?
Shaving does not change the thickness, colour or rate of your hair. It will grow back as it was.
How long will it take to grow back?
A short, even crop in a few weeks. Back to a regular short haircut in a couple of months, and longer styles take proportionally longer.
Read more about clipper cuts and razor shaves in Highgate, or visit the Highgate House homepage.
Book with The Highgate House
Ready for a proper cut? Email us at [email protected] with the service and the day that suits you, and we will come back to you with times.
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The Highgate House, Archway Road, Highgate, London N6.
