Around 30 kind-hearted people have parted with their luscious locks in solidarity with those undergoing cancer treatments in the kingdom.
The Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS), in collaboration with Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour, recently organised a campaign, inviting members of the community to donate their hair to help restore confidence in those battling the disease.
BCS president Dr Abdulrahman Fakhro told the GDN the collected hair would be sent to Head and Toe Salon in Zinj, where it will be transformed into wigs.
“People undergoing treatment submit a request through the society,” he explained.
“After reviewing their case, we refer them to a salon to receive their wig. We have been running this initiative for more than 20 years, and we have witnessed how profoundly these wigs can improve people’s lives.”
Dr Fakhro added that wigs were not just about improving appearance; they were also a vital source of emotional support that restored confidence and brought comfort to patients’ daily lives.
“At the BCS, our mission is to support patients both physically and psychologically,” he said.
“For women especially, losing hair – a symbol of femininity and beauty – due to chemotherapy can be very painful.
“That is why every hair donation is so meaningful: it restores dignity, brings hope, and reminds patients that they are not alone in their journey,” he said.
Dr Fakhro added that chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including those in hair follicles, which causes hair loss during treatment.
“This is completely normal, usually temporary, and hair often grows back after treatment,” he said, adding that the event was organised to raise awareness about the challenges cancer patients face and to highlight the powerful role the community plays in supporting them.
“By donating hair, people send a message of solidarity and care, reminding patients that they are not alone in their journey and that together we can make a real difference in their lives.”
Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour human resources manager Kathrina Nisnisan highlighted the importance of supporting the community.
“At Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour, we believe our role goes beyond hospitality, it is about caring for the community we are part of,” Ms Nisnisan told the GDN.
“Taking part in the hair donation drive allowed us to stand with those battling cancer.
“The aim of this initiative was to bring people together for a cause that gives hope and restores dignity.
“Holding events like this is also important because they remind us that collective acts of kindness, no matter how small, can make a lasting impact,” she added.
Around 70 people attended the event, with donors including men, women, and children from a variety of nationalities.
The GDN reported last year that more than 1,000 people were diagnosed with cancer, a disease that is characterised by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably.
The latest figures revealed a total of 1,146 cancer cases were recorded in Bahrain by the end of 2022, and women were slightly more prone to the disease than men with 630 – 55 per cent – diagnosed.
The BCS has been holding hair donation drives since its inception in 1991 in a bid to help the kingdom’s community, and they urge those who wish to donate hair to contact them at 17233080.
Donated locks should be in good condition, not chemically treated or straightened, bleached or permed and measure 21cm to 36cm.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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