Following in the footsteps of Harry Styles, The Duchess of Cambridge has reportedly donated her similarly lustrous, brunette ponytail to Little Princess Trust, a charity that gives free real-hair wigs to children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment or other illnesses. Since 2006, the charity has provided 5,500 wigs for children and young people. Due a haircut? Wondering how to donate your ponytail to charity? Here’s how to do it.

Longer the better

First, the length of hair donated needs to be at least seven inches. An amount of hair is lost in the wig-making process, so the longer, the better. The charity is currently requesting donations of 10 inches or more. “The category we help most is teenage girls and they prefer swishy wigs at the moment,” said Monica Glass, manager of Little Princess Trust.

Most colours, not all styles

Your hair also has to be in good condition, but dyed hair, as long as it is in natural colours, is fine. A few grey hairs are also OK, but largely grey hair is unable to be used. The China-based wig-maker the charity uses is not a specialist in afro wigs, so Little Princess Trust does not accept African-Caribbean hair and buys in afro wigs for children separately. Pink Heart Funds in the US accepts donations of all types of hair.

Speak first, cut later

You will need to tell your hairdresser, or whomever is cutting your hair, that you want to donate before they start, because there are a few guidelines. For example, the hair has to be dry when it is cut, which is atypical.

Tie up loose ends

The hair must be washed, dried and tied into a number of ponytails, secured at both ends and free of any styling product or conditioner. Loose hair, swept up from the floor, is of no use because it quickly becomes matted. Cut off the ponytails and place in a clear, resealable plastic bag inside a padded envelope, to be posted to Little Princess Trust. Children can donate, too. “A lot of children are donating their hair,” said Glass. “It’s wonderful, children giving to other children.”