Dawgbert Donates Hair To 'Locks Of Love' Charity
By Richard Bussa, Community Common
February 11, 2005

With help from Angie's Hair Salon (formerly known as Royal Salon) in Lucasville, Ohio, "Locks of Love" processes shorn locks and makes a hair piece for a child with cancer or other long-term hair-loss disease.

Angie's Hair Palace (740) 259-1500) is located in the middle of Lucasville at 10648 US Hwy 23. It is next door to Subway, across the street from Sophie's Grill and just south of Wendy's.

This is Billy "DawgBert's" third hair donation since 1999. He has given a total of 34 and one half inches of hair for sick children.

"It really came about as a protest. When the Cleveland Browns left Cleveland I vowed to not get a haircut until Cleveland had a Browns team," DawgBert said.

"In August 2000 while attending the Scioto County Fair, a couple of elderly ladies commented on my hair. One of the ladies mentioned that should I ever consider cutting my hair I might donate it to children who have undergone chemotherapy.

"I checked into it and did."

Locks of Love (http://www.locksoflove.org) is a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses they provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

To donate your hair must be 10 inches length. It must be bundled in a braid and be clean and dry.

The majority of all hair donated comes from children who wish to help other children.

"I donated my hair in the name of the PortsCity Browns Backers (he is the president). Plus, I got the story on radio stations and newspapers. The Cleveland Browns thought it was a big deal as well, they posted the story on their website that season," Dawgbert said.

"I look at it as a blessing. As long as God gives me all this hair and a short time to grow it in. I'm gonna donate it and give some kid back her/his confidence."

Helping Dawgbert was Angie's Hair Palace. It opened last year under the name of the Royal Salon but that name was being used and owner/manager Jim Hale changed it.

"I have been in cosmetology since graduating from Scioto County Joint Vocational School," said Assistant Manager Angie Altman said. "It makes me feel good when I make someone else feel good."

Angie is married to Kenneth Altman and has two children attending Northwest Schools. Polly is 7 and Kendra is 12.

Along with the free haircut Dawgbert was given a number of "Nioxin" hair products (protective cleansers, strength conditioner, scalp therapy, dietary supplements, follicle booster and hair spray).

"I love these kids. I want them to have hair," Hale said. "I am thrilled to be a part of the Locks Of Love program."

Also working with Hale and Angie are Naomi Ferguson, Bobbi Grubbs, Megan Frazie and coming soon - Nick.

For a perfect hair cut with excellent products to keep it that way, stop in at Angie's Hair Palace. Call for appointment at (740) 259-1500 or just drop in. They will be happy to see you.

Dawgbert is the owner of DawgByte Productions. For any need in websites or systems setup give him a call at (740) 354-5513.