FAQs

ACRF’s Brave Shave encourages people to seize the clippers in support of the countless brave Australians who face cancer every day, On World Cancer Research Day, September 24, ACRF is asking you to shave your head and raise vital funds for research into all types of cancer. The campaign aims to inspire courage for you to change your hair – if not shave, then cut, or colour – and show support for the 2 in 5 Australians diagnosed with cancer.

Sadly, 2 in 5 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, and the other 3 will be closely impacted by a diagnosis. This means that the entire Australian population will come face to face with cancer at some point in their lives. ?Australian Cancer Research Foundation needs your help to raise vital funds so the people you love don’t miss out on the cancer research they need.

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to complete the registration form for you and give permission.

If you have started fundraising for your Brave Shave, please honour this commitment to your donors.

Shaving your head is only one way to raise funds for cancer research. You can also make a courageous cut, colour or style change to your hair. If you want to take part as a school or sports group, you may choose a wild and crazy hair style day – think plaits, braids, ponytails, curls, crimped styles.

How short you choose to shave or cut is up to you. We recommend, clipper length number one or two. Or for a longer 'do, opt for three or four. We don’t recommend blade shaves down to the skin.

ACRF’s Brave Shave takes place on 24th September, which is World Cancer Research Day. We encourage you to join the Brave Shave community and make the courageous change to your hair on this day. If the 24th September doesn’t work for you, please do feel free to organise it for another day – just don’t forget to let your supporters know.

If you're seeking ideas to boost your fundraising we have a wealth of tips and fundraising activities to help you succeed. Check them out here.

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to complete the registration form for you and give permission.

Your local hairdresser may volunteer to shave or cut your hair for free if you let them know you’re cutting or shaving for cancer research. Or you can organise your own event at work, with some friends or do it at home. If you choose to DIY your shave or cut – be safe! Here are some tips:

• Shave or Cut: Consider getting a barber or hairdresser to shave your hair or cut. Barbers and hairdressers have the tools and lotions to do this properly, making sure your cut is neat and even, reducing the risk of irritating your scalp that is not used to being shaved. 

• Be Safe: If you choose to shave or cut your hair yourself it’s a good idea that a first aid kit is available in case of accidental injury and always have a parent or adult present. Cutters and shavers and sweeper-uppers should all wear disposable gloves during your event.

To ensure that we spend our funds on cancer research, we ask everyone to organise their own shave or cut. Your local hairdresser may volunteer to shave or cut your hair for free if you let them know you’re shaving or cutting for cancer research. Or you can organise your own event at work, with some friends or just do it at home. Just be sure you’re being safe and know what you’re doing!

Of course! Donating your hair to help cancer patients with hair loss is a wonderful gesture and will make your brave shave even more meaningful. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Choose an organisation: Research different hair donation organizations to find one that aligns with your preferences. Some well-known organisations include:
   • Sustainable Salons
   • Wigs 4 Kids
   • Ella Wigmakers
   • Children With Hair Loss
2. Check the donation requirements: Each organisation has specific guidelines. Generally, hair should be clean and without styling products and at least 20cm long. Coloured Colored or permed hair is acceptable, and gray hair may also be used. Make sure to bundle the hair in a ponytail or braid before donating, tying a hairband around each end.
3. Mail your donation: Place your clean, dry hair inside a Ziploc bag within a manila or padded envelope. Adequate postage is essential when mailing your donation. Check with your local post office to ensure proper postage.

No, you can opt in for a temporary hair colour or colour spray if you don’t want to commit to permanent hair colour.

A little or a lot – how much you colour is up to you. Boldest changes attract more donations!

You can have a hairdresser colour your hair or you can do it at home, work or with friends. Just be safe, follow the instructions and always have a parent or adult present.

Permanent or Semi-Permanent Colour: Consider having a hairdresser do your colour if you’re seeking a permanent (grow out) or semi-permanent colour (fade out) or if colouring your hair requires heavy bleaching to get a bold colour change. Or if your super brave you can DIY it at home, just be sure you know what you’re doing and follow the directions for the products you use and be safe.

Temporary Hair Colour/Colour Spray?

For temporary hair colour or spray colour you can DIY these at home or work and we recommend visiting your local pharmacy or hair supply retailer for a temporary non-permanent hair colour solution. Hair sprays can cause eye irritation, so if using one, ensure that the individual’s eyes are covered whilst their hair is being sprayed.

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to complete the registration form for you and give permission.

ACRF’s Brave Shave takes place on 24th September, which is World Cancer Research Day. We encourage you to join the Brave Shave community and make the courageous change to your hair on this day. If the 24th September doesn’t work for you, please do feel free to organise it for another day – just don’t forget to let your supporters know.

Your local hairdresser may volunteer to colour your hair for free if you let them know you’re doing it for cancer research. Or you can organise your own event at work, with some friends or do it at home. If you choose to DIY your colour – be safe! Consider having a hairdresser do your colour if you’re seeking a permanent (grow out) or semi-permanent colour (fade out) or if colouring your hair requires heavy bleaching to get a bold colour change. If you choose to DIY it at home, just be sure you know what you’re doing and follow the directions for the products you use and be safe and always have an adult present.

To ensure that we spend our funds on cancer research, we ask everyone to organise their own hair colour. Your local hairdresser may volunteer to colour your hair for free if you let them know you’re colouring it for cancer research. Or you can organise your own event at work, with some friends or just do it at home. Just be sure you’re being safe and know what you’re doing!

Setting up your very own fundraising page is quick and easy. Click here to get started!

Make the first donation yourself! People will be more likely to support you knowing you have personally committed to your Brave Shave! We’ve found fundraisers who donate to their own page receive more donations than those who don't. It's a simple step to start your fundraising.

Think local. Tap into your own network. The best place to start asking for donations is with your 10 closest family and friends. Should you want to get sponsors, start with your local hairdresser and other local businesses to raise awareness and funds for your Brave Shave. You can ask local businesses to display a poster with your fundraising page URL and your message or to pledge a donation to your efforts.

We’re here to help! Be sure to explore our tips and tricks page here and contact our Brave Shave team here if you need further assistance.

We encourage using your online fundraising page as much as possible, including banking the cash donations you receive on the day through your page. If somebody needs a receipt, you can enter their donation on their behalf through your page. We also accept cheques and bank deposits. Contact our Brave Shave team here for more info.