Sometimes long hair is a luxury not everyone can afford — unless it’s donated to them.

Some BYU women donated about 10 inches for people who lost their hair from cancer or alopecia.

Paul Mitchell students and leading leaders snipped away to give women a new look while contributing to a good cause.

“It’s a waste to just cut it when someone else can use it,” said Lauren Wilkins, a freshman studying theater studies who donated 10 inches of hair.

Not many women were planning on making such a big change to their look, but Paul Mitchell stylists styled their hair and taught them how to work with short hair.

“I woke up this morning feeling like a normal person and then I chopped all my hair off,” said Kim Welch, a freshman studying public health.

What drove most of the women to donate to Locks of Love was their want to serve.

“I did this five months ago because I know it goes to someone that needs it,” said Katie Bauserman, a senior studying elementary education. “I have a good friend who passed away and she lost her hair during radiation so I did it for her.”

Since this service can make wigs for those in need, some women conquered their fears and cut their hair without thinking much about it.

“I’m absolutely terrified,” said Natalie Maxwell, a senior from Madison, Iowa, “but, I saw it on Y-Serve week and I thought maybe it’s a sign I need to do it, but that’s the thing about hair — it grows back.”

The hair is highly valued because it takes about 5 to 10 people to make a full wig, the type of wig that usually costs $10,000 and Locks of Love donates it for free, said Paige Smith, a program director for Locks of Love.

“These girls are brave,” Smith said. “Hair is everything. This is the most selfless kind of service a girl can give.”