St. Baldricks Blog

Hair Growth: How Long Does It Take for Hair to Grow and How Can I Speed It Up?

When you shaved or donated your hair, changed your style, or just impatiently waited for your locks to catch a wave, did you ponder the deep, intriguing process—scientifically, unless you’re inclined to philosophical musings—of hair growth? Whether you just got done shaving your head to raise money to Conquer Kids’ Cancer at a local St. Baldrick’s event or you miscalculated how short you were trimming your bangs, many will wonder—how long will it take my hair to grow back? Whatever the reason, unlocking the mysteries of hair growth isn’t just vanity’s fascination; it’s a study of applied biology that can be as emotionally rewarding as it is factual.

A Decade Of EPICC Progress In Kids’ Cancer Research

Something extraordinary began in 2013: the first ever pediatric cancer “Dream Team,” funded by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Stand Up to Cancer. Combining genomics and immunotherapy in a way that had not been done before, this team of experts at 8 research institutions across the U.S. and Canada set out to create new therapies for the most challenging childhood cancers.

Because of the incredible strides made by the team, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and the member institutions continued this work, after the funding from Stand Up to Cancer came to an end in 2018.

Now in its third funding period and with a new name, the EPICC Team (Empowering Pediatric Immunotherapies for Childhood Cancer) continues to be led by John Maris, M.D., and Crystal L. Mackall, M.D., and the discoveries continue, saving lives.

Empower and Inspire by Shaving Your Head for Kids’ Cancer Research

It’s not about losing your hair. It’s about giving hope, and it changes more than just your appearance. When people first hear about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to funding childhood cancer research, they often feel a pull—an emotional tether between doing something outside their comfort zone and a cause demanding attention.

Hairstyles to Try Before and After Shaving Your Head

In the world of self-expression, not much beats shaving your head — whether you’re doing it to raise money to fund childhood cancer research or just need to give those follicles a restart. It’s all about courage and choice, rebellion and uniqueness. What if we saw this ultimate form of hair loss as a chance to reinvent yourself – a fresh start for your style journey?

But what to do with those glorious locks before and after you meet the buzzer? Now is your chance to get creative with your hair without much commitment. Let’s take a tour through the various haircuts and colors you can try.

Announcing the 2024 St. Baldrick’s Fellows

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship award is designed to support the brightest young investigators in the field. This investment of $1.1 million provides support for budding researchers to explore innovative ideas in pediatric cancer research.

Keep scrolling to see the amazing projects your contributions support.

Research Outcomes: Advancing Science Together

Our St. Baldrick’s Foundation Research Outcomes blogs highlight examples of the progress your donations are supporting. This quarterly edition focuses on a new FDA approval for neuroblastoma, strategies to improve T cell functioning, understanding why some kids with medulloblastoma get sicker, and how secondary cancers increase the likelihood of future heart problems.

Thank you for making this research possible.

Meet the First St. Baldrick’s Fellow: Dr. Sharon Singh

Where is our very first St. Baldrick’s Fellow now? Still in the lab, that’s where! Meet Dr. Sharon Singh, the physician-scientist who was given the inaugural St. Baldrick’s Fellow Award in 2005. What does that monetary vote of confidence do for a new researcher and for the childhood cancer research field? It’s been 19 years and the results are in – read on to find out.

Dr. Sharon Singh currently works as a clinician, researcher, and associate professor at University of Michigan, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

At the heart of it, Dr. Sharon Singh is a problem solver and for the last decade, the pediatric hematologist-oncologist has been working on the problem of childhood cancer. But she knows that the big problem of kids’ cancer can’t be solved only at the bedside of a patient – problem solvers like her need to be in the lab too.

And that is exactly what Dr. Singh is doing, thanks to a St. Baldrick’s grant given almost 20 years ago.

Hair Donation Guide: Prepping for Purpose

2019 Annual Fado St. Baldrick’s Denver Event

Every lock of hair tells a story. It’s not just a part of our physical appearance; it’s a thread in the history of our life experiences. Yet, for some, hair loss can be more than a style change—it’s a challenge to their sense of self. For individuals facing medical conditions, such as cancer, hair loss can magnify the emotional strain of an already difficult journey. This is where selfless acts of hair donation weave into the narrative as beacons of hope and support.

Why You Should Shave Your Head At Least Once In Your Life

2018 Meehan’s Public House (Sandy Springs) Event

Every so often, a challenge appears before us that calls from a deeper place within us. It’s not just an action or a pledge; it’s an expression of solidarity, a declaration of bravery, and a quest for self-discovery all in one. This is the story of why, at least once in your adventurous life, you should dare to start fresh—by shaving your head.

Meet 2024 Ambassador Camden: A Legacy of Strength, Courage, and Resilience

Camden and his smile.

#CammersTough is more than just a hashtag. It represents the story of a boy who fought cancer with incredible strength and courage. His story of resilience in the face of continued hardship is what made him an inspiration to others.