1. Small intro about you???
This is Dr. Hemali Vartak-Harsh. A homeopathic physician and MBA graduate. Living in Mumbai with Husband and family.
2. When n how this idea of hair donation struck your mind? Any particular incident/person inspired you?
I’m currently working as a product and procedure specialist for a Surgical Device co. which are used in cancer surgeries. While working for my products I realised that there are increasing incidence of cancer. Patients i have seen have highest will Power u ll ever see. When death is infront they fight and win over cancer. But in this journey they have to struggle for not only bigger things like surgery chemo radio but also smaller things like their appearance.
They have to re-imagine themselves while combating the same. Being a doctor i was giving all support required plus with these products i was helping then indirectly. But i wanted to do something more individually. Some donations which are not monetary though I’m a regular blood donor. I came across #CopeWithCancer initiative by Madat trust in Mumbai. I went through their work and took few recommendations from surgeons and decided to go for it.
I wanted to do something naive for my 1st wedding anniversary so on occasion of it I planned to donate my hair.
3. How much you have taken after you decided to donate your hair?
I decided immediately when i was convinced with the work of Madat trust. But i decided to wait till my wedding anniversary. So about a month.
4.Where did you get it cut and who accompanied you at the time of your haircut?
I got it from BBlunt Malad. My regular hair stylist Hetvi Burman did my hair cut. I just went like a regular visit. So no one accompanied me.
5. How did you feel after seeing you in a new look for the first time in the mirror?
I actually wanted to go very short. Like a boy cut. But my stylist said she wouldn’t do it as she loved d look i was getting. So we decided to go for 14 inches long braid to donate. After final haircut i just felt accomplished and very happy. My new look was really as smart as my hair stylist.
6. What was the reaction from your closed ones and known ones?
My father loves his both daughters long hair so he was upset as he thought i just did it for bob cut. But when he knew the reason he was proud.
My mother loved the gesture.
Sister was soooo happy with the cause. And by the fact that I look her twin (she has same length of hair).
My niece dint recognise me for a minute 😂
MIL & SIL & niece (SIL’s daughter) were very much proud.
Out of all my husband was always ready for it. He supported me the way he always do. And he fell in love with me again i guess with the look.
7.Any inspiring/motivating words for the people out there?
It seems to be a small thing to do but it creates in big difference for the people who are in that mess. Its a ray of hope for them. Due to commercialization of hair many are skeptical to go for it, but get proper information from right sources. And then go for it. This will only enhance your and some one else’s personality again in that mirror. Give it a try.
Haircut Pictures :-
