Creator of Confident Locks™

CREATOR OF CONFIDENT LOCKS™

Donate your hair and give the gift of pure love to someone who needs it

WHAT WE DO

Real Fringe Hair Bands is the creator of the patented Confident Locks™ headbands for oncology and alopecia patients (or anyone who suffers from a hair loss condition). Our headbands are made from real human hair that is either donated by our generous donors or simply made from the patient’s own hair that is collected before their hair falls out. A single band will be made with the hair weft securely attached to half the length of the band.

Confident Locks™ headbands are made from soft and comfortable elastic and are designed to be worn underneath other headgear such as hats, scarves, turbans, head wraps, beanies, etc. The unique patented design gives patients a “real fringe” effect (hence our name!) that looks easy and natural.

WHY WE EXIST

Real Fringe Hair Bands was founded by Nicole DeMatos who has been an oncology nurse since 2000. She has supported countless patients through their treatments and witnessed their personal struggles with the side effects of these life-saving treatments. From here, the idea for Real Fringe Hair Bands and Confident Locks™ was born.

They were created with the hopes of empowering anyone who has lowered self-confidence and self-esteem as a result of hair loss. We want to help patients discover a renewed sense of self-worth and normalcy. There’s not much we can do to reduce the physical challenges alopecia and cancer sufferers have to endure, so it is our hope through Real Fringe, we can make a real impact on the lives of these patients.

Help us spread the word and spread the love!

Download Flyer

EMPOWERING YOU TO BE YOUR MOST AUTHENTIC SELF

Cancer and Alopecia might have taken your hair, but don’t let it take away your confidence too.
We’ll create a comfortable headband with a fringe made of real hair (either your own or donated) so you can look in the mirror and know that…

… YOU’VE GOT THIS

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CANCER

Undergoing cancer treatment is a scary time for oncology patients, whose lives are turned upside down by a single diagnosis. Before beginning chemotherapy treatments (or just after starting), individuals can get their hair cut and sent to our team at Real Fringe, who will create one headband with their real hair, creating a “fringe effect” which can be worn under beanies, bandanas, hats, and more.

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” ~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

ALOPECIA AREATA

For people with Alopecia Areata, hair loss can be emotionally difficult and often coincides with a loss of confidence. Many turn to itchy and uncomfortable wigs or choose to wear scarves and beanies, but still feel self-conscious about their hair loss as they go through their daily lives. For alopecia patients to be able to look in the mirror and see real human hair in their reflections, it can make a huge difference to self-confidence and body image.

“Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.” ~Sophia Loren

Testimonials

“The band is so comfortable… the reaction from everyone has been amazing; so positive and flattering! It feels awesome wearing it. You have made our week… even month! THANK YOU!!!”

Audrey

Cancer Patient

“It’s so soft and fits beautifully… can’t believe it’s my own hair! You missed my tears when I put it on… just so special, so special to have my own hair. Can’t explain how happy it makes me!”

Therese

Cancer Patient, when she just received her Confident Locks™

“OMG I just wanted you to know how many wonderful comments I have had on my fringe band… spreading the word of your amazing product! So confident and absolutely loving it. Everyone thinks I still have hair. Can’t thank you enough! It’s amazing. Loving following your journey. You are one special lady and I feel so privileged to be your first customer.”

Therese

Cancer Patient, a week after receiving her Confident Locks™

ABOUT CONFIDENT LOCKS™

by Real Fringe Hair Bands

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Real, Not Synthetic

Most wigs found on the market today are made from synthetic fibres. While high-quality ones can seem very much like the real deal, they can also be very cost-prohibitive.

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Long hair optional

We only require the donated hair to be a minimum of 15cm long. This means that even if your hair is relatively short, you can still donate or collect your hair for a Confident Locks™ band!

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Know where it's from

Did you know? Most human hair used to make wigs come from China and India, and there have been concerns about the ethics of where these wigs come from. The hair we use is either your own or collected from a local donor or hair salon, thoroughly vetted by us

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The softest weave

Confident Locks™ bands are made from the softest weave, so say goodbye to itchy wigs that drive you crazy!

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We take dyed hair

No other wig maker in Australia accepts dyed human hair which is a minimum of 15cm, but we do! So if you have dyed your hair and really love it, we’ll take it and create a Confident Locks™ band with it.

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Made in Australia

All Confident Locks™ bands are handmade with love right here in Melbourne, Australia, where we are based. We support local workers and businesses, and take great pride in keeping our production local. So donating to us means knowing where your hair and money are going, and ordering from us means knowing where your hairband is coming from.

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HERE'S HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Have you been personally touched by cancer or alopecia, and would like to make a difference in some way?

Click the link below to make a Real Fringe difference!

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DONATE HAIR

For many Alopecia Areata patients and oncology patients who have been undergoing treatment for some time, it’s not feasible for them to create Real Fringe Hair Bands with their own hair. So if you would like to contribute and give the gift of pure love, all you need to do is get a haircut! If you are cutting more than 4 inches of hair, please consider donating it to our cause. We accept both natural and coloured/dyed hair!

Download our hair donation form below, send your donation in with the completed form, and know that someone out there will be immensely grateful for your kindness.

For most of us, it’s just hair.

For a recipient, it means so much more.

Download Hair Donation Form

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INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY

Our founder, Nicole Dematos, has been invited to speak and participate in various events at schools all around the State. Most of these events are aimed at educating the youths of today about giving back to their communities and the power they possess to help others in need.

Click the button below to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to talk to you about your ideas and how we can help.

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ORGANISE A FUNDRAISER

Make it a party!

Get together with at least 3 other people, get your hair cut at the same time and raise funds to put towards the creation of Real Fringe Hair Bands for someone you love.

Click the button below to contact us about your fundraiser idea!

ORDER YOUR CONFIDENT LOCKS™ HAIRBAND

GO TO OUR ONLINE SHOP TO PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I want to donate my hair but it is coloured.

We accept both natural and dyed hair, even funky purple shades!

How long does the hair have to be?

We accept hair as short as 15 cm.

How is hair collected from a donor?

For hair donations, hair must be washed and dried prior to cutting. Your hairdresser needs to section the hair into a ponytail, or multiple ponytail bunches if the hair is very thick. Elastic bands are applied to the bunch of hair at the top closest to the head. The band needs to be quite tight to secure the hair during transport. The hair is then cut at least 1cm above the elastic band. The hair donation is then placed in a zip-lock bag and is mailed to:

Real Fringe Hair Bands
PO BOX 221
Watsonia
VIC 3087

We’ve added some photos and videos in this step-by-step guide to donating your hair to our blog, so click here to learn more!

How is hair collected from an Oncology patient?

Hair collected from an oncology patient is done either before chemotherapy commences, or within 2 weeks of chemotherapy starting. Hair typically begins to fall out 3-4 weeks from the commencement of chemotherapy. However, this doesn’t always happen – your oncology nurse or oncologist can verify if you are going to completely lose your hair or experience thinning instead.

Hair must be washed and dried prior to cutting. Your hairdresser needs to section the hair into a ponytail, or multiple ponytail bunches if the hair is very thick. Elastic bands are applied to the bunch of hair at the top closest to the head. The band needs to be quite tight to secure the hair during transport. The hair is then cut at least 1cm above the elastic band. The hair donation is then placed in a zip lock bag and needs to be sent via REGISTERED MAIL to:

Real Fringe Hair Bands
10 Frances Ave
Greensborough
VIC 3088

How does the hair have to be cut to be donated?

We’ve added some photos and videos in this step-by-step guide to donating your hair to our blog, so click here to learn more!

What is Confident Locks™ exactly?

Confident Locks™ is a patented human hairpiece. Hair is wefted together and securely attached to a soft elasticised headband. The band has been designed to ensure comfort and prevent slippage.

How do I use the band?

Confident Locks™ patented band is worn under all headwear including caps, hats, scarves, head wraps, turbans, etc.

How much hair is on the head band?

The amount of hair on the Real Fringe Hair Band is only limited by the amount of hair sent in the donation.

How do you know what size to make the band?

Our bands come in 3 different sizes, so all you have to do is measure the circumference of your head and choose the band size that fits you best.

Are you a charity or a not-for-profit organisation?

Real Fringe Hair Bands is a business, however, we aim to minimise costs to provide an affordable real hair product.

Can I safely curl or straighten the hair on the Confident Locks™?

Yes, you can both straighten and curl the hair as it is real hair. Care must be taken to avoid heat to the actual band itself.

Can I wash the hair and band?

Yes. The Confident Locks™ bands can be washed using gentle shampoo such as mild baby shampoo. For detailed care instructions, please visit our Care Instructions page.

LATEST FROM OUR BLOG

These are the stories from behind the scenes of Real Fringe Hair Bands

Testimonial: A Young Child With Alopecia Finds Joy

I still remember the day my daughter, Mia, was officially diagnosed with Alopecia. She was one year old and had been...

Hair Donation Guide

For most of us, it’s just hair. For a recipient, it means so much more. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to guide...

What makes Nicole Dematos tick?

Nicole Dematos is the founder of Real Fringe Hair Bands (RFHB), and she is also an oncology nurse with a passion for...

CONTACT US

We would love to hear from you! We promise to keep your contact information and queries private and confidential.

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Phone: 0408 301 182

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Email: admin@realfringehairbands.com.au

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Post: PO BOX 221, Watsonia, Vic 3087, AUSTRALIA

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Real Fringe Hair Bands Pty Ltd

ABN: 26953513528