General
When is the Big Bold Hair Challenge?
Canteen's Big Bold Hair Challenge encourages everyone to take on their shave, cut or colour on Wednesday 1 October.
Because it is a virtual event you can complete your hair Challenge on a date within the challenge period that suits you!
Sign up now
What is the Big Bold Hair Challenge?
On Wednesday 1 October, we invite all Australians to go Bold and shave, cut or colour their hair for young people impacted by cancer. You might have a personal connection to cancer, or simply be looking to have some fun while doing something good. We invite everyone to take part, be bold and raise vital funds for Canteen.
Are there any new bandanna designs?
- The Rest is Confetti (Designed by Canteen youth ambassador Chloe Van Ommen)
- Fairy Bread
- Together as One
- Aussie Marsupials
- Celestial
- Tropical Butterflies
- Pixel Camo
- Puppy Pals
- Mexican Design - Sky Blue
How long can I fundraise for?
Registrations to fundraise for the Big Bold Hair Challenge open in August 2025. All fundraising pages will remain open until 30 October 2025.
Fundraising
How are the funds raised used?
Funds raised go towards developing and maintaining peer support programs and events, 24/7 online communities for young people and parents, access to Canteen’s free counsellors and individual support, specialist medical treatment and support for youth cancer patients in hospital, help post-treatment to get back on their feet, and youth-specific resources to guide young people through the challenges of cancer.
Sign up now
How do I ask for donations?
The number one reason why people donate to charities is because they were asked – so don’t be afraid of asking! Tell your friends and family why the cause is important to you and remind them that every dollar counts – all funds raised will go towards supporting young people impacted by cancer. Many workplaces also offer dollar matching, so it’s worth asking your boss if this is something they can do.
I’ve forgotten my username and/or password
If you’re trying to log in but you can't remember your password, click on the 'Forgot password?' link on the log in screen. Enter your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
What is "My dashboard"?
Your fundraising dashboard is your one stop shop to access features on your fundraising page.
On your dashboard you can do the following things:
- Personalise your page with your own story and photos
- Share your page on socials
- Send out e-mails to collect donations and thank your donors
- View your event checklist
- Check in to see how many donations you have received
- Download some awesome resources to help increase your fundraising
How do I upload photos to my page?
You can add or change photos by logging in and clicking on the ‘Edit My Page’ tab. Follow the prompts and ensure you save your changes.
Click the ‘view’ link above your fundraising information to see your changes.
Why are my achievement badges not appearing?
If you have done an action to earn a badge and it's not activated, best to wait 15 minutes and refresh the page.
I'm struggling to get donations, please help!
We're here to help! The best way to receive donations is to share your fundraising page. Every time you share your page, you increase the number of opportunities people have to support you (and young people impacted by cancer). Please consider sharing your fundraising page by:
- Posting on your socials
- Sending messages (eg SMS or WhatsApp)
- Emailing your friends, family and/or colleagues
- Displaying your personalised poster
How to take part
Do I have to shave my head?
Be creative - don't forget you can use a temporary hair colour if you are looking for a less perminant change.
Can I donate my hair to Canteen?
We at Canteen can't take hair donations, unfortunately, but here is some info about other organisations that do:
Grant A Wig for Kids | Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation
Hair with Heart | Variety the Children’s Charity
What kind of dye should I use to colour my hair?
There are lots of non-toxic hair dyes out there and we fully promote doing this challenge in a risk-free way. Also, there is certainly no expectation that everyone in Australia is in a position to dye their hair – if that’s you, please consider boldly cutting or shaving your hair instead.
Register now
We'd love for you to dye your hair Canteen green or Canteen blue and sport our colours but this event is intended to be first and foremost a challenge so we encourage you to pick a colour that takes you outside of your comfort zone. The crazier you go, the more likely your friends and family will donate to support you!
Where do I get my hair cut or coloured?
At home, a salon or barber... where you choose to transform your hair (and your style) is up to you. Whatever you choose, be sure to share before and after photos on your fundraising page to encourage your friends to support you.
Get started and register for the Big Bold Hair Challenge today!
How do I register for the challenge?
Registration is quick and easy click the button below and add in your details, set your fundraising page up and you are good to go! Remember everything is better with friends - create a team and invite your friends, family and coworkers to join.
Register now
Where can I go to shave?
The Big Bold Hair Challenge is a digital event which gives you the freedom to take part anywhere, anytime that suits you. You can complete your challenge at home, a salon, at your school or workplace - anywhere you can think!
How can I make sure my private shave event is safe?
Brush the clipper blades between each shave and wipe the edges with a cloth and a few drops of hospital grade disinfectant.
Every 2-3 shaves, you may also need to put a couple of drops of clipper oil on the blades. Make sure you wipe this off before shaving the next person.
Asking a professional hairdresser to help at your private event is a good ideas as they deal with this every day and know what to look out for.
Can I take part as a team?
Once you have completed your registration you will be prompted to create or join a team.
Is there an age limit?
