I Only Cover the Most Burning Questions: What Animal Lovers Can Do With Their Hairbrush Hair?

Since college, every month or so when my hairbrush fills up with hair I have used and abused, I toss it out in the yard hoping a Mama Bird somewhere will want to use it to make a nice, cuddly nest. The vision of that playing out just gives me warm and fuzzy feelings. It's a little tip I got from my dear sweet friend, Anna. You see, like me, Anna is a devoted animal lover, and all species are welcomed. When we first met in high school she told me I looked like a butterfly. She once supported my desire to turn the car around coming home from the mall to go look at some baby chicks for sale. And while we were roommates we had a house full of animals and took in a few lost ones here and there. I digress. One day I saw her go out onto our front porch and toss her hair onto the tree hanging over the railing. As soon as she explained her rationale I was sold! I've been throwing my hair all over the place and never going back to check whether it had been picked up by my target customer (birds--any birds!).

Fast forward to this past Monday morning when Charlie and I headed to the gym. I dropped off a furball  as we headed to the car. But this time I was feeling a little more ambitious. I wanted that reward of knowing my hair had a home. Charlie, used to this sort of thing just said, "For the birds, huh?" Yep, I said, getting excited already about checking to see if it was missing when we returned from the gym. I was certain my offering would be a hot commodity as Winter approaches. To my dismay, there was the furball, untouched when we returned. I moved it to hang from a tree branch sure it would be more "marketable" there. Tuesday morning I left for work realizing mid-way through my commute that I had forgotten to check on my furball. I called Charlie immediately, and asked that he do the deed for me. I will admit I had high hopes this time. My sweet husband didn't question it. He looked out the window while I remained on the line while he delivered the news, "No, it's still there. But don't worry, a little bird will get your hair," he encouraged.

I'm sad to report that a bird has yet to desire my hair. In fact a storm has rolled in and probably blew it off who knows where. However, I've discovered my knowledge of mother nature is quite lacking. I have since learned via Anna (and her Mom) that the birds are likely waiting until Spring to make their nests. However, a beneficiary I didn't even consider might be interested right now: Granddaddy Long Legs. Anna has already made one South Carolinian "Daddy" happy this Fall (pictured above-thanks for the photo Anna). So there's hope for my hair. Although Anna does have quite nice, long, luxurious hair I am sure any animal would want.

In the meantime, through a quick Google search I also learned that this recycling hair thing isn't that weird at all. Human hair--and Logan hair too--can be used in the garden to keep pests away and help plants thrive. It can also be used for gross things like spinning yarn for a sweater, stuffing cushions, children's toys, and even soy sauce! Yuck! I also discovered an old superstition that if a bird uses your hair to soften its nest, it will bring you bad luck. Logan and I are taking our chances. We'll be stocking up for Spring for all the hair-wanting, nesting birds.