What in the World Why the world buys India’s hair
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Mar 27, 2025 Discover the fascinating world of human hair, as India emerges as the top exporter, providing 85% of global demand. Learn about the unique sources of Indian hair, from temple donations to salon cast-offs. Delve into the quality and types of wigs, and find out why China dominates the export market. Hear from drag artists on the cultural significance of wigs, and explore how social media is shaping trends and ethical considerations in hair sourcing. It's a captivating journey through a vibrant industry!
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India's Hair Export Dominance
- India is the world's biggest exporter of human hair, supplying most of the global demand.
- This hair is sourced from temples (donated hair) and from less conventional sources like salons and even garbage.
Hair Collection in India
- In India, hair is collected from various sources, including temples where people donate it as an offering.
- It's also collected from salons, homes, and even garbage dumps by hair pickers.
China's Wig Manufacturing
- Indian hair is often exported raw to China, where it's processed into wigs due to their established infrastructure.
- Although India is a major supplier, China leads in wig manufacturing and export.