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What in the World
Why the world buys India’s hair
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!
12:47
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Quick takeaways
- India's human hair industry, valued between 200 to 500 billion USD, sources hair primarily from temples and everyday collections, revealing a complex supply chain.
- The growing demand for wigs, projected to rise from 7.5 billion to 12.5 billion USD, is influenced by social media and changing consumer attitudes.
Deep dives
The Journey of Human Hair Collection
India is the leading exporter of human hair, with its annual exports valued between 200 to 500 billion USD. The sources of this hair are largely surprising, as it comes from two main origins: temple donations and everyday collection from salons and even garbage. Many women, especially in rural areas, sell their hair, with temple hair being considered the highest quality due to its clean origins. This hair is auctioned off to manufacturers who create wigs, revealing a complex supply chain behind what may seem like a simple beauty accessory.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode