A hairdresser cutting a woman’s hair

Jul 20, 2023

Human hair wigs have surged in popularity, providing a natural and versatile option for hair enhancement or loss. However, a common question people ask when wig shopping is, “Where do human hair wigs come from?”. 

In this article, we'll investigate where these wigs come from and what ethical considerations are involved in their production. Plus, learn how to identify genuine human hair wigs to make informed choices supporting sustainable practices.

Where Does Wig Hair Come From?

Human hair wigs are crafted from a variety of sources. Most include donation programs and religious ceremonies such as those in Hindu temples. Understanding where human hair comes from is key to understanding the ethical implications associated with this industry.

Hair Donation Programs

Hair donation programs allow individuals to willingly give their locks to benefit cancer patients or children experiencing hair loss. It's essential for these programs to operate ethically and have respect for donors. This can ensure that the donated tresses are high-quality when used in wig production.

Religious Ceremonies

The primary sources of human hair wigs are India and China. This is also where most human hair extensions come from.

Many religious pilgrims travel to temples such as the temple in Tirumala, India. Hindus shave their heads during rituals of devotion. They believe they are ridding themselves of pride or arrogance in order to get closer to God. Ultimately, this practice serves as an offering made with faith-filled intentions.

We can make a conscious effort to promote ethical practices in the human hair wig industry. By supporting responsible brands, we are contributing to positive change and helping ensure sustainability for years to come.

How to Identify If Your Wig is Made of Real Human Hair

When investing in a human hair wig, it is essential to ensure you are getting the real deal. But, how can one tell if their wig is 100% human hair? To guarantee the authenticity of your wig there are certain things to look out for.

  • Weight of the hair –  Despite being the same volume, synthetic hair is significantly heavier than natural human locks.
  • Burn test – Finding out if your hair is real or fake can be determined by the smell of it when burning. Real hair will singe and burn with a burnt-hair scent, while synthetic melts into a ball and smells like plastic.

When shopping for a wig, be sure to do your research and buy from reliable sources. Otherwise, you may end up being tricked by unethical vendors into purchasing cheap synthetic wigs.

Ethical Beauty

Supporting responsible practices in the wig industry is crucial. We can start by considering where our human hair comes from and how it was sourced. By taking charge of what we buy and championing transparency, we can create an environment that puts people before profit. 

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