How Indian Hair Became ‘Black Gold’ in a Billion Dollar Trade in China
For years, cut human hair in India was regarded as waste and simply thrown away. Today that same hair is one of the most valuable exports of the country. Indian human hair, or "black gold," is exported in huge quantities to China, where it is processed into high-end wigs, hair extensions, and beauty products sold worldwide.
For years, cut human hair in India was regarded as waste and simply thrown away. Today, that same hair is one of the most valuable exports of the country. Indian human hair, or "black gold," is exported in huge quantities to China, where it is processed into high-end wigs, hair extensions, and beauty products sold worldwide.
How a Waste Product Became a Billion-Dollar Business
India is one of the world's leading exporters of human hair. Much of the hair is donated by devotees who shave their heads at temples as an offering to God. Hair is also collected from salons and bought from local collectors in towns and villages. Then it is cleaned, sorted by length and quality, and prepared for export.
China Adds Value
After the hair arrives in China, it will be processed in several different stages. Factories clean, treat, color, style, and pack the hair before it is made into luxury wigs, hair extensions, eyelashes, and other beauty products. The finished products are exported to markets such as the United States, Europe, and other regions of Asia. India supplies the raw material, but China gets a big slice of the profits by processing, branding, and marketing it all over the world.
A Big Opportunity for India
Experts say India could make so much more from this sector by investing in its own processing plants and global brands instead of mostly exporting raw hair. A robust domestic manufacturing industry can create thousands of jobs, increase export earnings, and help India capture a larger share of the global beauty market.
Demand Continues to Grow
The popularity of wigs and hair extensions in the fashion and beauty industry has been increasing, which has led to a growing demand for natural human hair. They are also used by people who suffer from hair loss due to medical conditions. What used to be seen as waste is now a valuable global commodity, showing that even discarded items can turn into a booming international business.
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