I’m curious about what happens to hair after it’s donated or purchased from individuals. When people donate their hair to organizations like Locks of Love or Wigs for Kids, or when hair is sold to buyers who collect it, what is the complete process that the hair goes through? How is it cleaned, processed, and prepared? What are the different end uses for this hair – does it all go to making wigs for medical patients, or are there other purposes? Are there different quality grades, and how does that affect where the hair ends up? Also, what percentage of donated hair is actually usable versus what gets discarded? For purchased hair, what industries buy it and what products do they create? I’d like to understand the entire journey from when someone cuts off their ponytail or sells their hair to the final product it becomes.
What Happens to Hair After Donation or Purchase
Initial Processing
After hair is donated or purchased, it undergoes several stages:
Sorting and Grading
- Hair is sorted by length, color, and texture
- Quality assessment determines its final use
- Damaged or unusable hair is separated out
- Hair is categorized into different grades based on quality
Sanitization Process
Cleaning Steps
- Hair is thoroughly washed with industrial-strength shampoos
- Chemical treatments remove oils, dirt, and any contaminants
- Multiple rinse cycles ensure complete cleanliness
- Hair is disinfected to meet health and safety standards
- Drying process using specialized equipment
Processing Methods
For Wig Manufacturing
- Hair strands are aligned in the same direction (cuticle alignment)
- Sorted bundles are sewn or tied onto wefts
- Wefts are attached to wig caps using various techniques
- Hand-tied, machine-sewn, or injection methods may be used
- Styling, cutting, and final shaping occurs
For Hair Extensions
- Hair is organized into consistent lengths
- Bonding tips are attached (keratin, tape, or clips)
- Color matching and blending processes
- Packaging for retail distribution
Chemical Treatments
- Some hair undergoes color stripping
- Dyeing to achieve desired colors
- Texture treatments for straightening or curling
- Coating with silicone or other products for shine
Distribution Channels
Medical Wigs
- Donated hair often goes to organizations making wigs for cancer patients
- Organizations like Locks of Love, Wigs for Kids, Pantene Beautiful Lengths
- Provided free or at reduced cost to individuals with medical hair loss
Commercial Market
- Sold to wig manufacturers
- Distributed to beauty supply stores
- Sold to hair extension companies
- Exported to international markets
Lower-Grade Hair Uses
Alternative Applications
- Used in cosmetology school training
- Converted into hair fiber for industrial applications
- Used in oil spill cleanup (hair absorbs oil)
- Composting or fertilizer production
- Art projects and craft materials
- Test wigs for styling practice
Geographic Processing Centers
Major Processing Locations
- India (temple hair from religious donations)
- China (large-scale processing facilities)
- Eastern Europe (collection and initial processing)
- United States (final manufacturing for domestic market)
Timeline
From donation/purchase to final product typically takes 2-6 months depending on processing complexity and destination.