The Multi-Billion Dollar Business of Human Hair Wigs: A Deeper Dive
Devoted Adoration Towards Idols and Extravagant Living
In the world of luxury goods, the sale of human hair wigs brings in a staggering amount of money. To be precise, around $7.06 billion in 2023, with ambitions to hit the $10 billion mark by 2028.
"The hair of the poor adorns the heads of the rich – this absurdity is a lucrative business." This quote, pulled from the somewhat ostentatiously styled new Swiss "Tatort", resonates with reality. The trade of human hair wigs and extensions has been a wealthy endeavor, with stories behind it that are as bizarre as they are intriguing.
Hair as a Reflection of Diversity and Power
Hair stands for variety, and it shapes politics. By examining the commerce of human hair, one can trace a variety of societal power dynamics, religious beliefs, and cultural identities. This connection is vividly showcased in the film through the plot of "Rapunzel", which draws inspiration from a particularly peculiar true event that shook the industry years ago.
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"Tatort" in a Nutshell: Objects of Worship and Luxury Goods
According to Jewish law, married orthodox woman must cover their hair in public. The Sheitel, or wig made from human hair, has become an elegant solution that allows these women to adhere to religious laws without sacrificing a modern appearance. However, a rabbinical decision in 2004 dramatically impacted this market. Shalom Yosef Elyashiv declared that Indian hair, which accounts for the majority of global production, was non-kosher due to its origins in Hindu temples, where women often offer their hair as religious offerings. Under Jewish law, this falls under the category of "Goetzenanbetung," or idol worship. Elyashiv promptly banned the practice.
The consequences were severe. He even advised his followers to burn any previously purchased Indian wigs, stating that "objects of idol worship must be destroyed". Orthodox Jewish women were urged to only pay exact amounts of money when purchasing wigs to avoid handling change that may have come into contact with the sale of Indian wigs.
Today, hair factories must present Kosher certificates, and each wig bears a label signifying its Kosher status. Kosher human hair wigs range in price from €700 to €1,700, not including monthly maintenance costs, as the women are unable to wash the wigs themselves. A high-quality human hair wig can last up to ten years with proper care.
The Dark Side of the Shining Business
Where there is money, shady deals are not far behind. "Rapunzel" hints at the real issues plaguing the industry with itsplot of fake human hair. In reality, an underground market thrives in substandard or falsely labeled products. One of the biggest concerns lies in the origin declaration. While "European hair" is marketed as a premium product, much of the promoted hair actually originates from other regions. Tracking the supply chains is often impossible, making fraud a straightforward matter.
Technology Challenge
Nowadays, 3D scanning enables the creation of custom-fit wigs without the customer's physical presence. AI assists in color matching and predicting trends. Meanwhile, synthetic fibers are becoming increasingly indistinguishable from human hair. The question remains, how long it will be worth it to purchase human hair wigs when advanced technology offers a more affordable and convenient alternative.
Sources:
- ntv.de
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"The following shall be added to the discussion on the multi-billion dollar business of human hair wigs: a focus on how finance influences the industry, with potential implications for lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and business sectors. For instance, the trade of human hair wigs and extensions has been a significant contributor to the economy, and the orthodox Jewish market for Sheitels (wigs made from human hair) have been impacted by religious rulings and certification requirements, affecting their costs and availability."
"Furthermore, the industry's dark side shall be explored, revealing concerns about the authenticity and origin declaration of human hair used in wigs, an issue that potentially impacts wealth and power dynamics within the fashion-and-beauty and business sectors, while advanced technology like 3D scanning and AI could potentially disrupt the industry by offering more affordable and convenient alternatives."