I first read of selling hair in Les Miserables when Fantine sold her head of gold to clothe her daughter Cosette. The hair trade just seems like such an archaic idea, but actually high quality hairpieces are still made from real human hair and there is a huge market for sourcing natural hair. Here are some tips and information on how to sell your tresses for cash.
1. Leave your hair untreated
Most wig makers want “virgin hair” that has no chemical treatment. Virgin hair is generally less damaged and would last longer in a hair piece. They also look more natural and could stand additionally treatment. So if you want to sell your hair, make sure you do not dye, perm, or bleach it.
2. Grow your hair out
Generally you need at least 10 inches of hair to be able to make a sale. This is because natural hair is usually not the same length and not all the hair is usable. Hair buyers generally want long continuous lengths of hair to make extensions and wigs.
3. Take good care of yourself and your hair
Healthy hair that shines fetch a better price in the open market. Some basic tips I have read are to brush your hair gently, eat well, and do not take any drugs since hair retains traces of the drugs you take. Also, it is best not to shampoo your hair every day because that would strip your hair of its natural oils. Smoking is also detrimental to your hair because the scent usually stays long after you light up a cigarette.
4. List and market your hair
Hairwork and Online Hair Affair are two sites that specialize in hair trading classifieds. The first site costs $20 to post an ad, and the second offers listings starting at $10. They allow you to post a description of your hair, pictures, and your price. It is usually recommended that you get paid first and then cut your hair at a professional salon and bundle the hair in a pony tail or braid. You could also try to auction your hair on eBay or post a classified ad on Craigslist, but I think your chances are much better on the sites specializing in hair.
Written by Xin Lu