Where Do Hair Extensions Suppliers Source Their Human Hair From?

Human hair is an asset, and a hot one at that. But we all know that the internet is rife with disinformation and outright fabrications: click-bait.

Here is a perfect example: ‘all hair extensions suppliers obtain human hair from deceased individuals or incarcerated individuals.’ This is not only ethically wrong but also a myth. 

Here's the thing: the actual origin of your hair extensions is usually far-flung, fascinating, and possibly a little odd.

But at India Hair International, one of the most well-known wholesale hair extensions suppliers, we ethically source all of our hair from Indian temples. 

The same can’t be said for all hair extension suppliers because the international hair trade is as vast as unregulated.

So, as hair experts, our objective at India Hair International is to present industry knowledge as accurately as possible. This includes informing our customers where most hair extensions suppliers source their human hair from. 

Let’s start!

Where do most hair extensions suppliers source their human hair from?

So, where are hair enhancements sourced from? As simple as it may appear, it is a difficult question. 

There is a lack of regulation and transparency in the global hair industry and fragmented supply networks. As a result, it makes it challenging to draw a nice straight line through the lifecycle of human hair extensions. 

It is, nevertheless, not impossible.

Those unfamiliar with the business frequently assume that all extensions are derived from Caucasian hair originating in Europe. But most, if not all, hair collecting centers are frequently located in Eastern countries. 

Most, if not all hair extensions suppliers source their human hair from the following countries and are among the most expensive because of their virgin status.

1. India
2. Vietnam
3. Russia
4. Cambodia
5. Mongolia

Do hair extensions suppliers source their human hair from one donor?

This is determined by where and how the hair is obtained. 

At India Hair International, we pride ourselves on providing ethically donated hair from Indian temples and exclusively offering virgin Indian hair bundles from a single donor.

This will not always be the case for hair vendors with less transparency and less regard for the quality and origin of their hair. 

Due to the nature of hair collected from salon floor debris or plug holes, it is nearly impossible for all of the hair to come from a single donor.

Do all hair extensions suppliers ethically source their human hair?

A straightforward answer is some hair extensions suppliers do, and some don’t. 

Here are the most well-known hair extension suppliers and distributors that are transparent about their supply chain. 

India Hair International 

1. Hair Factory
2. Indique Hair
3. Remy NY

When hair extensions suppliers and distributors are transparent about how they source their human hair, it makes it easy to retrace their steps and ensure that the hair extensions and wigs are being produced responsibly. 

Knowing where hair extension suppliers source their hair will determine if it was ethically sourced (meaning it came from consenting donors who were compensated fairly).

Due to a lack of transparency and accountability in the global hair industry, determining if your human hair extensions are ethically produced can be challenging.

Unfortunately, a significant portion of human hair marketed today by hair extensions suppliers might not be ethically sourced–how large that portion is also difficult to quantify due to the industry's continued lack of regulation.

Do hair extensions suppliers grade their human hair?

Virgin, Remy hair (never chemically processed hair with cuticles that align in the same direction) is often regarded as the greatest quality of human hair available. This helps consumers and sellers determine the worth and quality of human hair extensions.

Hair grading is also used by hair extension suppliers worldwide to determine the quality of hair extensions purchased and sold. Unfortunately, because the sector is mostly unregulated, so is the grading system.

This means that hair extension suppliers can promote their hair extensions as 10A quality (the highest quality) regardless of whether they truly fulfill that criteria. 

People have been and continue to be duped, particularly online. Plus, human hair can be obtained from various sources, including donors. 

While you might think your new hair extensions are sourced from a reputable source and are of single-donor origin, the harsh reality is that your hair might have been obtained illegally from salon floors, drains, or even corpses. 

The hair may not even be 100 percent human. Hair extension suppliers and manufacturers frequently 'cut' hair by combining human hair with animal or synthetic hair and fibers to pass off as 100 percent human hair for a higher profit margin.

How do you know if you are buying high-quality human hair online?

With so much secrecy surrounding the hair market, it can be tough to protect yourself from being duped and determine whether your human hair is worth the money. 

Here are some pointers to bear in mind while purchasing human hair online from hair extensions suppliers:

#1. Do your homework

When it comes to purchasing human hair online, there are numerous possibilities. While this can be both a blessing and a curse, begin by devoting time to researching what you're looking for.

#2. Check reviews 

Once you've discovered hair extensions suppliers whose extensions you like, read their reviews on their site and search for brand reviews on Google, YouTube, and Yelp.

#3. Ask questions 

It never hurts to contact the hair extensions suppliers directly. Inquire about the origin of the hair, how it was (or was not) processed, and so on. 

Hair extensions suppliers like India Hair International, with nothing to hide, will be glad to respond to your questions.

But if you come across hair extensions suppliers who do not appreciate questions on how their human hair is sourced and shipped, it could hint that the hair being offered isn't what it appears to be. In that situation, it might be wise to look for different hair extensions suppliers.

How do hair extensions suppliers collect and manufacture human hair?

Hair industry experts agree that hair extensions suppliers sourcing their hair from the temples of India is the best way to source the finest human hair ethically. 

In the same breath, it is also important to note that not all hair extensions suppliers source directly from the temples of India. 

Hair extensions suppliers also go door-to-door collecting "fallen" hair. These are random strands that women and girls take from their combs and hairbrushes for a small fee—sometimes, their payment is colorful plastic barrettes and hair clips rather than real money.

Here is a crash course on how hair extensions suppliers collect human hair from the temples of India. 

The Temple Hair Collection Process

#1. Pilgrims donate their hair to the gods in Indian temples. This hair is known as “temple hair,” where the hair is donated in one sitting.

#2. Hair is tied back, pulled into a tight ponytail, and then cleanly cut at the nape. 

#3. The person's head is subsequently shaved as a part of a customary religious ceremony.

#4. This hair cutting technique is important because it ensures that all cuticles face the same direction. This results in a smoother weft and is known as Remy hair.

#5. Hair extension suppliers then bid on the hair before closing the deal.

The Manufacturing Process 

#1. Hair extensions suppliers send the collected hair to their factory for the manufacturing process. 

#2. Credible hair extensions suppliers then visually sort the human hair by texture, color, and length before using steam without chemicals to clean the hair. 

#3. Out-of-the-ordinary snips are mixed, processed, and used to make a lower-quality extension.

#4. The human hair is then sewn-in together using sewing machines. At India Hair International, our human hair extensions and wigs are hand-crafted for the most realistic finish. 

#5. Hair extensions suppliers then ship out the hair extensions and wigs to hair stores and their customers. 

FAQs About Human Hair Extension Suppliers

1. How to know if hair extensions suppliers are truly selling virgin human hair?

Here are 4 ways you can test hair authenticity.

• Work your way up and down the strand with your fingertips. 

If the cuticle cannot be roughened, it has likely been removed with acid and then covered with silicones. They'll wash out quickly, revealing lifeless, knotted hair.

• Look for hair with lighter-colored ends.

We're talking about a subtle gradation here, not 2013-level ombré. It was probably colored to cover up grays or blend hair from multiple donors if it's all the same color.

• Put it through the smell test.

If the hair smells like corn chips, it's a clue that some strange chemicals were used (again, acids and silicones to imitate quality).

• Do the burn hair test.

Cut some strands and place them over a flame to see how they burn. Human hair burns while fake hair dissolves. 

If it is real human hair, it will catch fire and burn almost instantly, emitting the odor of burning hair as it curls into a ball-like form.

2. What are the hair grades used by hair extensions suppliers?

These are the current human hair grades with 3A being the lowest quality hair and 10A being the highest.

• 10A
• 9A 
• 8A
• 7A
• 6A
• 4A
• 3A

3. What do you need to start selling human hair extensions?

Here are two key factors to consider when you decide to start selling hair extensions.

4. Do hair extensions suppliers offer special wholesale programs to licensed hair professionals?

Yes! At India Hair International, we offer wholesale pricing on human hair worldwide.

Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries or place your first order. We are happy to talk about testing quality if you're interested. We are excited to collaborate with you!

We also offer a Stylist Program for licensed cosmetologists. If you have a cosmetology license, you are eligible for up to 20% discounts on all IHI orders!

Conclusion 

The hair trade has always been a lucrative business, with a general profit margin of about 50%- 100% for hair retailers. 

Apart from the financial aspect, providing your customers with ethically sourced human hair is the best way to relish guilt-free hair! 

Contact us today at India Hair International for ethically sourced and eco-friendly human hair!