Indians once threw away their hair, now it's exported to China as 'black gold'

AI Summary

Discarded human hair from India forms a valuable multi-million dollar global commodity primarily imported by Xuchang, China, the so-called 'wig capital.' This material is processed into wigs and extensions, with Brazil as a major consumer, showcasing a complex global supply chain in beauty and fashion.

Discarded hair is a valuable commodity, forming a multi-million dollar global industry centered in China and India. Xuchang, China, the 'wig capital,' imports vast quantities of Indian hair, processed meticulously by workers earning meager wages. This raw material is transformed into wigs and extensions, with Brazil being a major consumer, highlighting the intricate, often unseen, global supply chains powering beauty and fashion.