Is There Such Thing As Ethically Sourced Hair Extensions?

Let me start by saying, there is no governing body to determine where most hair extensions are derived and whether or not they are ethically sourced.  Most will agree that hair from India is the best quality as well as ethically sourced, especially from "Indian Temples" as a ritual to praise their God is from one donor and an agreeable participant.  The fact is only a small percentage of the hair on the market actually comes from India, most hair is from countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia, and China.  The processing of the hair (color and texture) is performed in many Asian factories.  One of our stylists, Diane Fritz, traveled to Asia and visited hair and wig factories.  Her opinion is that most factories were lacking in cleanliness, old and young were making hair extensions and the pollution in the air was excessive.  She literally saw boxes of hair being shipped to Russia from China, leading her to believe that Russian hair is non-existent.

The source of hair extensions is never a guarantee, but you do get what you pay for, in most cases.  Dealing with foreign manufacturers is no easy task, you are essentially at their mercy as to whether they are selling what they claim and you are paying for.  Many United States hair suppliers "middle-men" travel overseas to form relationships and trust with hair factories, but, they too, fall prey to unscrupulous foreign trade.

What We Know

The only possible way to determine ethically sourced hair is to purchase virgin (one donor) hair in hopes that the donor was compensated and agreeable to selling their hair.  

Remy hair does not mean the hair extensions come from a single donor!  In fact, there are many donors involved which can lead to unsatisfactory hair quality.  "Remy" simply means the hair is collected in one direction, which helps the hair from knotting.  There are exceptions to the rule, whether planned or unplanned, often inferior dry hair is mixed into bundles and in some cases heat resistant synthetic hair.  The inferior hair will not last past 3 months, and so many methods of application require hair to be reused such as; tape hair, hand-tied and pull-thru.  

I purchased hair from overseas and there were dead lice in the strands!  I also think I saw some blood.  This was in my early days and I promised myself that I would never purchase from this vendor or even their region.  

Lots of hair is collected from salon and trimmings of hair, then pieced together to sell to the market.  I had a vendor that asked me to return all used hair extensions that I removed from my clients so the hair could be reprocessed.  Absolutely not, and what's more I stopped our business relationship immediately!

In countries such as Brazil, people have brought a friend or willing hair donor to the hair salon and the donor's hair is cut and applied to the person in the same salon! That is the only true way to know where and who the hair came from.  

Cadavers and Horses

Word on the street is that hair extensions come from dead people and/or possibly the equine family, honestly, I have no idea.  I would love for hair processing factories would be located in the United States where humane guidelines could be followed.  Albeit prices would be higher, but the ethical mystery would be solved.

Conclusion

I wish I had a definitive answer to the donors of hair extensions and if the hair was ethically sourced, but I suggest purchasing virgin hair.  I know virgin hair is better quality, although the price is at a premium, it is worth it.   

If you are a fan of hair extensions, ask your stylist if your hair is "one donor virgin Remy," If they do not have an answer, tell them to ask their supplier.  At the end of the day, wearing hair extensions is your choice.

Hair Extensions Background

At Noelle Salon, we evaluate your natural hair, listen to our client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. We use human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using our Pull-thru Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out to us and explore the possibilities.