Which country is the best for purchasing human hair?
The human hair industry has experienced remarkable globalization over the past decade, with practices evolving significantly. Despite cultural differences across countries, one constant remains: consumers are increasingly demanding high-quality hair extensions.
But have you ever wondered where your human hair extensions originate? As a distributor with six years of experience in the hair extension business, we’ve analyzed global trade data to determine which country offers the best human hair for purchase.
The Best Countries to Buy Human Hair: Top 5 Countries
The human hair industry remains somewhat mysterious, with different countries offering unique hair textures and manufacturing processes. Here are the top five countries known for supplying high-quality human hair:
1. Russian and Ukrainian Hair (Slavic Hair)
For those seeking the highest quality human hair extensions, virgin Slavic hair is highly recommended. This rare and luxurious hair comes from Slavic countries in Eastern Europe, such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland. Its premium qualities make it more expensive compared to hair from other regions.
Slavic hair is generally thicker, offering fuller and more voluminous locks. The natural colors of Slavic hair range from light blonde to light brown, with some shades of ash blonde and golden tones. This makes it highly versatile for styling and dyeing, accommodating a wide array of shade preferences.
However, due to its rarity, Slavic hair can be difficult to find. It’s essential to research reputable suppliers, read reviews, and ensure the hair matches your specific needs.
Advantages:
- Premium hair texture
- Easy to dye or chemically process
- Comfortable to wear
Disadvantages:
- High-priced
- Hard to find
- Quality and characteristics can vary within the region
Brazilian Hair
Following Slavic hair, Brazil ranks as the second-best country for purchasing human hair. Unlike in countries like Vietnam or India, most Brazilians do not grow their hair to sell due to religious and cultural reasons. As a result, genuine Brazilian hair is rare, and what’s available on the market is often virgin hair. Many vendors selling “Brazilian hair” actually import human hair from other nations such as China, Peru, India, and other Asian countries, processing it into extensions for resale.
When it comes to native Brazilian virgin hair, it typically comes in light curls, wavy curls, or tight curls, though straight hair is also available. A major benefit of Brazilian hair is its durability—it holds up well over time and requires less maintenance compared to other hair types.
Since Brazilian hair can originate from various ethnic backgrounds, prices range from $2.5 to $4.5 per bundle at the lower end. However, cheaper versions of Brazilian hair are often treated with chemicals like silicone to enhance smoothness, which can degrade the quality over time. Typically, hair treated this way has a shorter lifespan, lasting about 1.5 years.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective
- Can be dyed or processed into different colors
- Very durable and low-maintenance
Disadvantages:
- Shorter lifespan compared to higher-end hair types
- Genuine Brazilian hair is difficult to find
- Quality can be inconsistent due to diverse sourcing
Indian Hair
India is widely regarded as the top producer of human hair, boasting the highest dollar value in the global hair trade in 2022, according to the World’s Top Exports. Indian hair is highly sought after in the hair extension and wig industry not only for its durability but also for its affordability. Most of the human hair from India comes from temple donations, where the hair is offered as a religious gesture. This hair is typically untreated, making it an excellent quality option for extensions.
However, the quality of Indian hair can vary depending on the type you choose. Virgin Indian hair, which is unprocessed and chemically untreated, is among the finest in the world. It retains its natural integrity, making it a top choice for premium human hair extensions.
On the other hand, some Indian hair may undergo chemical processing by manufacturers in India or China to restore its usability. This processed hair tends to be lower in quality, potentially leading to dissatisfaction if you’re seeking long-lasting, natural hair.
A downside of Indian hair is that the production process remains somewhat outdated and follows manual methods. Additionally, the climate in India can make raw hair slightly curly and difficult to achieve the silky texture found in Vietnamese or Slavic hair. The natural hair can also carry a distinct smell, which may be unpleasant to some.
Advantages:
- Affordable price
- Bouncy and voluminous
- Durable hair texture
Disadvantages:
- Outdated treatment processes
- Raw hair can have an unpleasant odor
Chinese Hair
Chinese hair has gained popularity due to its advanced hair treatment technology, which allows manufacturers to produce large quantities of human hair at very affordable prices. While some associate Chinese hair with negative perceptions such as poor quality, overuse of chemicals, and an artificial smooth texture, these criticisms often apply to the cheaper, lower-grade extensions that flood the market.
Critics argue that China leverages its technological expertise to create hair that looks attractive initially but deteriorates after several months, becoming prone to tangling and breakage. However, based on six years of experience in the human hair industry, we affirm that this is not the full picture. Many reputable Chinese manufacturers prioritize quality, offering high-grade human hair products that maintain their integrity over time.
To ensure you get the best quality when purchasing Chinese hair, it’s crucial to research trustworthy suppliers, read customer reviews, and ensure that the hair meets your quality standards.
Advantages:
- Visually appealing and trendy products
- Fast adaptation to current hair trends
- Advanced hair treatment technology
Disadvantages:
- Mixed origins, leading to inconsistencies in quality
- Raw hair may carry a distinct smell
- Often involves chemical treatments to enhance appearance
Vietnamese Hair
Though Vietnamese hair cannot match the large production output of Chinese or Indian hair, it has quickly gained global recognition for its exceptional quality at an affordable price. Starting at around $8 per bundle, you can access premium Vietnamese human hair that’s highly regarded for its silky, smooth, and untangled texture throughout its entire length.
Vietnamese hair blends seamlessly with other dark hair shades, making it ideal for extensions. Its natural, luxurious feel can often fool others into thinking the extensions are your own hair. Moreover, Vietnamese hair handles chemical processes such as dyes, perms, and bleaches exceptionally well, making it versatile for different styles and treatments.
One of its standout qualities is its durability—Vietnamese hair can last for an extended period without thinning, tangling, or becoming messy. However, it’s important to carefully examine the hair cuticles before purchasing. When buying Vietnamese hair for the first time, consider requesting a sample and asking suppliers to conduct a hair test to ensure you’re getting the best quality.
If you’re considering purchasing Vietnamese hair, it’s essential to seek out reliable vendors and buy directly from manufacturers, as it’s not as widely available as other types of hair.
Advantages:
- Highly affordable
- Silky, smooth, and healthy texture
- Long-lasting lifespan
Disadvantages:
- Limited supply compared to other countries
- Must be purchased directly from manufacturers
