How to Sell your Hair in the UK to Boost your Income

February 8, 2023
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How to Sell your Hair in the UK to Boost your Income

Hair is one of the most sought-after and valuable commodities in the beauty industry.

Many people look for specific types of hair to use in wigs and extensions or just as a natural way to enhance their look and achieve the hairstyles they’ve always wanted.

As such, human hair remains a popular product in the hair industry and is a great way to earn some money.

Here’s our guide on how to make money selling your hair in the UK….

Why Do Companies Buy Human Hair?

Companies buy human hair for various reasons, including:

Wigs and hair extensions:

The primary reason companies buy human hair is to produce wigs and hair extensions. Human hair is much more durable and easy to care for than synthetic hair.

Beauty products:

High-quality human hair is employed in making different beauty products, such as brushes, eyelashes, and eyebrow extensions.

Hairpieces for special events:

Natural hair is also used to make Hairpieces used to create unique looks for special events like weddings, proms, photo shoots, runway shows, and other occasions.

Research and Development:

Some companies may purchase human hair for research and development purposes, such as studying the properties and behaviour of hair fibres or developing new hair products.

Medical purposes:

Medical industry may purchase human hair for reconstructive surgery, such as scalp reconstruction and eyebrow transplants.

Art and fashion:

Human hair is also used in art projects, for doll making and other crafts, as well as in the fashion industry for creating garments.

How Much Do Companies Pay for Human Hair?

The amount a vendor pays for human hair varies depending on the quality, length, colour, origin, and condition of the hair at the time of purchase.

However, most companies in the UK are willing to pay anywhere from £15 for at least 10 inches of hair (shorter lengths) to £250 for 30 inches of hair (longer lengths).

Therefore, if you want your hair to fetch a higher price, you should ensure it’s free from damage and in great condition.

If your hair has been dyed or bleached, you may still be able to sell it but at a lower price. The same goes for hair chemically treated or damaged from heat styling.

Hair Quality…

Before you send your hair to a vendor, it’s worth knowing what they look for in a good hair sample.

Generally, most companies in the UK look for the following when buying natural hair:

Raw virgin hair: Virgin hair is completely natural, meaning it has not been bleached or dyed, has its original colour, texture, and elasticity.
Remy: Remy is the most prized type of hair. It’s obtained from a single donor, and the follicles face in the same direction. This hair type keeps its natural shine, volume, and softness longer than other types.
Single-drawn hair: This hair has been harvested from at least two donors. Its strands are of varying lengths.
Double-drawn hair: Hair drawn from multiple donors and has been sorted to ensure all strands are of equal length.
Cleanliness: Hair should be free of dirt, product build-up, oils, or tangles, as these can reduce its value.
Texture: Most vendors prefer hair that has a natural texture, with no bleaching or chemical treatments.
Natural colour: Hair should retain its natural colour with no dyes, bleaches, or highlights.
Length: Most vendors will accept hair between 12-30 inches long.
Quantity: Companies will often state how much hair they need in terms of weight. However, most companies prefer at least 50-100 grams of hair (a bundle) for purchase.

Companies That Buy Hair in the UK:

Here are some of the most popular hair buying companies in the UK:

Banbury Postiche…

Banbury Postiche has been one of the UK’s most reputable and trusted brands since the early 1920s. They’re located in Banbury, Oxfordshire, specialising in buying and selling Remy and Virgin quality human hair.

They also accept hair donations and provide free wigs to people who have lost their hair due to medical illnesses like alopecia and cancer.

Their rates are highly competitive and promise a fast and secure delivery service. Currently, Banbury Postiche only purchases hair that meets the following criteria:

14 inches or more in length long
100% human hair
Healthy and undamaged
Free of chemical processing
Consistent in texture and colour
Has been tied into a ponytail

You should expect to receive between £3.00 and £5.00 per ounce, with the longest hair fetching the highest prices.

Bloomsbury Hair…

Based in Bloomsbury, London, Bloomsbury Hair is a well-known hair supplier in the UK committed to sourcing the finest quality human hair and creating exquisite hairpieces. The company is dedicated to providing its customers with hair that is natural, healthy, and of the highest quality.

All their human hair is ethically harvested within the UK from different sources, including salons and individuals. They also purchase Asian hair, but at a lower price.

Bloomsbury Hair exercises stringent controls on their hair quality and only accepts donations from donors who meet their strict requirements. Typically, they prefer hair that is:

At least 18 inches long
Undyed, healthy and untreated
100% human hair
Not too dry, frizzy or has many layers
Of good texture, colour, and thickness

Sellers who have their hair accepted and purchased can expect a payment of up to £150 per bundle, depending on the hair quality.

All proceeds are used to make wigs and hairpieces for those in need, such as alopecia sufferers.

If you’re interested in selling your hair in the UK, contact Bloomsbury Hair via their website or email.

Companies that Accept Hair Donations in the UK:

Several organisations accept donations if you don’t want to sell your hair and would rather donate it. Here are some of them:

The Little Princess Trust: The charity provides real hair wigs free of charge to children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment and other illnesses.
Cancer Research UK – The organisation also accepts hair donations, which can be used to make wigs for cancer patients.
Little Lady Locks – This charity creates wigs for children who have lost their hair due to alopecia, cancer treatments, or other medical conditions.

Overview…

If you’re looking for an easy, stress-free way to make money from selling your hair in the UK, there are a few reputable companies that buy hair, including Banbury Postiche and Bloomsbury Hair, which you can reach out to.

Alternatively, you can donate your hair to one of the many organisations that provide wigs and hairpieces for those in need.