Some of the most attractive men and women have long come to the conclusion that there is no hair to waste.

They have been using human and other hair to enhance their natural assets and to replace what they have lost, or what nature has not given them. It is not unusual to see long, flowing hair on ladies' backs and a heavy head of hair on men wearing wigs and toupees to hide their bald spots.

Models, entertainers, actors and many persons in the spotlight owe much to waste human hair. Their ability to change their appearances and to enhance their natural beauty is often done with a change of their hairstyles. Ordinary persons also benefit, as it has been said that many persons restore their confidence when they are able to cover bald spots and sport a full head of hair, even if it originally belonged to someone else.

wig collection

These attractive wigs, weaves and attachments made of human hair is often collected from households, barbershops and temples in countries such as India and Indonesia, and exported to China and Korea where they are further processed for sale to other countries. The collection, packaging, processing and importation of these waste hair for use as extensions, wigs and toupees is big business for many countries with active beauty industries.

In addition to the beauty industry, waste human hair is also used for making hair for dolls and soft toys. The finishing touch for many attractive dolls is a full head of hair done up in very attractive hairstyles. Many little girls have fond memories of combing a doll's head of long beautiful hair and who knows how many hairdressers got their first start with their dolls.

Waste human hair is very useful for chemical companies which manufacture hair products. Before releasing their products to the market, some companies use human hair to test their products and allow them to make statements concerning its effect on human hair. This could make the products safer for the consumers' use, as there may be a reduced risk of damage to persons' hair.

There are other interesting uses to which waste human hair is put. Next week, we will take a look at how it is used in food, suits, and cleaning up the environment. Until then, if you wish, do your part to make sure no hair goes to waste.

Ann Marie Rodriques

PeaceWater Services

Send questions or comments to peacewaterservices@yahoo.com

(Part 1)