How to Sell Your Hair: Valuable or Not?
You might have heard about giving your hair to charity, but did you know you can also sell it to companies that make wigs? It might sound strange, but it’s true. People with long and healthy hair can make money by selling it to companies that need it for wigs, extensions, and weaves. Some buyers will even pay a lot for hair that’s a rare color. But, how do you sell your hair?
Selling your hair takes time and effort—you have to find a buyer, make an ad, agree on a price, and then get a haircut. It’s not a way to get rich quick, but it can be a good way to earn some extra money every now and then. Here’s what you need to know.
How much is hair worth?
When it comes to knowing how much you can sell your hair for, the price can vary from around $150 to $600. But lots of things affect how much you can get. Usually, long, thick, natural red or blond hair gets the most money. Hair that hasn’t been dyed or treated is also worth more. Here are some examples of prices that you can find online:
- 20 inches long, 3 inches thick, red hair that hasn’t been treated: $586
- 18 inches long, 2 inches thick, blond hair that hasn’t been treated: $354
- 14 inches long, 1.5 inches thick, brown hair that hasn’t been treated: $162
- 12 inches long, 2 inches thick, black hair that has been treated: $131
People of all ages, including kids, can sell their hair. Some buyers even prefer children’s hair because there’s less of it for sale. That means children’s hair might sell for a bit more. Selling your hair isn’t something you can do all the time, though. Hair only grows about half an inch each month, so you might only be able to sell it once a year. If your hair has been permed, dyed, or bleached, it’s worth less or might not be usable at all for making wigs or extensions.
Even if your hair has been damaged by heat from curling irons or hair dryers, it might not be strong enough for a wig. If you’re wondering how much your hair is worth, you can check out similar listings on websites where people sell their hair to get an idea of the price.
Steps to Sell Hair Online
Okay, let’s talk about selling your hair for money. It’s not as simple as just cutting it off and getting paid. First, you have to find someone who wants to buy your hair. Then, you need to make an ad that really stands out to get their attention. Once you’ve found a buyer, you negotiate the deal, and then it’s time to snip your hair. Finally, you package it up and send it off to its new owner.
Find a Platform to Sell Your Hair
You have a few options if you want to sell your hair. You can try places like eBay, or you can contact wigmakers directly. There are also special websites where you can put up a listing for your hair and interested buyers will get in touch with you. It’s kind of like OfferUp, but for hair!
Some of these websites have forums where people who sell hair can chat and get advice from others. Here are a few examples:
- BuyandSellHair: You can make an ad here for about $15, and it’ll stay up for three months. You can choose your own price or let buyers make offers. You can chat with potential buyers through the site.
- HairSellon: You can list your hair here, and buyers will contact you with questions and offers. It costs $20 for a lifetime listing or $17.50 for a 60-day ad. They also have a tool to help you figure out how much your hair might be worth based on its length, thickness, and color.
- Sell Hair Store: This site doesn’t charge you to list your hair. You make an ad, set a price, and wait for buyers to message you. PayPal is usually how people pay. They have a big international market, so you might get buyers from all over the world.
Optimize Your Listing
When you’re selling your hair online, remember that there are other sellers too. So, you’ve got to make your listing stand out.
First, show off your hair’s best features, but make sure you’re honest. If you hype it up too much and it doesn’t meet expectations, buyers might ask for their money back.
Here are some tips for your hair listing:
- Take lots of good pictures: Snap at least four or five clear photos of your hair from different angles, preferably in natural light. It helps people see how shiny and colorful your hair is.
- Talk about how long and thick your hair is: Some sellers even use measuring tape in their photos so buyers can see the size for themselves.
- Share your hair care routine: Buyers like to know everything about your hair, like if you smoke, how often you wash it, and what you eat. A healthy diet makes your hair look better, which can make it worth more.
- Get into the details: Don’t hold back on what makes your hair special. Whether you’re a strawberry blonde or have cool natural highlights, tell buyers all about it. The prettier and shinier your hair, the more money you can get for it.
Close the Deal
When you sell your hair online, buyers can talk to you on the website to ask questions and sort out the deal. They usually use PayPal to pay because it’s easier to fix any problems that pop up. Remember, don’t chop off your hair until the sale is done. It’s tougher to find a buyer if your hair isn’t freshly cut or taken care of properly.
Cut Your Hair and Ship It Out
When you’re getting your hair cut, go to a professional so it’s all neat and free of split ends. Tell the stylist you’re selling your hair so they can handle it carefully and pack it up properly. During the cut, use hair ties to keep your hair together. The buyer will likely tell you how they want it cut and sent.
When you’re ready to mail it, put your hair in a zip-close bag or something like that. Get a tracking number and insurance for the package (you can ask the buyer to cover the cost or include it in your listing price). Some websites suggest taking a picture of your hair next to the package before you send it for extra proof.
Will you be able to sell your hair?
The hair business all over the world is pretty tricky and competitive.
The United States loves human hair wigs and extensions, but most of the hair comes from places like China and India. That’s what a report from Reportlinker.com said in 2023. The report also said that the price of human hair is going down. This is good for companies because they can get hair for less.
Basically, it’s a market where buyers have the upper hand. Selling your hair might take a long time, or you might have to accept less money. You might even struggle to find a buyer at all.
Sell Your Hair for Huge Value
If you have long and healthy hair, selling it can be a way to make some extra cash. It’s not quick money, but it’s worth considering. Remember, be honest about your hair’s condition, take good pictures, and follow the buyer’s instructions. Whether you’re donating or selling, your hair could make a difference to someone. So, if you’re thinking about it, why not give it a try?
