The True Cost Of The Human Hair Trade | True Cost

How does hair that costs as little as $7 in Vietnam end up selling for thousands in salons around the world? Insider went to the streets of Vietnam to investigate this global business.

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The True Cost Of The Human Hair Trade | True Cost

[GingerGingie]

I struggle with this. As a woman who is balding, I have used hair extensions. But I certainly don't want anyone to suffer because of me trying to deal with hair loss. Thank you for this video, it a reminder to be aware of the impact I'm making with my choices.

[jojoannajojo]

I did it once when I was about 14 yrs old we didn't have food to eat for that day so my mama (who passed this yr) recommended to sell my hair. I cried so hard after that and got bullied at school because they cut my hair so short. It was worth it tho bcoz my family ate and I got to go to school the next day.

[frozeneternity]

I donate my hair every 18 to 24 months for cancer patients. Never knew there a market for it. Here I give it for free. I really do hope it ends up where it's meant to and will no shady costs to the recipient

[Hoodicaat]

The reason why Vietnamese don't complain about how cheap they sell their hair is because 7 dollars in Vietnam can buy you a lot of things, unlike in America or other countries. My mom used to sell hair for a really cheap price and when I asked her why, she said "it's just some hair, I don't give a shit" (she didn't swear tho, I made that up)

[miltostzovaras]

7$ to sell your hair, up to $2000 to buy... So unfair.

[NellyTieuMy]

In Vietnam, a person could earn $1/hr doing the same job that could earn around $14-15/hr in the US. I would say the value of $7 in Vietnam is like $100 in the US. So, to ppl there, it's like selling their hair for $100, for groceries, meals, bills, it's actually not too bad; to the business, it's a good deal to make a $7 worth $50-100 (I guess so, sr I don't know about wig's prices).
My mom actually sold my hair 15 years ago just for $3. I used to keep my hair originally healthy long black.

[tipitii]

I don’t get why people are upset about this? This is literally true about almost everything you own! If you’re watching this on your phone, people die and work for slave wages mining for the minerals that are needed for the component in your phone, and the story never ends..

[urchincreature]

In the past I have sold my hair to help pay my bills when I couldn't find another way to cover all of them. I don't think I believe there's such a thing as 'ethical consumption', but I sure needed the money at the time.

[aleenaprasannan]

It's interesting to see that people are not questioning how a temple is earning $ 1.49 million from auctioning off hair that was donated by devotees....and the most ridiculous thing is that, that revenue is exempted from taxation....

[huntress]

Did this once. Sold my hair that was past my hips, simply because I got bored with it and didn't want to just throw it away after cutting. I'd say it was one of very few regrets in my life. The sudden loss of weight on your head, the empty space it left when you comb your fingers through your remaining hair. It felt like losing a friend. And for a very cheap price too. Wasn't worth it. My hair grew back of course, but I'll never cut it that short again.

[riquehurturfeelings]

My daughter has long hair I remember a women tried cutting it but I pulled my iron on her she took off in a getaway car. Brazil has the same problem.

[JkrJolt]

If these people are willing to sell their hair to make ends meet, which is far better than selling anything worse if you know what I mean 🙄, they should at least receive a fair price for that. Selling their hair for 7 bucks while these hair being sold from money hungry companies for hundreds of dollars, is unacceptable.

[jojomakes]

Sometimes when we go into a store, we can really take things for granted because we've been spoiled to just go in and purchase it or go online and do the same thing. Sometimes we forget the work involved in getting it there.

[scraperindustry]

I had hair to my hips when I was a teenager and then cut it all off to a short bob. The hair stylist actually kept my hair. Maybe I should have asked for a discount for my haircut

[Blitzkrieg]

The struggle is real. I'm American and I feel bad how crappy they get paid.

[bavenhen]

When I was a kid... people used to hold girl on the streets cut and steal their hair...

[yumidynowska]

So unfair... They should be paid much more!

[JSisall]

Would have been helpful to name the company that ethically sourced their hair and pays their workers well. Buying direct from them would be a good way for people to reward good business practices.

Edit: typo

[AirQuotes]

This is exactly why I don't wear extensions or wigs.

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