Where Do Human Hair Wigs Come From?

Human hair wigs have become increasingly popular in recent years as a fashion accessory and solution for hair loss. But where exactly do these wigs come from, and how are they made? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fascinating origins of human hair wigs, the various types available, their benefits compared to synthetic wigs, and tips for selecting and maintaining a high-quality human hair wig.

The Origin of Human Hair Wigs

The use of wigs and hair extensions dates back thousands of years across many cultures. However, the modern human hair wig industry as we know it today emerged in the 16th century in France and England. During this era, wigs symbolized social status and were commonly worn by nobility and the upper class.

Human hair was considered superior to other fibers, so the wealthy would often wear wigs made of real human hair. Hair was collected from local villages, cut from servants, or harvested from hair salons. The best quality hair came from Italy, Germany, and France. This European hair was traded around the world and used to craft expensive wigs in the Americas and Asia.

Understanding the Origins of Human Hair Wigs

In the 21st century, most human hair used for wigs comes from China and India. Chinese hair donations come from female donors of Han Chinese ethnicity in rural areas like Shandong and Hunan. Indian hair is sourced from female temple donors in the Tirupati region, where pilgrims shave their heads as a religious sacrifice.

Some other sources of wig hair include Vietnam, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Russia. This Asian hair provides the highest quality and most natural look for human hair wigs.

Different Types of Human Hair Wigs

There are many different types of human hair wigs on the market. Here are some of the primary categories:

Virgin Hair Wigs

Virgin hair is the highest grade of human hair because it has never been processed or chemically treated. This makes it incredibly soft with a natural shine. Virgin hair provides the most natural look since the cuticles are left intact and aligned. It is the most expensive type of wig.

Remy Hair Wigs

Remy hair has the cuticles aligned in the same direction from root to tip. This retains more shine and prevents tangling. The term “Remy” refers to the preservation of the cuticle direction. However, Remy’s hair can be either virgin (untreated) or processed.

Types of Human Hair Used in Wigs

There are three types of human hair used to construct different parts of a wig:

Vietnamese Virgin Hair

Chinese virgin hair, often from donors with black hair, is used for the majority of a wig’s length. It is prized for its thickness, softness, and durability.

Indian Virgin Hair

Indian virgin hair, often from donors with dark brown or black hair, is used for adding highlights and dimension. This hair adds natural movement and body.

European Hair

Virgin European hair in blonde or light brown shades is used to create a natural hairline and part. The fineness and light color mimic scalp hair.

Production Process of Human Hair Wigs

Constructing a human hair wig is a complex, multi-step process. Here is an overview of how wigs are made from start to finish:

Hair Selection: 

Human hair from various sources is sorted by length, color, and quality. The best hair is selected for use in wig construction.

Cleaning and disinfection: 

The hair is washed in an anti-bacterial solution, and then oven-dried at a high temperature to remove lice and debris.

Knotting: 

The hair strands are knotted strand-by-strand into a fine lace or base with a customized wig pattern.

Wefting: 

For machine-made wigs, the hair is sewn onto wefts (tracks) to create length and volume. Hand-tied wigs have a more natural appearance.

Chemical Processing (optional): 

The hair may be chemically treated to create different textures or colors.

Styling: 

The wig hair is cut, layered, and styled into the desired look.

Quality Inspection: 

The finished wigs undergo rigorous quality control checks before packaging and shipping.

Benefits of Choosing Human Hair Wigs

Why choose human hair over synthetic hair for wigs? Here are some of the benefits that make them a superior option:

• Natural look and feel:  

Human hair is indistinguishable from naturally grown hair. The multi-tonal colors, softness, and movement can’t be replicated in synthetic fibers.

• Heat styling versatility: 

Human hair wigs can be curled, straightened, and styled with hot tools up to 400°F. Synthetic wigs will melt under heat.

• Longevity: 

With proper care, human hair wigs can last up to several years with consistent quality and appearance. Synthetic wigs last around 3-6 months before appearing worn.

• Customization: 

Human hair allows for cutting, coloring, perming, and restyling by a stylist to achieve a personalized look. Synthetic hair does not hold new styles or processing.

• Breathability: 

Human hair wigs allow the scalp to breathe and are comfortable for all-day wear. Synthetic wigs can cause overheating, irritation, and itching.

The investment in a quality human hair wig pays dividends in the long run in terms of durability, style diversity, and overall natural beauty.

Comparison of Human Hair Wigs and Synthetic Wigs

Here is a quick comparison of some other key differences:

	Human Hair	Synthetic Hair
Cost	More expensive	Less expensive
Realism	Very natural appearance	Shiny, artificial sheen
Texture	Soft, smooth	Coarse, stiff
Styling	Reacts well to heat styling	It melts under heat
Longevity	It lasts several years	Lasts 3-6 months
Maintenance	Higher, which requires conditioning	Lower, minimal care

While human hair wigs are pricier initially, their long lifespan and customizable styling provide great value over synthetic wigs in the long term.

Tips for Maintaining Human Hair Wigs

Caring properly for a human hair wig will help it last longer and retain a natural look. Here are some top tips for maintenance:

• Avoid overwashing, which can strip natural oils Wash 1-2 times per month with cool water and a sulfate-free wig shampoo.
• Apply a smoothing hair mask or leave-in conditioner after shampooing. Focus on the ends, which become dry over time.
• Blot wet hair gently with a towel. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which causes tangles. Allow the wig to air dry on a mannequin stand.
• Use specific styling products for wigs when heat styling. Regular hairspray and mousse can leave sticky buildup.
• Store the wig on a wig stand in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The shape should be maintained.
• Have the wig professionally cleaned and re-styled every 4-6 months by a qualified stylist.
• Proper storage, washing, and conditioning go a long way in preserving the quality and lifespan of a human hair wig.

Where to Buy High-Quality Human Hair Wigs

When investing in a human hair wig, it’s important to choose high-quality hair from a reputable supplier. 

Yoghair, a Leading Wholesale Hair Factory

Yoghair has over 20 years of experience as a wholesale hair manufacturer in Vietnam. They have their own hair factories with skilled workers trained in wig-making techniques.

Some benefits of choosing Yoghair wigs include:

• 100% virgin Remy human hair sourced ethically from Vietnam 
• Pre-colored hair is available in every hue and ombre blend
• A reputable company with thousands of satisfied clients worldwide
• Hair customization services like curling, pre-perms, coloring, and more
• Competitive pricing compared to other wholesale sources
• Responsive support and dedicated account managers

Yoghair undergoes rigorous quality control and international certifications to ensure their wigs meet the highest standards for the end consumer. If you are seeking premium wholesale hair, Yoghair is an excellent one-stop shop.

Conclusion

Human hair wigs have a rich cultural history spanning centuries and continents. Today, most wig hair originates from China and India before undergoing complex manufacturing processes. With benefits like longevity, natural appearance, and customizability, human hair wigs have become a popular choice over synthetic hair. Proper care and choosing quality hair from reputable suppliers like Yoghair help maximize the investment in a human hair wig. With a better understanding of human hair wig origins and production, consumers can select the perfect wig to enhance their natural beauty or cover hair loss.