In the spotlight of India's evolving fashion scene, drag artist Zeeshan Ali transforms on-stage with his collection of 45 wigs. For 10 years, Ali's wigs have served as an altar of identity, enhancing his performances and helping him embrace extravagant personas. In the past, sourcing wigs was a struggle, with options limited and often imported. However, attitudes are shifting; wigs are gaining popularity among a wider audience, including straight women who view them as statement pieces rather than just accessories.
India stands as the largest exporter of human hair globally, accounting for 85% of supplies. Among the key figures in this domain is Kolachi Venkatesh, a hair collector from Chennai, who highlights the untapped potential of the industry. While hair pickers earn meager wages, their contributions feed a billion-dollar market. But as Venkatesh notes, the value of this hair—often regarded as waste—is enormous.
Most Indian hair is sent to China for wig production. Benjamin Cherian from Plexconcil emphasizes that India needs to elevate its position by advocating for investments and embracing innovative practices in hair processing and wig manufacturing if it wants a piece of the lucrative global market.
Diva Divine Hair, established by Nidhi Tiwari in 2009, is breaking barriers by creating high-quality wigs and extensions while addressing rising hair loss issues among Indian women. With new technologies like 3D printing and advanced color-matching, wigs have become more comfortable and accessible, leading to a cultural shift that embraces their use.
In addition, Temple or Remy hair, harvested as a religious offering, is the premium segment of the market. Companies like Raj Hair International focus on optimizing the processing of this hair to increase production efficiency.
As the wig industry continues to boom, Zeeshan Ali hopes for more locally-made options that are not just affordable but also innovative, capturing the 'wow factor’ desired by consumers. With demand for Indian hair skyrocketing, the future of the domestic wig industry looks promising.
