Perhaps in part due to media influence, women of today are very identified with their hair. It is a vital part of one’s look, and relates largely to self-confidence.
Our hair extension changes over time – sometimes quite dramatically. This can be due to hormonal changes, illness, chemical damage or even just ageing. For this reason women turn to hair extensions to replenish or enhance their looks, and this is a trend that has caught on all around the world. The hair extension industry is now booming, and it is interesting to take a look at some of the trends and statistics around hair extensions.
Let’s take a look at the most interesting hair extension statistics:
1. In 2011, more than 16,000 tons of hair products from wool to human hair were exported on order to be made into hair extensions and wigs. The year before, that number was more like 12,000 tons. The supply chain for human hair globally is growing at an eyebrow-raising rate of 40% per year.
2. Every year, the total export value for the hair extension industry amounts to around $1 billion, with imports amounting to about the same.
3. By 2023 (according to Research and Markets), the global industry is predicted to reach a market value of $10 billion.
4. In the United States alone in 2017, the hair extension industry reached revenues of $346 million, with more than 1,000 businesses supplying and fitting the hair products. This equates to around 3,000 employees working in the hair extension industry
5. According to Final Step Marketing, of all the countries in the world, China is the major exporter of hair for wigs and extensions, having shipped out more than 7,000 tons in 2011. This was valued at more than $56 million. At this time, China also tripled its Indian hair imports to 1.1 kilograms, which was up from only 800 pounds back in 2009.
6. In terms of total value, India is the big hitter. In 2011, India exported around 2,000 tons of hair at a cost of $220 million (again, according to Final Step Marketing).
7. In 2013, HM Revenue and Customs documented over £38m of hair entering the UK, making it the third biggest importer of human hair in the world.
8. Hair extensions in the United Kingdom have tripled in popularity since 2005, whereas in wigs has decreased in this timeframe.
9. 34% of women admit that wearing hair extensions is a regular part of their beauty routine, and 76% of hair extension users say that they chose them because they add value to their image.
10. Women in the UK typically keep their hair extensions in for between 2 and 4 months before having them removed, refitted or replaced – depending on the condition of the hair extensions, which may by then have dried out to some degree.
11. According to Final Step Marketing, around 90% of the world’s population has dark brown hair. As a result, the hair extension industry tends to receive less naturally blonde hair. Rarity inevitably dictates price.
12. 81% of women are satisfied with the their hair extensions when they first see their reflection after installation, says the National Institutes of Health.
13. How permanent do women consider their hair extensions to be? In America, 2% consider them so, while 49% will say they’re semi-permanent. 40% think of them as a temporary boost to self-confidence.
The fact is that even when women cannot afford genuine human Remy hair extensions, they will seek out an alternative to enhance their hair. Today’s most popular hair extensions are micro rings, which we provide afforable hair extensions.
It doesn’t have to cost the earth, and we have a range of different hair types and installation methods to suit. We custom match colours to make sure you achieve the perfect look, whatever the hair quality you opt for. We’re here to help, so get in touch to find out what we can do for you.