The Cutting Edge

Framing the face, hair contributes to human appearance, so much so that European religious leader Martin Luther once observed that “The hair is the richest ornament of women.” Men and women, young and old, pursue wigs, hair extensions toupees and other products. Real human hair offers the most authentic look, and hair collection, sorting, dying and crafting have become a big business in Asia. People can sell the stray pieces – up to 100 pieces may fall off a scalp in any one day – and some vendors even collect hairballs as payment. Devout Hindus who shave their heads before temple visits also can sell their locks. Critics suggest the hair-collection in India, before heading off to wig factories in China, results in child labor and even respiratory disease, reports Margot Cohen in the Standard. Meanwhile, Japan researchers toil to find a synthetic form of hair that is softer and more durable than the real thing. – YaleGlobal