In Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh, the trade of women’s hair is experiencing rapid growth, particularly as the festive season approaches. The price of hair has seen a noticeable increase, now fetching up to ₹3,000 per kilogram, a rise from the previous rate of ₹2,500. This growing demand not only provides new employment opportunities but also opens up a unique income stream for local women.
With Diwali around the corner, the demand for women’s hair has surged, driving prices up by ₹500 within the last month. Sheikh Yunus, a local buyer who collects hair from various areas, mentions that on an average day, he gathers anywhere between 250 grams to half a kilogram of hair, which he then sells in larger markets.
Interestingly, the hair trade offers women the choice of receiving either cash or household items in exchange for their hair. Women with less hair often opt for household utensils. The collected hair is sent to bigger cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where it is processed into wigs, extensions, and other products that are in high demand.
