The Journey of Hair
The Journey of Hair traces the supplychain behind hair products, from sourcing to end of life, and forms the foundation for the Sohocolab Hair Database, currently under development.
From Ancient Traditions to Modern Global Supply Chains
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Hair has been used for adornment, identity, protection, status, performance, and medical purposes for thousands of years. Today, wigs, hair extensions, braiding hair, hairpieces, and false eyelashes form a global industry supplied by both natural and synthetic fibers.
This educational resource follows the journey of hair from its historical origins through modern manufacturing and global distribution. It provides background information on materials and supply chains and does not present findings from Sohocolab’s ongoing research.​​​​
A Brief History of Hair Enhancement
Source: Illustration inspired by Meryt Wig - Turin Museum, Italy
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Ancient Civilizations (c. 3000 BCE)
Ancient Egyptians used wigs made from human hair, wool, palm fibers, and plant materials. Wigs provided protection from the sun while also signifying social status and ceremonial importance.
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Ancient Greece and Rome
Hairpieces and wigs became fashionable among both women and men. Imported hair and dyed hair were used to create elaborate hairstyles.
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Middle Ages
Hair coverings became more common throughout Europe, although wigs continued to be used for ceremonial and theatrical purposes.
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17th–18th Centuries​
The European wig industry expanded dramatically. Powdered wigs became symbols of status, creating international demand for human hair and alternative fibers.
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19th Century
Industrial manufacturing increased the production of wigs and hairpieces. Hair merchants, collectors, and workshops supplied growing international markets.
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Early–Mid 20th Century
Film, theatre, and fashion accelerated demand for hairpieces. Improvements in wig construction made products more realistic and accessible.
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Mid 20th CenturyLate 20th Century
Hair extensions, machine-wefted products, braiding hair, lace-front wigs, and specialty hairpieces became widely available. Synthetic fibers expanded consumer choice.
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Today
Human hair and synthetic fibers move through complex international supply chains before becoming products sold through salons, beauty supply stores, specialty medical suppliers, and online retailers.​​​
Synthetic hair is made from manufactured polymer fibers designed to imitate the appearance, texture, and movement of human hair. The fibers are formed, colored, textured, and assembled into products such as wigs, extensions, braiding hair, hairpieces, and eyelashes.
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The International hair market brings together diverse materials, skills, cultures, and trading networks to create hair products used by people around the world.
