In Vietnam, the market for wigs and extensions is growing, driven by international demand, especially in Europe, the United States, and Africa. Vietnamese hair is highly valued for its natural quality, durability, and versatility, making it in high demand. In 2024, the country exported hair products worth tens of millions of dollars. This sector has experienced strong growth and restructuring during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the northern village of Hanoi, amid rice fields and the industrial complex of Bac Ninh, lies the “hair village.” In Binh An, amidst pho and banh mi shops, dozens of merchants sell transformed hair products. Old barns have been converted into workshops where raw materials are sorted, woven, and dyed. Others have evolved into actual factories. One seller stated, “The majority of my hair comes from Vietnam, these are raw Vietnamese hair, so the quality is always guaranteed, especially for coloring and dyeing.”
Vietnamese hair, transformed into extensions or wigs, is renowned for its quality, durability, and natural appearance. Untreated and often cut directly from donors’ heads, they are highly sought after in international markets, with one seller mentioning, “Today, our market is primarily developing in Africa. About 85% of our sales are in Africa. In one month, we produce between 1.6 and 2 tons of goods.” Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia are emerging as booming hair markets in Africa, alongside Europe and the United States.
Hair is also sourced from India in the industry, which was previously dominated by Chinese and Indian players. However, Vietnamese producers have emerged in recent years. A producer noted that the sector restructured post-Covid-19, emphasizing the need for local production due to travel restrictions. With a growing economy in Vietnam, the average standard of living is rising, leading to hair donors becoming scarcer, driving collectors to rural areas. Ethical questions arise as hair is sometimes bought for a few euros. Some local sellers are turning to cheaper hair from India, but the traceability of its source is more challenging. Premium wigs, fully made in Vietnam, can be sold for over 600 euros, providing significant income for merchants banking on the expanding sector.
