Your hair extensions could have been retrieved from a drain.

Did you know that the human hair extensions you see in beauty shops and on celebrities may have more in common with the strands of hair that get clogged in your shower drain on wash day? It may sound surprising, but it's true. Recently, certified trichologist Afsennah shared a TikTok video revealing this interesting fact. In her video, she explains that many affordable human hair extensions actually come from public drains in cities like India. Workers collect the hair from these drains, clean and treat it, and then sell it as shiny and beautiful extensions. But the truth is, this hair is not actually virgin hair.

Afsennah's video, which has gained over 477,000 views, sparked a strong reaction from viewers. Many were shocked and disgusted by this discovery, with some even tagging their friends and commenting with horrified emojis. One person even joked about throwing their own extensions in the bin.

However, before you start tossing out all of your beloved hair extensions, it's important to note that not all extensions are created this way. In fact, according to a BBC investigation, hair taken from drains and combs is typically labeled as "standard" rather than "Remy" or "virgin." There is also a lot of mystery surrounding the hair extension industry, with many companies mislabeling their products and not being transparent about where the hair comes from.

So how exactly does this process work? Well, companies either source hair from public drains or purchase it from women who have been saving their hair after brushing. These women are typically paid around 80p for a bundle of hair that could take years to collect. The hair then goes through a lengthy process of being untangled and sorted by length before it is sent to brokers.

But here's where things get tricky. The grading system for human hair is not formally regulated, so it can vary from company to company. Some workers grade the hair from A to AAAAAAAA based on length, but there is no universal system in place to check the quality or source of the hair. This is why it's crucial to do your research before purchasing extensions.

According to Gennaro Dell'Aquila, founder of GA Salons, reputable companies and suppliers adhere to strict guidelines to ensure their products are safe, ethical, and of high quality. Collecting hair from drains can pose major hygiene risks, such as bacteria and mold, which is why it's important to purchase from trusted retailers.

To help navigate the confusing world of hair extensions, Millie Doughty, a buyer at Capital Hair and Beauty, shared the meanings of some common terms you may encounter when shopping for extensions. Remy hair is the process of preserving human hair and ensuring that the roots and tips are all aligned in the same direction. This results in less tangling and matting, making the hair more expensive due to the extra care during processing. Virgin hair is hair that has not been chemically processed in any way, while synthetic hair is made from plastic fibers designed to mimic real hair.

It's worth noting that even if the hair has been cleaned, it may still be of poor quality if it comes from multiple sources. This is why it's important to ask questions and consider the source and processing of the hair before making a purchase. Additionally, permanent extensions may require a lot of upkeep and can cause damage if not applied or maintained properly. On the other hand, clip-in extensions can be a good alternative for those not ready for a long-term commitment.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to purchase affordable extensions from questionable sources, it's important to do your homework and invest in high-quality, ethically sourced hair. Not only will this benefit your own hair and scalp, but it also supports fair and safe practices in the hair extension industry. So next time you're considering extensions, make sure to consider the source and take the necessary precautions for a beautiful and healthy result.

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