A MARKET FOR HAIR.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 5 September 1919, Page 4

A MARKET FOR HAIR.

RED AND WHITE MOST EXPENSIVE. It was stated recently that human hair is worth 10s an ounce, and some pe'bple have professed surprise at the price. As a matter of fact, the figure is far below the mark. It is true that some human hair can be purchased at so low a figure as 30s a pound, but this is the coarsest, commonest stuff, concerning tho origin of which it would not be wise to inquire too closely. From £2O to £SO a pound are quite usual prices for good examples of hair .of ordinary colours, while tho ~ rarer •hues, particularly white and auburn, are much more expensive.

Por pure white hair there is always I a larger demand than supply, and the prices paid for the best qualities vary from about £5 to £0 per ounce. A well-known London dealer has sold white hair, even before t lie war, at £IOO per pound. ' Next to white hair in point of value comes the Titian tint, which is particularly in demand by American movie actress, who was blessed with exquisite red tresses no less thau live feet in length, was reported to have sold three feet of them to a Paris dealer for £IOOO. Tho cutting of the locks was done with a pair of golden scissors, which were afterwards presented to the lady as a souvenir of the curious I occasion.

All the fine hair is European. The best hair comos from the south of Prance, from Italy and Bohemia; in fact, dealers say that the French is quite the finest quality of all. Much Chinese hair also is used. It is coarse

and cheap. The demand for hair is increasing constantly. This, no doubt, is due to the perfecting of wigs and also to the increase of baldness.