We may earn a commission for purchases through links on our site at no cost to you, Learn more.
Have you ever considered turning your hair into cash? Believe it or not, there’s a market for beautiful, long hair. This might seem like an unusual way to make money, but it’s a legitimate option for those with hair they plan to cut short.
Maintaining long hair can be a commitment. It requires time for proper care and styling, which can be challenging in our fast-paced lives. Hair buyers recognize this and are willing to offer a good price for healthy, long hair.
Where to sell your hair for cash
You can do this task either through online platforms or in person at local establishments.
Here is a list of various websites and physical locations where you can consider completing this task:
1. HairSellon
HairSellon is a popular platform for buying and selling hair. It functions similarly to a classified website but focuses on hair and hair-related products.
While HairSellon doesn’t take a commission on sales, it charges listing fees ranging from $15 to $50, depending on the chosen package. Once a buyer pays for your hair, the funds are transferred directly to your PayPal account.
The value of your hair on HairSellon depends on several factors, including texture, color, length, and overall condition. Their Hair Price Calculator can give you a preliminary estimate, though past user experiences suggest the selling price can vary. One reviewer reportedly sold her hair for a remarkable $4,000!
It’s important to remember that HairSellon is just one option. Carefully research any platform before listing your hair to ensure its legitimacy and understand its specific requirements.
2. OnlineHairAffair.com
OnlineHairAffair.com is a website designed specifically for buying and selling hair. It is similar to a classified site like Craigslist but focused exclusively on hair.
While it offers a potentially wider audience of hair buyers compared to general classifieds, there is a catch: OnlineHairAffair charges listing fees. These fees start at $8 for a two-week listing.
Considering the targeted audience, this can be a worthwhile investment, but it’s important to factor this cost into the overall value you expect to receive from selling your hair.
3. Hairwork.com
While initially established as a platform for selling hair, Hairwork.com has evolved into something quite unique. It now caters to both hair sales and artwork incorporating hair.
While you can still list and sell your hair directly to buyers on Hairwork.com, the website’s design might pose a challenge for some users. Its outdated interface, reminiscent of the 1990s, can be cumbersome to navigate.
If user-friendliness is a priority, you may consider alternative platforms for selling your hair.
4. WorldOfWigs.com
While WorldOfWigs.com is a retailer of wigs and hairpieces, they also offer a hair-buying program. However, their pricing structure is on the lower end of the market, typically paying $3-$5 per ounce for hair that meets their quality standards.
Remember that a minimum length requirement is 12 inches to qualify for selling your hair to WorldOfWigs.com. This ensures they can create high-quality wigs and hairpieces from the hair they purchase.
5. Buy and Sell Hair
Consider Buy and Sell Hair as a potential platform for selling your hair. This website caters specifically to hair transactions, boasting the “highest traffic, the most sales, and the highest prices for your hair in comparison to other hair trading websites.”
While a one-time listing fee of $14.50 applies for a 3-month listing period, there are no additional commissions or hidden costs. Reviews suggest listings often start above $250, indicating buyers are willing to pay well for high-quality, long hair.
Remember to compare multiple platforms before deciding where to sell your hair. Consider factors like listing fees, target audience, and the overall user experience when making your choice.
6. Gumtree
While exploring online marketplaces for selling your hair, consider Gumtree, a popular classifieds website in the UK. It is like the British counterpart to Craigslist, offering a wide range of items for sale, including hair.
However, when opting for a local selling route, prioritize safety. Always arrange meetups in well-lit, public locations. Many police stations in the UK even offer designated areas specifically for online transaction exchanges, providing a secure environment for buyers and sellers to complete their deals.
7. Facebook Marketplace
Don’t underestimate the potential of Facebook Marketplace for selling your hair. While many associate Facebook primarily with social media, Facebook Marketplace offers a robust platform for local buying and selling.
Creating a listing is a quick and easy process, and you can leverage your existing Facebook network to promote your hair by sharing the listing directly to your profile or relevant groups. This targeted exposure can significantly increase your chances of finding a local buyer for your hair.
8. Craigslist
Craigslist remains a popular option for selling various items locally, including hair, for a quick turnaround. The platform allows you to create a concise listing with clear details and high-quality photos to attract potential buyers.
Adding high-quality photos is particularly important on Craigslist, as visuals significantly increase response rates compared to text-only listings. This is a best practice to consider when advertising your hair on Craigslist or similar classified websites.
9. eBay
Consider expanding your reach beyond local buyers by exploring online auction platforms like eBay. This broadens your audience to potential buyers nationwide or even internationally.
The selling process is familiar: create a detailed listing showcasing your hair with high-quality photos. You can choose a fixed price or an auction format, allowing buyers to compete with bids for your hair.
While eBay is a popular option, remember to research similar auction platforms to potentially reach a wider audience of hair buyers.
10. Instagram
Have you considered using Instagram to sell your hair? This social media platform thrives on visual content, making it surprisingly suitable for advertising your beautiful locks.
Instagram boasts a large community of fashion and beauty enthusiasts, creating a targeted audience of potential buyers already interested in hair care and aesthetics.
Since creating a post on Instagram is free, it presents a low-risk opportunity to reach a broad audience. Who knows, you might find the perfect buyer for your hair within the platform’s vast user base!
Use local selling apps
Consider exploring local selling apps to reach potential hair buyers in your area. These apps function similarly to classified websites. They offer user-friendly interfaces that allow you to create a listing with details and photos of your hair in just a few minutes.
Most local selling apps are free, making them a low-cost option for expanding your reach beyond traditional classifieds. This approach lets you connect with potential buyers actively searching for hair in your local community.
Here are some of the best ones to try:
Tips for selling your hair locally
Selling your hair locally requires some effort but can be rewarding. There are two main options for selling your hair locally. The first involves finding buyers in your area. Hair salons, for instance, sometimes look for hairstyle models. This allows you to sell your hair while getting a complimentary haircut, though the payment is typically modest. Check with local salons to see if they have any openings for models. You can also look through classifieds or local business listings in newspapers or online directories.
If your primary goal isn’t financial or you can’t find a buyer, consider donating your hair to a charity. Organizations like Locks of Love accept hair donations to create wigs for cancer patients. While you won’t receive money, you’ll allow someone to feel more confident and beautiful during a difficult time.
Advertising
High-quality photos and a detailed description are key to attracting potential buyers when advertising your hair for sale. Here’s a breakdown of the crucial details to include:
- Hair length: Accurately measure your hair’s length, from root to tip, when straightened.
- Hair color: Clearly describe your hair color. Include any natural highlights or lowlights, and specify if it’s dyed.
- Hair texture: Mention your hair’s texture, whether straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Indicate thickness (fine, medium, coarse) as well.
- Hair care habits: Briefly explain your hair care routine. How often do you wash and style your hair? Do you regularly use heat styling tools?
- Product usage: List any hair products you typically use, such as shampoos, conditioners, styling creams, or mousses.
- Lifestyle factors: Disclose if you smoke or drink alcohol, as these habits can affect hair health. Briefly touch on your overall diet, focusing on a balanced approach if applicable.
Honesty is paramount. Highlight your hair’s positive qualities to generate interest, but avoid making exaggerated claims. By providing accurate and detailed information, you’ll attract qualified buyers seeking hair that meets their needs.
How to sell your hair online
1. Choose a listing site
When selling your hair online, selecting the right platform is crucial. There are dedicated hair-selling websites out there, each with its own strengths. Take some time to browse these sites and see which one best suits your needs.
One important factor to consider is the fee structure. Ideally, you want a platform that charges a one-time listing fee instead of taking a commission on your sale. This way, you keep a larger portion of the final price.
2. Write up your listing
Here’s how to craft a winning listing to sell your hair online:
- High-quality photos are key: Excellent photography is the foundation of a successful listing. Capture multiple clear, well-lit photos that accurately represent your hair’s color, length, and thickness. Don’t skimp on this step – potential buyers rely heavily on visuals to assess the quality of your hair.
- Craft a detailed description: A thorough description is essential beyond the photos. Include the exact length you’re offering (or the length when cut) and details about color and texture. Is it thick, thin, straight, curly, or something unique? Mention your hair care routine – how often you wash and condition, the products you use, and any styling habits like blow drying, curling, or straightening. Honesty is key here. Be upfront about whether you dye or bleach your hair.
- Highlight a healthy lifestyle: Potential buyers are looking for healthy hair, so subtly weave details about your lifestyle into the description. Do you smoke or drink? Disclose this information. Conversely, emphasize a healthy diet if that’s part of your routine. By showcasing a healthy lifestyle, you indirectly promote your hair’s overall health and desirability.
Consider your listing a chance to brag about your hair’s best qualities. Is it naturally shiny and smooth? Incredibly soft? Unique in color or texture? Highlight these special features to grab the attention of buyers looking for exceptional hair.
3. Set an asking price
Before setting a price, conduct thorough research on similar hair listings. Look at current and completed listings to understand the market value for hair with comparable characteristics, including length, color, texture, and overall condition. By meticulously comparing your hair to similar offerings, you’ll arrive at a more accurate and realistic asking price.
Generally, hair prices range from the high hundreds to the low thousands of dollars. If you are unsure about the appropriate price point, or simply curious about the current market value, there are hair price calculators available online that can offer guidance. Utilize these tools alongside your research for a well-rounded understanding of your hair’s worth.
4. Make your sale
Once you’ve secured a buyer for your hair, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction is crucial. Here’s how to handle the final steps:
Preparing for shipment: First, meticulously cut and package your hair following the buyer’s exact specifications. Braiding the hair tightly and securing both ends with hair bands will prevent tangles during shipping.
Payment and security: For your protection, never ship your hair until you’ve received the full payment, typically handled through a secure platform like PayPal. This ensures you receive your payment before parting with your product.
Additional safeguards: Consider purchasing both delivery confirmation and insurance for the package. Delivery confirmation lets you track the shipment’s progress, while insurance provides financial reimbursement if the package is lost or damaged in transit. This extra layer of security protects both you and the buyer during the shipping process.
How much can you get for your hair?
The value of your hair depends heavily on several characteristics. Length is a major factor, with longer hair fetching a higher price. Color also plays a significant role. Virgin hair, uncolored and untreated, is generally more valuable than hair that has been dyed or chemically processed. Other factors influencing price include hair health, density, and texture.
Research similar listings online or consult a hair buyer to get an accurate idea of what your hair might be worth. Prices can range widely, from a few hundred dollars for shorter hair in good condition to several thousand dollars for exceptionally long, virgin hair of a desirable color.
Tips
Here are some key tips to maximize your profit when selling your hair:
- Don’t cut until you have a buyer and payment is secured. This protects you from being left with short hair and no sale.
- Hair quality is paramount. Generally, virgin (undyed) hair at least 10 inches long is most desirable. Colored, bleached, permed, or heavily processed hair may be difficult to sell. Similarly, grey hair is less valuable to buyers. Smoking can also negatively affect hair health, reducing its worth.
- Prioritize hair health. For optimal selling potential, focus on maintaining healthy hair. Minimize heat styling, avoid harsh chemicals, and maintain a consistent hair care routine that promotes shine and strength.
- Length is king (or queen). The longer your hair, the higher the price you can command. Aim to grow your hair as much as possible while keeping it healthy.
- Maintain a natural state. Buyers prefer hair that hasn’t been styled excessively or washed daily. A natural, unfussy look is ideal.
- Safety first when selling online. Protect your privacy by not disclosing your full name, home address, or other identifying information in your listings. Consider creating a separate email address for online transactions.
Following these tips ensures your beautiful hair finds the perfect buyer and fetches the best possible price.
The bottom line
While selling hair can generate some income, it’s important to manage expectations. It likely won’t cover significant expenses like rent, but it can be a way to earn supplementary income.
The good news is that hair grows back relatively quickly, so if your hair grows fast, you could sell it a few times a year. However, the feasibility depends on your hair’s condition and growth rate.