CNA Correspondent Podcast: Getting to the root of Asia’s booming human hair trade
About six in every 10 wigs people buy globally are made in one city in China. And this is a booming business in Vietnam too where human hair is called "black gold".
Imagine getting paid to get a haircut. The demand for human hair has led to a complete makeover of the economic fortunes of some people in Asia.
So what makes some strands more valuable than others? CNA's Teresa Tang sits down with Low Minmin and Tung Ngo for an in-depth look at the production chain in China and Vietnam.
Vietnamese hair is straight, shiny and strong. Industry insiders often consider Vietnam as the top source of human hair.
Jump to these key moments:
- 2:10 Hair collection business in China
- 3:39 Why Vietnamese hair is prized
- 7:52 Growth of wig market due to hair loss
- 14:50 How rural communities benefit
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