Xuchang, a city in China’s Henan province, has earned the reputation as the global wig capital, producing a staggering 60% of the world’s wigs. This niche market has been thriving for hundreds of years, with over 4,100 hair product companies and 300,000 people employed in the industry. The city’s wigs are predominantly made from human hair, with many purchasers sourcing their hair from rural households.
According to Zhang Tianou, executive vice-president of Rebecca Hair Products, wigs have a rich history dating back to ancient times. “Many see wigs as something to cover up a problem. But they were originally accessories for aristocrats, designed to enhance beauty and elevate one’s status,” he explains. Zhang Tianou’s company has been a key player in the industry, having operated as a component supplier to the United States market before 1989. However, the company soon realized the risks of relying on a single market and decided to expand into the African market, recognizing the demand for wigs as a daily necessity among the African diaspora.
Today, Xuchang’s wigs are highly sought after in Africa, Europe, the United States, and beyond. In 2024, the city exported over $2 billion worth of hair products, including to a shop in Nairobi, Kenya. Fiona, the shop’s owner, initially had reservations about importing from Rebecca Fashion but is now exceedingly happy with the partnership. “Rebecca Fashion has been serving us diligently, and mostly in the booming market. The specialty of our wigs is that nobody, no producer, no manufacturer here in Kenya has been able to replicate what we have,” she says.
The use of hair as an indicator of wealth and nobility dates back to ancient times, with the first documented use of extensions and wigs originating in Ancient Egypt. Xuchang’s wig industry has come a long way since its inception, with its products now being highly prized around the world. The city’s commitment to quality and innovation has cemented its position as the global wig capital, and its wigs continue to be a staple in many cultures, symbolizing beauty, status, and self-expression.
