Union XN Human hair wigs are crafted from a variety of sources. Most include donation programs and religious ceremonies such as those in Hindu temples, Understanding where human hair comes from is key to understanding the ethical implications associated with this industry.
We purchase this hair direct from the temples and in return our payments go to support the temples and their communities.
A Ancient Ritual
For over 5000 years, Hinduism has been entwined in the rich culture of India. For Hindus, every part of life is a sacrifice. a giving of oneself or ‘Jivayajna’ for which one receives true spiritual fulfilment. On a daily basis, devout pilgrims travel to temples across India to pay homage to their gods by making an offering to the temple. Tirupati Venkateswara Temple (or the Temple of Seven Hills), is one of the largest and most popular of Hindu temples.
Located on the top of Tirumala hills, this temple attracts thousands of worshippers a day from all over the world who queue up from early in the morning to late at night. Worshippers donate objects such as gold trinkets. personal possessions or their hair, a symbolic offering to show their devotion to the deity. This ritual shaving of one’s hair is known as tonsuring.
In the past, tonsuring was a symbol of repentance, a devotee would ask for forgiveness and their shaved head was a sign of starting a new life. Today, pilgrims make an oath with god and should their prayers be answered, they shave their heads as a precious sacrifice and sign of gratitude and faith.
A Fair Trade
Prior to the advent of raw hairs, the donated hair was often used for the manufacture of oil filters for cars (the microscopic hair cuticles would trap impurities when compacted into a filter) or simply for the filling of mattresses to sleep on. Traditionally, no money changed hands in this process.
In more recent times, the production of wigs, toupees and later real hair extensions has created a market for the donated hair. The increased demand has meant that the temples fetch a good price in exchange for the hair and these funds are then used to aid the poor. Whilst those donating don’t receive monetary payments, the temples auction off the donated hair and make $100- 400 per kilo of hair depending upon the quality. A small portion of this income is used for regular upkeep of the temple and pays the wages of the people that work there. The remaining money is invested into the local community, providing food, shelter and medical assistance to those in need. All Union XN’s hair is 100% traceable and sourced directly from these temples.
Union XN is a certified company for Quality and Occupational Health and Safety. The production facility in the town of Tay Ninh received certification under the quality management standard UNI EN ISO 9001:2023, under the occupational health and safety management system UNI ISO 45001:2023 and under the environmental management system UNI EN ISO 14001:2023
Union XN is the only manufacture in possession of these international certificates anywhere in the world.
Certification: IT15/0566 – ISO 9001 / UNI EN ISO 9001:2015
Certification: IT14/1118 – UNI ISO 4500:2015
Certification: IT17/1110-UNI EN ISO 14001:2015
We dream of bringing all women, especially those who love naturalness to discover the world of hair wigs and finally get the hairstyles they have always desired, customized upon their personalities.
