“Wigs and hair extensions are only a product of the modern times!”
Did you find it odd? Keep reading as we break it down for you.
If we talk about wigs, then no—there has been a long-standing practice of using wigs, especially in Bollywood.
From Helen sporting glamorous wigs in her iconic dance numbers during the 1960s & 70s to Anushka Sharma experimenting with her hairstyle to better embody her character in the acclaimed movie PK (2014), Indian audiences have consistently witnessed the magic of wigs on the big screen.
"Helen in the song, “Baithe hai kya uske pass” from Jewel Thief (1967)"
"Anushka Sharma in PK (2014)"
But, 50 years ago, these hair pieces were far from accessible to the average Indian consumer.
Simply because, wearing wigs wasn’t inherent to the Indian beauty practices, which took heavily from traditional ideas and theories. For a long time, Ayurveda and natural products from local brands dominated the beauty landscape.
But over the past three decades, societal perceptions of beauty have evolved, increasingly embracing the liberalized expression of individualism.
Amidst this shift where one transformative trend follows the next, we see the emergence of hair extensions and they gradually become a staple in contemporary beauty routines.
Thanks to global internet connectivity for fostering a cosmopolitan blend of influences—this lets trends cross borders and spark new developments in beauty.
Also Read: Top 7 Red Carpet Hair Extension Hairstyles
Today, we’ll find out about various factors contributing to the rise of hair extensions in India and their different types. Let’s dive in.
Hair extensions demand in India—Why are they getting so popular?
1. Trend Overview
Indian weddings are known for their grand festivities.
Desi brides are turning to hair extensions to prepare voluminous hairstyles quickly for different ceremonies. Popular salons such as Geetanjali and Jawed Habib report an increased demand for temporary bridal hair extensions during the wedding season.
Celebrities enjoy styling their hair uniquely.
While attending the Padmavat promotional events, Deepika Padukone was seen wearing luscious hair, subtly endorsing the versatility of long hair extensions.
2. Cultural Factors
Bollywood being an admirer of the hair pieces:
Bollywood, known for setting the hottest trends, never fails to sizzle when it comes to hair. Remember Priyanka Chopra’s thick locks in Fashion (2008) or her long tousled tresses enhanced with clip-in extensions in Dostana (2008), she flawlessly rocked both looks with grace and undeniable style.
Cute, chic, and classy—many young audiences were enamoured with “Shanaya” played by Alia Bhatt in her debut film, Student of the Year (2012). She wore highlighted extensions that brought a fresh perspective on using hair accessories in daily life.
Social media hosts many beauty hubs:
By that we mean, the social media influencers who host accounts and post daily content, like Youtube or Instagram tutorials on how to elevate your looks using extensions. Creators such as Dolly Singh, Komal Pandey, and Kritika Khurana—each of them has garnered more than a million followers.
Especially, the “before v/s after” video formats highly resonate with audiences scouting for easy, non-committal ways to better their hair styles.
There’s a surge of beauty bloggers and stylists:
Bloggers like Malvika Sitlani (co-founder of Masic Beauty) and Shreya Jain—provide regular reviews and demonstrations on the application and maintenance of hair accessories.
Plus, popular stylists like Sapna Bhavani often make stunning appearances in high-profile events—creating buzz about their looks. Their hair extensions also get a fair share of limelight.
3. Market Size and Growth
In 2021, the Indian hair wigs and extensions market was valued at USD 219.1 million (approx.). Future projections indicate that this market will reach around USD 478.9 million by 2030, showcasing a growth rate of 9.1% from 2022 to 2030.
According to 2023 industry reports, Indian consumers prefer natural or human hair extensions. This trend has been on the rise and only monumental chances of further growth. That’s why, the market for human hair extensions alone is said to have reached INR 11 billion and is expected to grow at 7.6%.
If we consider the export market—then just know that India exported human hair worth USD 14.3 million in 2020, making it the second largest exporter after Hong Kong.
Types of hair extensions widely used in India
1. Clip-in hair extensions
- They’re the most popular choice among customers looking to buy hair extensions online. People praise them for their ease of use and versatility.
- You can easily attach or remove them in minutes—making them ideal for occasions when you want temporary volume or length.
2. Tape-in hair extensions
- Also known as semi-permanent hair extensions, tape-ins are capturing everyone’s attention, especially brides. They’re the go-to option for anyone wanting a long-lasting solution.
- Tape-in extensions are light-weight and adhesive-based. They can last up to 4-8 weeks when professionally applied.
- There are many salons who offer premium services for their application.
3. Hair Toppers
- They are small pieces designed to add volume or mask the thinning areas present on the crown of the head.
- Human hair toppers for women are favored for their natural appearance and ease of use.
- Popular among middle-aged women, particularly individuals experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.
4. Colored hair extensions
- Colored hair extensions are quite the rage among early-20s women, who wish to experiment with bold highlights or ombre effects.
- What is so special about them? Women who want a fiesta of colors in her natural hair without having to chemically treat it—can opt for colored extensions.
- Clip-in colored strands are used for hair styling; some of the popular shades include burgundy, blue, and pink.
5. Hair bangs
- Not ready for a haircut but you dream of pulling off your favorite popstar’s latest hairstyle? Clip-in bangs can help!
- Perfect for trendy looks such as curtain or blunt bangs hair—they let you tap into a fresh look instantly.
- Often used for styling photo shoots, casual outings, or events.\
6. Ponytail hair extensions
- If you wish to wear a polished look but with minimal effort—ponytail hair extensions are the best deal out there.
- They create voluminous, sleek ponytail styles and a hit among both working professionals and party-goers.
- These extensions go well with traditional and western wear.
7. Clip-in hair buns
- Another hair accessory that lets you updo your hair game in a matter of a few minutes. Want an elegant look, clip-in buns have got you.
- They are largely used for traditional occasions like weddings and festivals to complement a saree, lehenga, or salwar kameez.
- Aside from a neat bun, there’s also the concept of a messy bun. It matches brilliantly with western outfits.
What’s the future of hair extensions in India?
Before we end, let’s look at what the future holds for hair extensions in India.
Technological innovations drive the change.
Hair extensions are made from keratin-treated fibers, lightweight adhesives, and scalp-friendly materials. These advancements pave the way for customization.
Hair extensions can now be tailored to fit your specific needs. For example—some women can have wavy or curly hair, whereas others can have flat or straight hair.
3D printing technology is the newest talk of the town.
It creates personalized extensions for different consumers, and saves time by functioning more efficiently.
The demand for wigs and extensions is spiking.
As people become more aware about hair beauty accessories—companies shift towards recyclable materials to create eco-friendly products.
Strict measures implemented to ensure fair trade practices.
In India, human hair is ethically sourced from different temple hair donation hubs, such as Turipati. This provides transparency to customers and motivates them to engage positively with the brands.
Local stores and salons are hypervigilant about trends.
They analyze regional preferences and accordingly stock a variety of extensions.
Plus, even the buying environments are becoming heavily digitized, including virtual try-on tools and AR apps. These allow customers to visualize options and make informed decisions.
From a luxury item to a mainstream beauty product, hair extensions have come a long way in the Indian beauty industry. Their hype is only getting bigger!
