WASHINGTON – The demand for long hair, new hair styles, or hair to conceal a medical condition associated with hair loss is nothing new; however, it does appear the exploitation of human hair is on the rise, the Internet Crime Center said Friday.
Human hair is sometimes preferred by consumers over synthetic hair due to the natural look, feel, styling versatility, and longevity. Based on analysis of recent targets, it appears there is a fairly consistent overlap in the sale of human hair on websites that also sell counterfeit wearing apparel commodities. A recent target domain was involved in the sale of counterfeit wedding dresses imported from China, as well as advertising human hair. This assessment identified 132 connected domain names referencing brand name shoes, bags, and dresses. An additional subject was also accused of selling fake hair, designer handbags, brand gym shoes, and boots. Additionally, a company in China, selling counterfeit brand name shoes, advertises Peruvian, Brazilian, Indian, and Malaysian virgin hair. Virgin hair refers to hair that is completely unprocessed and intact. To qualify as virgin hair, it must meet rigorous standards including; not been permed, dyed, colored, bleached, or chemically processed in any way. This also means it comes from a single donor, and all the cuticles are intact, running in the same direction. Usually, it also means that is has not been blow-dried, or exposed to harsh agents such as cigarette smoke and drugs. The hair is being advertised as human; however, consumers are receiving synthetic hair after paying a substantially higher price for this authentic commodity.
