Whether you are a salon owner, hairstylist, or perhaps an individual intending to start your own hair business, it is important to know the truth about wholesale hair vendors in the UK.
The hair industry in the UK has a lot of flourishing businesses with many vendors selling products. There are top-quality human hairs and synthetic wigs that cost less and therefore anyone can find what matches their pocket. But behind the flashy billboards and the promises of premium quality, there are facts that most wholesale hair suppliers will never share with you. In this guide, we shall explain the truths wholesale hair vendors in the UK do not want you to know and how you’ll prepare yourself before shopping next time.
I. Unveiled Secrets That Wholesale Hair Vendors in UK Don’t Tell You
Wholesale hair vendors in the UK are a growing sector of the beauty and hair industry, catering to the increasing demand for high-quality hair extensions and wigs. But while the allure of wholesale prices is strong, there are a few things vendors don’t always share upfront.
1. Not All "Virgin Hair" Is Actually Virgin
Many UK wholesale vendors claim to sell virgin hair, but the reality is that not all of it truly qualifies as virgin hair. Virgin hair is defined as hair that has never been chemically processed, colored, or treated, and it’s supposed to come from a single donor. However, some vendors stretch the definition. Instead of genuine virgin hair, they might sell hair that has been lightly processed or sourced from multiple donors but marketed as virgin hair to boost the price.
2. Sourcing Concerns
Most customers and business owners are not fully aware of the sourcing methods of the hair they buy from UK wholesalers. Local UK hair is extremely rare and expensive. Few people accept to sell their hair for money despite having a good standard of living. As a result, this type of hair is extremely scarce. Therefore, to meet the incredible surge in demand for high-quality hair extensions and wigs, most of their hair is imported from countries like India, China, Vietnam, and Brazil.
3. Quality Control & Hair Grading Systems Are Not Consistent
The hair industry is plagued with inconsistencies in quality. Even if a vendor promises to deliver “premium” or “high-quality” hair, the actual product may not live up to expectations. Hair tangling, shedding, and early wear-out are common complaints from buyers who expect top-notch hair. In the UK, quality control in the wholesale hair industry varies greatly from vendor to vendor. Similar to the grading system (e.g., 5A, 6A, 7A, up to 12A) to indicate the quality of hair extensions. Many UK wholesale vendors use these grades to advertise their products, but what they don’t tell you is that these grading systems are not standardized. One vendor’s 8A hair might not be of the same quality as another’s 8A hair, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction. Because there’s no industry-wide standardization, these grades can be more of a marketing tactic than an actual reflection of quality.
4. Customs and Import Fees
Wholesale vendors often advertise low prices that make it seem like you’re getting a bargain, but what they might not tell you upfront is that you could be hit with unexpected customs and import fees. Import fees can be unpredictable, and many buyers are caught off guard by the extra costs. It’s essential to factor in these fees when calculating the total cost of your wholesale hair purchase.
5. The Return Policy Can Be Tricky
Return policies are another area where wholesale vendors may not be entirely upfront. Some vendors have very strict return policies, and they may not accept returns or exchanges on bulk orders. This can be frustrating if you receive a shipment of hair that isn’t up to your expectations.
→ The UK wholesale hair market is full of opportunities, but it’s also a space where transparency can be lacking. Vendors may not always disclose important information upfront, leading to challenges with quality, sourcing, and hidden costs. So what are the solutions to protect the customer’s investment?
II. What Can Customers Do To Avoid Unwanted Situations From Unreliable Wholesale Hair Vendors in UK?
To avoid unwanted situations from unreliable wholesale hair vendors in the UK, customers should follow these steps:
- Research Vendor Reputation: Look for feedback from other buyers or the Internet, and ensure the vendor has a valid business license and presence on reputable platforms like Alibaba or their own official website.
- Start With Smaller Test Orders: To protect your investment, always start with smaller test orders before committing to larger purchases. This way, you can evaluate the quality of the hair and the vendor’s reliability before making a significant financial commitment.
- Check Return and Refund Policies: Ensure the vendor has transparent policies on returns, exchanges, and refunds in case the product doesn’t meet expectations.
- Beware of Prices That Are Too Good to Be True: If a vendor offers prices far below the average, it’s a red flag. Unrealistically low prices often indicate low-quality or synthetic hair.
- Buy Directly From The Vendors Where UK Vendors Import: By going straight to these sources, you could enjoy several benefits from lower costs, customization options, authentic products, and greater transparency.
→ By following these steps, customers can minimize the risks associated with unreliable wholesale hair vendors and make more informed decisions when sourcing hair products.
III. Alternative Choice For Wholesale Hair Vendors in UK
UK hair vendors often source their hair from regions with a strong tradition of providing premium-quality extensions, wigs. Let’s take a look at the countries that are the main source of wholesale hair vendors in UK first!
1. Where Do UK Vendors Commonly Import Hair?
Countries like India, Vietnam, China, and Brazil are key players in the global hair market.
a. India
India is one of the largest exporters of human hair in the world, particularly known for its “temple hair”. Temple hair is donated voluntarily by women in temples as part of religious rituals. Indian hair is renowned for its natural thickness, strength, and versatility, making it a popular choice for various types of extensions and wigs. Indian hair has a natural wave to it, though it can be straightened or curled with ease. When buying directly from Indian vendors, you can access hair at a lower price than through UK intermediaries.
b. Vietnam
Vietnamese hair is prized for its smoothness, strength, and longevity. Vendors in the UK often import Vietnamese hair for its natural straightness and silky texture. Vietnamese hair is often sourced from rural women who take excellent care of their hair, using natural products and avoiding harsh treatments. One key advantage of buying Vietnamese hair directly is the “single-donor” nature of much of the hair. Single-donor hair ensures uniformity in color and texture, which can enhance the overall appearance of wigs and extensions. Direct purchases from Vietnamese vendors can often be customized in terms of length, color, and texture, giving you more control over the final product.
C. China
China is a significant player in the global hair industry and is home to many factories that process and distribute hair worldwide, including the UK. Chinese vendors offer a wide range of products, from raw virgin hair to processed, ready-to-wear wigs and extensions. One advantage of buying directly from Chinese vendors is the diversity of products available. The pricing is also highly competitive, though you’ll need to be cautious about quality.
d. Brazil
Brazilian hair has become one of the most sought-after hair types in the market, known for its full-bodied texture, durability, and versatility. Brazilian hair is sourced from donors in rural areas of Brazil, however, this number is just a very small amount, as the majority of Brazilian hair nowadays is imported from other countries like China.
2. Which Country Should Choose To Buy Hair Extensions Directly Instead of Wholesale Hair Vendors in UK?
When it comes to buying hair extensions directly from the source, selecting the right country can make a significant difference in the quality, texture, and durability of the hair you receive. Though each country has unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs, Vietnam has stood out as a strong player in the hair industry in recent years, known for producing high-quality sleek, strong, and silky hair. Vietnamese hair is often sourced from rural areas, where women take great care of their hair by using traditional, chemical-free methods.
IV. Which Vietnamese Wholesale Hair Vendor Are Best To Purchase Luxury Hair Extensions?
If you are seeking a dependable hair provider with many years of professional experience, you can contact AZ Hair. Operation experience in the hair business for more than 17 years, AZ Hair is proud to be one of the most professional and reputable Vietnamese organizations in hair manufacturers and trading Vietnamese human hair across the globe. We are proud to be the first Vietnamese hair company that has been verified by Alibaba.
With the strong renewal and production ability to satisfy a variety of quality requirements, AZ Hair is gradually building our prestige as a factory supplying a variety of qualified hair following international hair standards at reasonable prices. To deliver the best service to our international clients, we provide professional and dedicated teams to support them 24/7. Not only that, we establish a clear return and refund policy to ensure the customer’s benefit and satisfaction. Through the years, we have succeeded in building the brand name for ourselves as well as our reputation in the international market.