Have long hair, and you’re thinking or willing to hack it off for cash?
If so, let be known that there are a variety of companies online that will pay you cash for your hair or even help you sell it.
Of course, you will need at least a few inches and healthy hair to qualify, but other than that, all you will need to do is chop it off and ship it away.
If you’re serious about selling your hair and want to know how it’s done, then sit back because I’m going to tell you what’s expected of you and how you can make cash right now.
First, Understand What Buyers Want from You
Generally, from my experience, buyers will want “virgin” hair that’s usually at least eight to 10+ inches long.
When I say “virgin,” this means your hair should be in its natural state, meaning no dyes, bleaching, perms or even cut into layers. It needs to be as natural as it comes. In many cases, these buyers won’t want your hair, either, if you smoke or drink excessively, sometimes even if you don’t wash it enough.
All buyers will have their own restrictions, but as long as your hair is as close to being natural as possible, you shouldn’t have a hard time. If you feel you are guilty of one of the following I mentioned, don’t be discouraged just yet as somebody may want your hair, so don’t bail just yet!
How Much Is My Hair Worth?
When it comes to your hair’s worth, there are so many factors that come into the picture, including your…
- hair length (in inches)
- hair thickness (in inches)
- hair color (rarer colors sell for more)
- hair health (virgin or no?)
It’s hard to give a definite answer, but expect anywhere from $90 to more than $800+, all depending on these factors.
For instance, if you had virgin red hair that’s 20 inches long, then you could easily get $400+, whereas someone with blonde hair that’s less than six inches may be lucky enough to get $90.
For now, I highly recommend the free HairSellon calculator to at least give you an idea as to what you could make if you were to sell your hair. Aside from this calculator, look at the marketplaces I’m about to mention as well as look at the most recently sold eBay listings to see what others sold their hair for.
Be Prepared to Create a Listing
Unfortunately, most of the sites I’m about to mention won’t offer you a quote on the spot. Instead, you’re going to have to create a listing in detail as to what you have to offer. You will have to sell yourself!
To prepare you for the process, here’s what you will have to know before you even consider selling your hair…
- a price
- your gender
- hair thickness
- hair color
- hair type (ethnicity)
- how you will cut it
- where you reside
- specific details about your hair habits (How often do you wash it with shampoo/conditioner? Do you use any styling products? Curling irons? etc).
Aside from knowing your hair details, you will want to clear and accurate pictures as well as create a detailed description as to what you have to offer. Remember, DON’T cut your hair until the buyer has paid and you’re ready to ship!
As long as you’re detailed, honest and let the buyer know what they are getting, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a buyer as long as your price is attractive.
How to Sell Your Hair for Cash Online
Online, there are a few places that can help sell your hair, with each having its own pros and cons. In each section below, I will go ahead and talk about what the website offers as well as what you need to do to make money.
BuyandSellHair.com
Established in 2010, BuyandSellHair.com is said to be the original #1 human hair marketplace, where you can run your ad until your hair sells. The company offers customer support, verified buyers and even privacy controls to protect your identity while selling.
If interested in selling, you will need to create your own listing, just like that of eBay, etc. It’s up to you to take detailed pictures as well as a detailed description to ensure buyers know what they are buying. In short, you need to sell yourself. Why should someone buy hair from you? Remember to use those tips mentioned prior to increase your chances at a sale.
To start selling, you will be asked to register on the website, create your listing and make it live. If you receive an offer you’re happy with, then it’s up to you to work out payment arrangements with the buyer.
FEES: If you do decide to sell on BuyandSellHair.com, they charge $14.50 for three months. You can feature your listing for an additional $9.50.
- Website: BuyandSellHair.com
HairSellon
Looking this website’s metrics, they do appear to live up the hype as being the “biggest” hair marketplace on the web. As I write this, SimilarWeb.com claims it receives about 50,000 unique visitors a month, making it one of the most visited sites on this list.
To sell your on hair on HairSellon, you will first be asked to create a free account in order to post an ad. Once you do so, like many of these websites I list, you can then create an ad, explaining what you have to offer in detail. You will have to include the hair length, thickness, color, ethnicity and texture, to name a few. Again, use the tips above to make sure your listing stands out.
The cool thing about HairSellon is that they offer a “lifetime” ad listing, simply meaning you can keep it active until it sells.
FEES: $20/lifetime, $15 for 60 days or $50 for 120 days if processed hair. You can feature your listing for an additional $10.
- Website: HairSellon
OnlineHairAffair.com
All of these websites claim they are “the best place to buy and sell hair.” OnlineHairAffair.com is no different.
If you want to post an ad, you will first be asked to register, all of which takes a few seconds as they only ask for your email and a user name. Once registered, you can then create a listing, in which you will be asked to submit your listing details as well as upload pictures.
According to SimilarWeb.com, the website doesn’t get a lot of traffic. In fact, it’s so minimal that it doesn’t even produce any data. So, if you do decide to go this route, let it be known that a lot of people may not see your ads.
FEES: $12/mo, $15 for 6 months or $20 for the year. You can feature your listing for an additional $10.
- Website: OnlineHairAffair.com
JustSellMyHair.com
JustSellMyHair.com states that you can sell your hair on its marketplace for free. And, while this is true, the website, to me, isn’t as user-friendly as the many others I mention on this list. It may be harder for buyers to find your hair as the site is bombarded with advertisements.
Nonetheless, it is another option to at least consider, seeing you don’t have to spend any cash. After all, the more exposure your hair can get, the better your chances of finding a buyer are, right?
To sell, choose the appropriate category, add your details and submit for approval. Once live, you can then communicate with any buyers that are interested in your hair.
FEES: FREE
- Website: JustSellMyHair.com
World of Wigs
The online retailer, World of Wigs, will buy your hair off you direct, simply meaning you don’t have to worry about finding a buyer yourself. The company was established in 1969 and is family owned and operated.
The company does pay anywhere from $3 to $5 per ounce, but they aren’t always accepting new hair purchases.
If you’re interested, the company has some restrictions, such as your hair should be at least 12 inches and it should pass “Industry Standard Qualifications,” to name a few.
For more information, refer to the link below to see how you can sell to this reputable retailer.
- Website: WorldofWigs.com
Craigslist
Craigslist could be an option, but you will be limited to your local area. So, depending on where you live, you could have a ton of buyers or maybe none at all.
The biggest perk, at least to some, is that you can meet your buyer in person and exchange cash in person. In selling online, some sellers don’t like the idea of shipping out their hair as they could get ripped off from buyers claiming they never received it and/or it didn’t live up to the expectations.
Craigslist isn’t the only game in town as we have covered more than 30+ Craigslist alternatives.
FEES: FREE
- Website: Craigslist.org
eBay
Yes, you can sell your hair on eBay!
Looking at the most recently sold auctions, there seems to be quite a bit of action, so you may want to consider the internet’s #1 auction website.
While the niche-based websites above can help you sell your hair to a targeted audience, I feel eBay will offer even more eyeballs. Plus, you’re protected by eBay, you’re working with a credible platform and you will be a lot less in fees.
If you already have an eBay seller’s account and some feedback, consider this option to see if it can sell.
FEES: Varies, but expect 10%~ of final sale.
- Website: eBay
Facebook Marketplace
The Facebook Marketplace is the new Craigslist. It’s one I like better since you can see who you’re working with.
However, like Craigslist, your audience will be very limited, so don’t be surprised if you can’t find a buyer.
Nonetheless, at least throw up a listing and see if you get any bites. If not, you’re not out much, aside from your time, since they don’t charge a fee to list.
We wrote about Facebook and how the Marketplace works, so I recommend you check it out if you want to see how you can make some cash with this massive social media platform.
FEES: FREE
- Website: Facebook
OfferUp or LetGo
Both of these apps work in a similar way, the reason I will bundle them in one subheading.
Like Craigslist, OfferUp or LetGo is no different, only that you will use your app more than you would your desktop.
Just snap a photo of what you’re selling, add a simple description, and from there, your ad will blast to people who live nearby.
Like the Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, your buying base may be limited, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to hit up as many of these options as possible to increase your chances of a sale.
Consider These Tips
Now that you know where you can sell your hair as well as what you can make, I just wanted to include a few more tips to hopefully help you increase your earnings as well as make sure your sale is as smooth as possible.
This one is obvious, but the longer your hair is, the more money you can get. If you know you want to sell your hair, consider growing it out to put more money in your pockets. It’s best to wait until you have at least 10 inches before consider.
Never cut your hair until you have cash in hand. That way, you know exactly what the buyer wants as some have specific instructions.
If you can’t find a buyer, then consider donating your hair to a charity. There are a lot of them, and while I don’t have a specific option, a quick Google search can yield some results. If you know you’re going to cut your hair, at least help someone in need. It’s a great way to feel good!
When shipping your hair, be sure to get a delivery confirmation notification and insurance to ensure the buyer receives your shipment. You wouldn’t want to lose your hair and your money.
Be sure to follow the marketplace requirements to ensure that your listing stays live.
Always use a safe payment processor, such as PayPal or Venmo, to protect your sale. If your buyer doesn’t want to work the popular payment processors, then you should consider it as a huge red flag.
I can’t stress it enough, but be descriptive in your listing! While buyers can look at your pictures, you need to sell yourself. How healthy is your hair? What have you done to it? What makes it the best?
Final Thoughts
If your hair is longer than 6-10 inches and in good shape, then let it be known that you can sell your hair online and make some great cash.
In following my tips and using some of the marketplaces mentioned above, I don’t see why you can at least make a sale in the next few weeks or so.
Remember, keep your hair in tact before selling, take some great pictures and create a listing that sells yourself. In doing so, there’s no reason you can’t find a buyer as long as it’s priced right.
If you have ever sold your hair online, be sure to share your tips below! As always, you’re free to comment on anything that’s on your mind.
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Great information in this post. Thank you for making the information organized and bare essentials. For me, not all of it was what I wanted to hear. Yes, I did the big Hair selling no-no, I guess that is what it would be called, I cut my hair first. I am still going to see if there is any interest, out of curiosity, and as a kind of ‘practice run’. My hair grows super fast and I don’t color it or use any equipment, like curling irons, etc and wash it 2-3 times a week. I do use a hairdryer on my bangs only and a touch of hairspray on my bangs only. My hair was down to my bottom and heavy! I got mad and had my son-in-law cut it. Boy, did that feel great! But now, not so great. Anyway, pardon for the rambling and once again thank you for the wonderful information! Oh, my hair is, well what I cut, 21 inches! Thank goodness it isn’t red, I think I would have cried then, lol. Oh well, it only takes me about a year and a half to grow it out again. I will donate if no interest.
Hair Selling is a scam!! Please do more research into how many people they have scammed now. I just got scammed and now have no hair. Please please don’t advertise for them, I don’t want anyone else feeling like this for 2021!!!
Thank you for your comments, Rachel. I don’t advertise for them nor do I have a connection of sorts. I researched the most popular options, but I will dig deeper to see if it, indeed, a scam. Thanks for visiting.
We have never scammed anyone and have paid very well for hairstyle makeovers in Minneapolis
Hi James, do you happen to accept hair shipped from other states? I have silky black hair and I plan to cut 20 inches. Thanks.