Six out of every ten wigs globally come from Xuchang, Henan, and on cross-border e-commerce platforms, a Xuchang hair product is sold every two seconds. This astonishing statistic reveals the incredible dominance of this Chinese city in the global hair products industry.
In recent years, with the rapid development of e-commerce and the pervasive influence of social media, various hair products have seen soaring sales in domestic and international markets. This surge has cultivated a vast consumer base, with people increasingly focused on "top-of-the-head affairs."
A Century-Long Legacy
Xuchang's involvement in the wig trade dates back a century. According to historical records, as early as the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, locals began crafting hairpieces for theatrical performances. At the start of the 20th century, Bai Xihe from Quandian Village in Xuchang partnered with a German merchant to source, preliminarily process, and export hair to Europe.
Key Industry Statistics
Evolving Demands in a New Era
Whether addressing sudden hair loss concerns or catering to the desire for versatile styling, wigs have become a highly sought-after commodity. Data shows that in January 2024, 70% of wig-related searches came from users under 30, with over 27% from those under 17.
"Due to a high-pressure job requiring frequent late nights, my hair volume has thinned. Wigs are a cost-effective solution compared to medical procedures like transplants—they're my best option," shared Mr. Zhang from Beijing.
A Truly Global Market
In recent years, Xuchang has implemented policies to drive industrial upgrading and ensure healthy, sustainable growth. Bolstered by government support and streamlined customs processes, the hair products industry in Xuchang has expanded significantly.
Hair products rank as the second-largest export commodity in Henan and a cornerstone of Xuchang's foreign trade. Markets now span over 120 countries and regions, with a market share exceeding 40% in Europe and America and over 70% in Africa.
Xuchang has established four comprehensive cross-border e-commerce parks. Among them, the Jian'an District Cross-Border E-Commerce Comprehensive Service Park is China's first integrated innovation base, combining a global wig distribution center, smart logistics warehouses, and a comprehensive foreign trade service platform.
Furthermore, Xuchang collaborates with Global AliExpress to operate the world's first cross-border live broadcasting base, facilitating the digital global expansion of local hair product enterprises.