Global trade in human hair

The most highly prized human hair in the world comes from India and the global hair market now contributes some US$250 million to the Indian economy.

A clean-shaven family at the temple of Tirupati in India (Supplied)

Justine Lang in India

Pilgrims at the Tirupati temple (Supplied)

Around the temples in long halls known as Kalyankattan (places of happiness) hundreds of barbers sit in rows with pilgrims at their feet (Supplied)

A barber puts the finishing touches to the shave at Tirupati temple (Supplied)

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