posted on December 14, 2000 04:10:39 PM
I just did a search on the word Ponytail to look for Ponytail brand vinyl items (purses, 45 record carriers, wallets etc.)from the 1950's, and was amazed by how much human hair is listed for sale.
One seller has dozens of ponytails listed and in the description he mentions how recently the hair was cut, from whom the hair was cut and why? One of the reasons is because a woman caught her fiance cheating on her and since he really liked her long hair, she had it cut off! And one mentioned that the hair had been cut in the summer, but "still has scent"!!!
I know there are many uses for human hair, but reading the descriptions was really creepy. Of course, that didn't keep me from checking almost all of them!
It's certainly an interesting way for hair stylists to make some extra money.
posted on December 14, 2000 04:29:18 PM
Interestly enough, Human Hair is one of the few things to fully decay away after you die.
Human hair in sizeable length can be used for a number of applications, such as wigs, ponytails (of a different nature, mind you),...and a few unmentionable stuff that could be a violation of the CG's.
Also, theirs the fetish aspect, as there is a sizeable number of people who get turned on by hair.
:\\\"Crystalline Sliver cannot be the target of spells or abilities.
posted on December 14, 2000 04:39:41 PM
Too bad that hair couldn't have been donated to the foundation that makes wigs for children who have lost theirs to cancer treatment.
Now for something really creepy. I have heard of morticians or employees taking out gold teeth or taking off jewelry before burial or cremation. Why not human hair? They could make a tidy profit, and whose to know after the final viewing? Yuuuuukkkk! LabRat 4 GMOS
posted on December 14, 2000 06:57:32 PM
In Victorian times human hair was often used in jewelry. Mourning jewelry to be exact. The hair of the deceased was use to braid watch "chains", woven into lockets, even hair "pictures" of flowers were made. The watch chains were also made by ladies for their beaus or husbands as they would save the hairs from their brushes.
As for the hair decaying, I believe that is because of the conditions of the grave. It can last quite long otherwise.
I once held a locket that had belonged to Martha Washington with a lock of Georges hair in it. It looked like it was put in there yesterday.
posted on December 14, 2000 07:36:30 PM
Following up geminspector's post...I lived in Virginia during the Civil War Centennial (1961-65) and many of the museums there had displays of items made in prisoner of war camps. Most had items made from braided hair. Very intricate, and pretty fascinating.
posted on December 14, 2000 07:44:36 PM
There are still folks who make the Victorian-style braided hair jewelry, and they are always looking for hair to work with--the longer, the better. I had one friend in California in the 70's and 80's that made this style of jewelry, and was always begging her friends with very long hair to save the combings from out of their brushes so she could clean and untangle the individual hairs and use them in her craft. So not all folks have "creepy" motivations for wanting human hair. Unless, of course, you think jewelry made out of human hair is creepy. Me, I'm fascinated by the intricacy of the jewelry and the patience of the makers.
Also, as a former anthropologist/archaeologist, I can say with complete confidance that human hair can last a looooong time after death, and it is not uncommon to find burials (even skeletal ones!) or mummies that but still have a full head of hair. Depends on the environmental conditions of the burial.
posted on December 15, 2000 05:38:14 AMhow recently the hair was cut, from whom the hair was cut and why? One of the reasons is because a woman caught her fiance cheating on her and since he really liked her long hair, she had it cut off! And one mentioned that the hair had been cut in the summer, but "still has scent"!!!
They make wonderful wigs for children/teens under age 18 who have lost their hair for some reason or another. Their organization has been on Oprah a few times.
It would be nice if they WOULD donate their ponytails to this organization as the children who receive these specially crafted wigs love them.
