How to import hair from China: Step by step guide

This article will provide you with information in details of Chinese hair’s features, how to import hair from China to your country and some frequently asked questions.

China is one of the biggest markets with a great quantity of hair suppliers and types of hair. If you want to know how to import hair from China, this article is the ideal guidance to choose the suitable supplier and ensure a sustainable partnership.

Overview of Chinese hair market

• Over the past decade, China has been one of the largest hair exporting countries in the world. China hair extension and wig market is estimated to reach a market size of more than USD 5900 billion with more than 25000 export shipments.
• Chinese hair originates in a variety of nations: Due to the urbanization and higher living standards of China, there are fewer hair donors in China which leads to a decrease in hair vendors. Most Chinese hair factories import raw hair from other countries such as India, Myanmar, Laos and Campuchia to meet the needs of their customers. After mass-collection, the hair goes through complex chemical treatment.
• China is the home to loads of factories and companies: The hair industry in China has developed to a great level. There are more than 5000 hair factories and distributors, producing and shelling weft and hair extensions. In China, Xuchang is the world’s largest wig production and sales place, known as the world’s wig capital.
• China’s hair types are diverse: Hair products from China come in a vast range of kinds, styles and colors. They can provide human hair and synthetic hair with numerous types (bulk hair, tip/ tape – in hair, clip – ins, and ponytail).

If you want to know where to buy hair in China, you should pay attention to the source of hair, scale of China market and hair types diversity to work well with suppliers from this industry.

Examining the advantages and disadvantages of Chinese hair import

There are advantages and disadvantages you need to acknowledge when importing hair extensions from China market.

Advantages of importing human hair from China

China’s hair industry surpasses other markets on the global scale for the price and order scale.

• Competitive price: China can provide a wide range of prices from low to high range of price. Depending on your need, you can choose suppliers with a suitable range of price.

• Large quantity orders: China possesses high treatment technology and full source of labor, they can meet the demand of big orders.

Importing hair from China allows customers to cho products in a wide price range with a large volume thanks to their technology and workforce.

Disadvantages of importing hair from China

Although their prospect, China hair shows undeniable effects from the fact that Chinese hair is no longer produced by Chinese women. This reality brings about the concern of their quality.

• Unstable supply: Imported source is the reason why Chinese hair supply might be unsustainable. If there’s any problem such as a lockdown in China or these countries (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, India), their clients may face the risk of supply interruption.
• Uniformity issues: China hair manufacturers import raw hair from other nations and they use mix – sourced hair, which brings into low uniformity and uneven quality among bulks.
• Quality concern: China hair usually experiences a complex chemically-treated process. It may look shiny and silky when coming to use but losing durability after a short time of use. Their products easily get tangled (due to uneven hair stroke), furred and shedded. That is, when it’s calculated in cost per use, China hair is not as cheap as you think.
• Ethical problems: Unclear origin in China raises a concern about labor abuse. They may try to minimize the cost and use labor of poor countries. For example, a big company I&I Hair producing synthetic hair products from China is accused of using forced labor.

In short, hair imported from China benefits wholesalers in a wide range of pricing, and high volume of orders, its downsides raise significant concerns. The potential for unevenness, low quality and ethical issues require careful consideration. When you choose from Chinese hair supply, be sure that you import human hair from China from a reliable source.

If you don’t know how to import hair from China but desire to find a sustainable source of premium – quality hair at an affordable price, you can search for Vietnamese hair factories. Vietnam human hair is well-known for its smoothness, strong and durable hair structure, clear origin and steady supply chain.

How to import hair from China with 6 detailed steps

The following six steps by Gla Hair will assist you in making the process of buying and importing hair from China conveniently.

Step 1: Choose the reliable supplier

Importing hair from China may be difficult if you lack knowledge in this market. First of all, you have to pay attention to types of suppliers. Generally, there are two main kinds of suppliers:

• Hair factories in China: Manufacturers operate their factories on their own. They harvest hair from hair donors, classify and treat them to make it ready for sale. They also supply hair and shipping services to wholesalers and salons.
• Hair distributor or company: In fact, hair distributors are middlemen. They act as a wholesaler, buying hair in bulk from factories or large hair suppliers and then reselling it to retailers or salons.

From the characteristics of these two types, hair factories clearly show dominance. Via hair factory, purchasers can shorten the processing time, easily verify hair origin and ensure the product’s origin. Furthermore, it allows clients to increase cost efficiency and build loyal relationships with the manufacturers. For these reasons, Gla Hair strongly recommends hair factories to be your best choice.

Among numerous suppliers in China, you should pick some reputable suppliers in China which suits your demand the most. If you struggle with finding reliable suppliers, you can check out our tops of Chinese hair suppliers for reference.

Step 2: Contact suppliers from China

The next step of how to import hair from China involves contacting, exchanging details and dealing prices with suppliers.

Contact Chinese hair supplier

Direct channels to contact them are via their website and email, B2B platforms like Alibaba or 1688. These platforms are ideal for seeking factories and bulk purchases.
Otherwise, Facebook, Instagram are popular places but notice that China banned these programs in their country and it may be difficult to search for their information.

Be sure to exchange details of the hair

You might thoroughly communicate with the factories to get the precise information of the products needed. Here are the important keys of products you are suppose to highlight: types, quantity, texture length and volume.
If needed, you can get some samples from the suppliers before the official order to know exactly about the products.

Dealing the price

Exchanging your desired price and doing an average price research will save you much money. If you don’t know how to negotiate with China factories, here are some tips for you:

• Start with a low price: You should begin with a significant low offer, leaving room for negotiation.
• Focus on the value gained: You may emphasize your potential of partnership and highlight the benefit they achieve if they give you a discounted price. For example, their products are preferred by wholesalers or salons’ customers and they will only import hair from the factory, which makes the manufacturer become the exclusive partner, building loyalty from both sides.
• Compare the price with others: Comparing prices from other sellers to get better deals. If they explain the difference of the price, you also get more information about the products.

This process may take you longer than other steps, but be consistent to select the right factories. Make sure you exchange information carefully about hair types, quality, origin and other vital factors.

Step 3: Placing your order from China hair sellers

The third step in how to import hair from China is to place your order. Your invoice have to contain details of the order:

• Packing list which consists of product details: quantity, types, colors and texture.
• Shipping fee: Shipping cost varies in different places.

You will then need to review the order and make sure that all of the information is correct before transferring money to the seller.

Step 4: Deposit and payment

In the next move on how to import hair from China, you have to deposit or pay for the orders.
About types of payment, there are two types of payment methods accepted: full payment and partial payment. Most buyers complete the transfer 100% before the production process. However, if you want to place a deposit, some suppliers allow customers to do so. The supplier often requires a deposit of at least 50% – 70% of the order value.

Then, customers will pay the rest of money before manufacturers ship the order.

The most common payment channels Chinese hair factories support globally are:

• Western Union/MoneyGram, Wire Transfer, Paypal or Bank account: These services are fast and convenient but can be expensive, especially for large amounts.
• Escrow Services: Platforms like Alibaba Trade Assurance act as a middleman, holding your payment until the goods are delivered and accepted. This offers strong buyer protection, but may involve fees and processing time.

No matter which payment method you choose, be sure to carefully check the information and fees of that exchange. Sometimes, the transaction can be delayed due to other factors.

Step 5: Verifying and delivering the package

The fifth step of how to import human hair from China consists of verifying and shipping orders.

Verifying

The factory will send you a confirmation of the finished order and clients can verify the order. The best way to control quality is to be present at the factory. If you are remote, ask your supplier to show videos of the production and packing process and make a video call to check the procurement.
Once the buyers confirm, the order is ready to be delivered.

Shipping orders from China

If you order on B2B platforms, your orders are usually delivered by mixed shipping. They will combine orders from multiple suppliers into one shipment. Otherwise, they have other platform-partnered shipping to save on costs.

If you buy directly on their website, most common shipping units are:

• DHL and FedEx: They get your hair from China and ship globally, fast (3-7 days by air) and reliable. These 2 units are best for urgent orders.
• Sea freight: Most sellers use this way if they move a big order. They pack orders into containers and deliver them by ocean freight.

The time shipping DHL and Fedex are similar. While it often takes 3-7 days by air freight to Europe, shipping to Nigeria and Africa can be trickier than to Europe due to infrastructure and customs complexities. It can take from 5-10 days to deliver.

Step 6: Receive, re-check and review

The last step when importing hair products from China is to give it a double check process because the order experiences a long distance from the warehouse, checking can help avoid potential risks of lacking products and bad condition.

As soon as you receive the order, you should film the unpacking process, check the quality and the condition of the products and send feedback to your supplier. By following this phase, you can minimize the shipping procedure risks.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to import hair from China:

Do I have to pay taxes on hair imported from China?

It varies depending on the destination country that imports the products. In Europe, wigs or Euro hair extensions/ bulks are imposed 2.2% tax (Section VI “Products of the chemical or allied industries”).

Is it compulsory to come to China before ordering?

Visiting can be helpful to build relationships and assess quality when importing hair extensions from China, but if you can not access the company, you can use the internet to connect via video call or livestream and buy sample orders to minimize risks and save cost.

How to avoid scamming

To assure that the deal is not a scam, you can notice to these signs of suppliers:

• Suppliers refuse to make video call of face – to – face appointments
• Unclear invoice
• Urge you to pay full payment
• No warranty policy
• Block/ Disappear after the transference
• Super cheap price when compared to other suppliers
• In addition, you can search their profiles and check the testimonials of previous customers on social media platforms to avoid fraud.

That’s the complete instruction of how to import hair from China that Gla Hair has provided you with details. The key of a successful ordering experience lies in 6 steps that we have shown to you. It’s totally fine when searching for a hair provider in China if you follow the guide. Hope this information will help you in the process of choosing the right supplier.

Emma

Emma is an experienced and knowledgeable hair expert with over 6 years of dedicated work and research in the hair industry. Author Emma is presently collaborating with Gla Hair in an aim to provide valuable expertise and disseminate the latest updated trends to hair businesses worldwide.