Human hair

In the textile industry, human hair is mainly used for making wigs, hairpieces, and various fashion accessories. Modern designers have also experimented with spun or woven yarn made from hair as an alternative to wool, with potential applications in sweaters, coats, and insulation fillings. Hair has a relatively low environmental impact as a secondary raw material, although its specific properties limit its wider use in technical textile processing. A notable expansion in the production of hair-based jewellery and accessories occurred especially in the 19th century during the Victorian era, when hairwork became popular as mourning jewellery commemorating deceased loved ones. During this period, human hair was handcrafted into brooches, bracelets, rings, and lockets, often intricately woven into complex decorative patterns. In Slovakia, hair jewellery was also produced by the well-known Banská Bystrica goldsmith Samuel Libay (1782–1866), who used human hair as an exclusive artistic material in fine craftsmanship. Hair served as a carrier of personal and emotional value, giving these objects deep significance in both private and family life.