British singer Natalie Okri has sparked a conversation about the origins of human hair wigs, claiming that some of them are sacrifices to deities and unknown gods. The singer made this revelation while explaining why she stopped wearing wigs, urging black women to be more mindful of what they put on their heads.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, Okri detailed her reasons for avoiding human hair wigs, emphasizing the spiritual implications that many people might not be aware of. She explained that in some parts of Asia, particularly in countries where religious rituals involve hair offerings, women visit temples to shave their heads as a form of purification. This act, she claimed, is believed to rid them of bad luck, poverty, and other misfortunes, allowing them to start afresh.
“There are three reasons why I stopped wearing wigs and human hair,” Okri stated. “Some human hairs are sacrifices to demons, deities, and other unknown gods. A lot of women in some countries like Asia go to the temple to sacrifice their hair to their god, believing that their gods will purify and cleanse them. They give their hair as a form of getting rid of bad luck, poverty, and every other thing stressing them and then start life anew.”
She further explained that these temple-offered hairs are often collected and sold to major hair vendors, who then distribute them globally. Many of these human hair extensions end up on popular e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba, AliExpress, and other international hair brands.
“Those working in the temple take the hair and sell it off to the European market or to different big vendors like Alibaba, AliExpress, and different brands. And we black women go to those websites to buy these hairs at hundreds of pounds,” she said. “We are wearing someone’s bad luck on our heads. You may not believe in their god, but as a Christian, that works against what I believe in, because we see them as demons and deities.”
Okri’s comments have sparked discussions among her followers, with some agreeing with her sentiments while others questioned the validity of her claims. While it is widely known that many human hair extensions originate from temple donations in countries like India, the connection to spiritual consequences remains a topic of debate.
Hair donation in India, particularly at temples like Tirupati, is a centuries-old tradition. Devotees shave their heads as an act of humility and gratitude, offering their hair to the gods. These shaved hairs are then collected, processed, and sold to international buyers, generating millions of dollars annually. The proceeds often go toward funding temple activities, charities, and community projects. However, for some people, the idea of wearing hair that was once part of a religious ritual raises ethical and spiritual concerns.
While Okri’s perspective is rooted in her personal beliefs as a Christian, others have different interpretations. Some argue that human hair is simply a commodity, much like other natural resources, and should not carry any spiritual significance once it has been processed. Others, particularly those who believe in spiritual energies, support her concerns and encourage alternatives such as synthetic wigs or natural hairstyles.
The conversation about the origins of human hair extensions is not new. Over the years, documentaries and investigative reports have shed light on the hair industry, exposing everything from exploitative labor practices to the questionable sourcing of hair. Some hair suppliers have been accused of misleading consumers about the origins of the hair, with some selling mixed or synthetic products under the guise of authentic human hair.
Okri’s revelation has led some of her followers to reconsider their choices when it comes to wigs and hair extensions. Many took to the comment section of her post to express their thoughts. One user wrote, “Wow, I never knew this! I have been wearing wigs for years, but now I feel like I need to rethink my choices.” Another commented, “This is so deep! I believe in energy transfer, and it makes sense that hair used for spiritual cleansing might carry some kind of energy.”
However, not everyone agrees with her stance. Some critics believe that hair, once cut, loses any spiritual connection and is merely a physical material like any other beauty product. A skeptic commented, “This sounds like superstition. Hair is just hair. Once it’s cut and processed, it’s no longer connected to anything spiritual.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Okri remains firm in her decision to avoid human hair wigs. She encouraged her followers to be more mindful of where their beauty products come from and to do their own research before making purchasing decisions.
Okri, who gained fame after her impressive performance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, has continued to use her platform to share her personal experiences and beliefs. Her journey from a young talent show contestant to an advocate for conscious living has made her a voice of influence among many young women.
She also pointed out that beyond the spiritual implications, the human hair industry has been associated with ethical concerns. Reports have revealed cases where women in vulnerable communities have been coerced or tricked into selling their hair for a fraction of its market value. Some hair collectors visit impoverished areas, offering small amounts of money in exchange for long, healthy hair, which is then resold at much higher prices in the global market.
This exploitation, coupled with concerns about spiritual energy, has led many to seek alternatives. Some women are now embracing their natural hair, while others opt for synthetic wigs or ethically sourced hair from verified suppliers.
Okri’s comments also reignite discussions around cultural identity and self-acceptance. The pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards has led many black women to invest heavily in human hair wigs and extensions. The demand for long, straight, or wavy hair textures has fueled a multi-billion-dollar industry that profits from black women’s desire to achieve a certain look.
Some activists argue that encouraging black women to embrace their natural hair is not only a step toward self-love but also a rejection of industries that exploit both people and spiritual traditions. They believe that by reducing reliance on human hair wigs, women can take back control of their beauty choices and redefine standards that better align with their natural features.
Okri’s message, whether fully accepted or not, serves as a reminder that awareness and informed choices are key in every aspect of life, including beauty and fashion. Whether one believes in the spiritual implications or not, her statements have encouraged many to question the origins of the things they wear and consider the broader consequences of their purchasing decisions.
For those who share her concerns, alternative hair options such as synthetic wigs, natural hair care, or even ethically sourced human hair from verified suppliers might be the way forward. As the discussion continues, Okri’s stance has sparked a necessary debate on spirituality, ethics, and self-acceptance in the beauty industry.
