How Indian Temple Auctions Work: The Journey From Donation to Distribution

Stylists often hear that Indian hair comes from “temple auctions,” but most have no idea how organized, ethical, and structured this system actually is.

Here is the real behind-the-scenes process.

1. Hair Is Donated Voluntarily

Thousands of people shave their heads daily as an offering of gratitude or prayer.
This hair is NEVER sold by the donor — it is given freely as a spiritual act.

2. Collected and Stored With Care

Temple staff:

  • use disposable razors

  • bind hair properly

  • collect hair immediately

  • store it cleanly

  • maintain cuticle direction

This is why Indian raw hair is so consistent.

3. The Auctions

Temples hold large-scale auctions where:

  • factories

  • exporters

  • distributors

bid on hair by the ton.

This is where your factories get the hair for your orders.

These funds support:
✔ community centers
✔ religious services
✔ local villages
✔ schools
✔ free food programs
✔ temple maintenance

This makes Indian hair one of the most ethical hair sources in the world.

4. From Auction → Factory → Distributor → Stylist

Once purchased, the hair is:

  • hackled

  • sorted by length

  • sorted by texture

  • washed

  • sun-dried

  • formed into wefts/tips/wigs

  • shipped worldwide

This clear, ethical supply chain is what differentiates RAW Indian hair from all other hair types

Back to blog