Strapped for Cash? Sell Your Hair!

Posted May 4th 2009 at 6:00PM by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)

Filed under: Cuts & Style, Beauty, Hair, Makeup

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Over the last few years, donating one's hair to charities like Locks of Love has become increasingly popular.

But these days, when recessionistas want a new pair of shoes (or a purse, or, you know, food to put on the table), there's just not as much money in the bank as there used to be. So, it comes as no surprise that women are now selling their hair for cash.

Companies like TheHairTrader.com, which claims to be the world's largest independent hair sale site, pay top dollar for lustrous locks. The site is receiving as many as 1,000 requests for information a day -- that's a lot of women willing to chop it all off for some fast money.


And in some cases, we're talking real money. For long, high quality hair, you could be paid more than $2,000 (the site's current record is $2600). Don't count on that kind of cash, though -- most folks won't come near that amount. And, as is the case with charity, some hair might not be suitable. So, if you've been a bleach blonde for years, don't expect to pay off your credit cards with a fistful of damaged hair.

Here's the question: Would you cut your hair off for some extra dough? If so, let us know in the comments how much you'd have to be paid in order to go short.

And hey, if you're thinking about cutting it all off (for money, charity, or just the heck of it), check out the gallery below for inspiration!

Christo Dishes on Short Dos

    Gennifer Goodwin made a seemingly overnight tress-formation, appearing at the He's Just Not That Into You premiere on February 2 with long, wavy locks. Two days later, she rocked a straight, shoulder-grazing bob. We're loving the new do - how about you?

    Paris Hilton has joined the Katie & Posh Club, shrinking her long blonde locks into a chin-length crop. We say "shrinking" because it's hard keep tabs on the extension-fanatic's true lock length. But hey, when you have your own line of hair extensions (Hilton's line is called DreamCatchers), your chameleon-like hair length is your best advertisement. Before you follow Hilton's, lead check out what stylist to the stars Christo told StyleList about how to pull off a short do.

    Getty Images

    Jessica Alba went from a flowing romantic 'do to a chic and edgy bob.

    Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

    Victoria Beckham: Before the Cut

    There was a time when Posh had long, flowing locks (well, extensions) before she went for her dramatic razor cut bob that kicked off the trend in Hollywood.

    Milano Collezioni Uomo, Getty Images

    Victoria Beckham: Short Do

    "Victoria has a great bob that works with her style," says Christo. "There are not too many hair textures that can pull off this look; it has to be fine and straight." One advantage of a shorter cut? "They are fun to play with and can be very versatile. Ask your stylist how to play around with styling tools to create different looks."

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    Katie Holmes: Before the Cut

    When she started dating Tom Cruise, Katie's hair was long and straight.

    Getty Images

    Katie Holmes: Short Do

    "Katie Holmes can pull off a short cut," says Christo. "She went from a young pretty girl to a sexy woman who turns heads." But Christo warns, "Don't forget you need to be backat the salon 4-6 weeks after getting a short cut. Be prepared to put the money and time in."

    MICHAEL GOTTSCHALK, AFP / Getty Images

    Anne Hathaway: Before the Cut

    Before she chopped her locks for her upcoming film Dancing With Shiva , Hathaway was known for her long, thick hair.

    Evan Agostini, Getty Images

    Anne Hathaway: Short Don't

    "Anne's stylist played it safe and gave her a short bob cut. She's a very pretty girl but this look doesn't accentuate her beauty," explains Christo. "With her facial structure, I would go with a shorter cut like Selma Blair's."

    Jemal Countess, WireImage.com

    Rihanna: Before the Cut

    The Barbados beauty and R 'n B star had super long hair when she first hit the charts as Jay Z's protege.

    Frank Micelotta, Getty Images

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Tags: cash, hair, hair cut, HairCut, money, sell, thehairtrader

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