Over the last few years hair extensions and wigs have emerged as one of the biggest categories in hair, representing a multi-billion dollar industry in itself. With celebrities like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Kim Kardashian driving renewed interest in bundles and wigs as well as the increased exposure around extensions on social media, it’s no surprise that this hair space is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, according to a newly released Research and Markets report, the global wigs and extensions market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 16% over the next five years.
Now this will be thanks, in part, to a new wave of brands disrupting the space with groundbreaking solutions for the modern consumer. For those who don’t know, there’s been a huge consumer desire for high quality hair products for textured hair and safer alternatives to traditional synthetic hair extensions. Thankfully, we’ve already begun to see innovative brands emerge with new products that cater specifically to these needs. Ahead, we share three incredible wig and extension brands you’ll want to know about before they are absolutely everywhere.
Ruka Hair
Set on becoming the Apple of Black haircare, Ruka Hair is a British hair brand creating extensions specifically designed with natural hair textures in mind. The brainchild of founders Tendai Moyo and Ugo Agbai, Ruka was born out of a frustration for the lack of hair extensions in the market that could accurately match the different types of curls and coils found on Black women. Since launching in 2021, the brand has made its mark on the hair scene with their array of ethically sourced human hair bundles, clip-ins, ponytails, wigs, and biodegradable, protein-based synthetic hair pieces—all of which are created to blend in seamlessly with textured hair patterns. To no surprise, Ruka Hair has already caught the eye of major stars such as Serena Williams, Demi Singleton, and British Olympic athlete Dina Asher-Smith.
Voël
After discovering that the majority of hair extensions on the market weren’t made for fine, thin, or thinning hair, celebrity hairstylist Kim Gueldner founded Voël as a solution for people with fine to medium hair textures. Calling on her extensive experience with different types of hair extensions, Gueldner—who’s styled the likes of Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, Faith Hill, and Amy Schumer—designed specialized, 100% natural hand-tied wefts that not only would blend in seamlessly with thin textures, but would do so without damaging the hair. The beauty of Voël hair extensions is that, unlike traditional ones, they use a microbead system to attach to your natural hair. Since they do not require glue, tape, or any other kind of adhesive for application, they can last twice as long as other extensions and even be re-used more easily for up to a year.
Nourie
Created by and for Black women, Nourie is reimagining braiding hair with its first-of-its-kind, plant-based extensions. Unlike traditional synthetic hair that is coated in harsh chemicals and can irritate the scalp, co-founders Osahon Ojeaga and Dr. Mary Ellen Moore’s clean alternative is designed to nourish the scalp, leaving the wearer with healthy hair and scalp. This is all thanks to a patent-pending technology that’s wrapped into each strand of Nourie hair that fortifies the scalp with nutrients as you wear it over time. Truly unlike anything on the market, Nourie’s braiding hair is making protective styling a more comfortable and safe experience for Black women everywhere.
To learn more about these brands, be sure to follow @rukahair, @voelhair, and @nouriehair on Instagram.
