Frequently Asked Questions

  • Hairwork is the art of crafting hair into keepsakes for sentimental or memorial purposes. This practice has historical roots all over the world. It was most popular during the Victorian era in the 1800s and fell out of fashion in the early 1900s. Contrary to popular belief, it does not always signify a passing but can be a token of love, or endearment between family or friends too. Each piece is unique and special.

    Please see my Gallery for examples of hairwork keepsakes made for previous clients. You can also search for hairwork antiques online to get inspiration.

  • Pricing & Commission Details
    Custom pricing varies based on the size, scope, and complexity of your piece. Here's a general guide:

    My Hairwork Braiding Rates
    • Small knots/basketweaves: from $350
    • Rings: from $550
    • Bracelets: from $850

    + Metalwork Costs -Priced separately (in addition to the braiding work) based on your chosen material (Sterling Silver or Gold) and design. Simple clasp ring and bracelet options start at $150. More protective styles like channel bands and pendants from $550+

  • You provide the hair for your bespoke pieces, it is what makes it so special. It can be collected from yourself, a friend, or a loved one. Always with permission of course.

    The hair can be cut & in a ponytail, or it can be gathered from natural sheds while brushing/combing.

    The hair must be clean & in good condition. I cannot work with oily, dirty or extremely matted hair.

    I have been known to work miracles by pulling and sorting strands directly from hair brushes. It requires a lot of time; I can provide this service for an additional fee. Please reach out to discuss details.

  • I can work with you to design something for any length or amount of hair you have.

    - 2 inches (5 cm) minimum strand length for hair knots or basket woven hair placed into small lockets or glass compartments.

    - 6 inches (15 cm) minimum strand length for table-braided rings, bracelets, broaches, necklaces, etc. The longer the hair, the more options you have!

    A good rule of thumb is to have a hair bundle about the thickness of a pencil, but I’ve used as little as 50 hairs, and as many as 1500. It just depends on the project, we will discuss your options and hair requirements together.

  • Yes. Curly or not, if the strands of hair are long enough when pulled straight between your fingers (6 inches (15 cm) minimum), then it can be braided.

  • Yes, I can combine hair from multiple people, provided it meets your piece's overall length and quantity requirements. Depending on the pattern, I can work the hair as separate strands to highlight individual contributions or blend them for a more unified look.

  • I prefer to stick with only human hair at the moment. But my friends Corporeal Curios and Wild Carrot Hairwork may be willing to take on your pet hair request and Jennifer Metesh Studios does magic with horsehair.

  • Yes, I will always return any unused hair to you with great care.

  • Possibly! I would need to be sure the hair will fit and be secure. Please send me pictures of the jewelry via email with measurement details, and I will confirm if it can be used before you make any purchases. zen@hairanthropology.com

  • Complimentary, simple machine engraving is available in script or block lettering. I’m happy to discuss options for an additional fee for intricate designs or hand-engraved lettering.

    Alternatively, you may take the piece to your preferred engraver for customization at your convenience.

  • Hair strands, when intricately woven together, are remarkably strong and durable. It requires no special coatings or treatments to endure, making it a timeless material for creating true heirlooms.

    Hairwork (and all jewelry) is not indestructible—but if you care for your jewelry, it will last. These pieces are not meant for hard wear, treat them gently. All damage occurring to a piece under your care is your responsibility. 

    Some settings, like channel bands and glass covered pendants, are more protective. Other delicate styles may not be as sturdy. Generally, it is best to wear your hairwork sparingly to prolong its lifespan.

    Please remove your hairwork jewelry before sleeping, washing your hands, showering, bathing, swimming, or doing any heavy activities like gardening, exercising, etc. It should never come into contact with water.

    Hairwork's biggest enemy is moisture and oils. It's best to avoid coming into contact with soaps or chemicals that may be harsh, applying hand lotion and spraying perfumes on pieces is also discouraged. These cause the fibers to swell and shrink, distorting and breaking the individual strands over time. If you find a broken hair sticking out, do not pull on it, but carefully trim it close to the braid.

    If your hairwork needs cleaning, don’t hesitate to reach out to me to clarify a care plan for your specific piece to avoid damage.

  • Pieces labeled as "ready to ship" will be mailed within 3 business days.

    Custom hairwork orders typically require at least 6-8 weeks. After I receive your hair, I will provide you with an estimated timeframe for completion.

    Timing will depend on my current workload, and when you get your hair to me. Please keep in mind everything is handmade and some techniques are very time-consuming. This artform requires a lot of patience.

Terms & Conditions

Shipping + Handling

Shipping through the website is currently only available to the USA and are shipped from Idaho. If you're located elsewhere and would like to place an order, please reach out—we're happy to help arrange shipping where possible.

To add insurance to your package, please email me immediately after placing your order.

Items marked “ready to ship” will go out within 3 business days.

Once your package has shipped, you will receive an automated email with tracking information sent to the email address you provided. This can sometimes end up in your spam folder.

Mailing hair to me for a custom hairwork order: The customer is responsible for all shipping costs TO Idaho. We’ll email you detailed instructions on how to prepare and mail your hair. We cannot be held accountable for items lost or damaged in transit to our studio; purchasing tracking and insurance is recommended for your protection!

Worldwide (when available):
International orders typically take 2-4 weeks to be received, depending on where you are in the world. The tracking number supplied via email will track the package as it moves across the US. Once it is out of the US, you must contact your local post office should any questions arise.

In many countries, international packages are subject to fees upon arrival. These fees are defined by foreign government officials and are completely outside of our control. We sincerely hope that you understand this. These charges are the customer's responsibility to pay, so we urge you to look into your local import and duties fees prior to purchasing. Items unclaimed by a customer and returned to us will not be reshipped unless all shipping fees are paid.

Returns + Exchanges

Final Sale: Custom-made items, such as braided hairwork are FINAL SALE—no refunds or exchanges. Any item that has been modified, including ring resizing and engraving, is also considered FINAL SALE. If you have any questions regarding the return policy for your specific purchase, please contact us via email before placing your order. Due to the nature of this work, you can understand why we have strict policies in place.

Returns/Exchanges: Unaltered antiques and hairwork tools (like braiding tables and weights) can be returned within 10 days of delivery (at the buyer's expense) with all original packaging in perfect condition. A 15% restocking fee will apply. The customer is responsible for all return shipping costs. We cannot be held accountable for items lost or damaged in transit back to our studio; purchasing tracking and insurance is recommended for your protection!

Events/Classes: If you cannot make it to an event or class, please let me know ASAP so we can try to find a replacement for your seat or arrange a credit for a future event. No refunds for no-shows or no communication.

Repairs: I understand that accidents happen and am happy to repair a piece if possible or replace a stone if needed for a small fee.

Custom Deposits: If you need to cancel your custom order after a deposit/payment is made but before any work has begun, there is a $150 non-refundable deposit/fee. Custom orders absolutely cannot be canceled after any work has begun on the hairwork or metalwork. This policy is firm.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email me, and I will be happy to help.
zen@hairanthropology.com