The World of Hairwork

Connecting the people, places, and history of hairwork around the world.

The art of working with human (and animal) hair has a long, fascinating history, with traditions, techniques, and knowledge passed down through generations and across borders. Although many of these practices have become increasingly rare, hairwork is far from a lost art.

Today, artists, craftspeople, researchers, and admirers worldwide continue to practice, study, preserve, and rediscover these traditions. Yet finding one another, locating historical collections, or learning about opportunities to experience hairwork firsthand isn’t always easy.

The World of Hairwork is an ongoing project by Hair Anthropology to bring these resources together in one place. The project includes an interactive global directory of contemporary hairworkers, a map of museums and archives housing historical hairwork collections, and a calendar of workshops, exhibitions, lectures, and other hairwork-related events.

By connecting the people, collections, and events that make up the world of hairwork, this project aims to make the craft more accessible, encourage collaboration, and help preserve and share its knowledge for future generations.

Be Part of the World of Hairwork

This is a growing, community-supported resource, and you’re invited to contribute! If you practice hairwork, whether professionally or as a hobby, add yourself to the global hairworker directory. If you know of a museum or archive with historical hairwork in its collection, or have an upcoming workshop, exhibition, or event to share, I’d love to hear about it.

You don’t need to be an expert to participate. The goal is to document and connect the many people, places, and activities that make up the world of hairwork today. Every contribution helps make this resource more complete and useful for everyone.

Explore the global directory of hairworkers and add yourself.