Um, I don’t honestly know how I feel about hair as art. I’m a hairstylist, so I am almost always covered in little bits of hair. It’s part of the job, so I learned to accept it, but I still think it’s kinda gross.

People have actually asked me what we do with the hair. We throw it out. It’s old hair. Gross.

These people have decided to make something beautiful out of something that is usually just thrown out. 

Being a crafter, I could totally see how it would be an interesting and intricate medium to work in. I just couldn’t ever see collecting anyone’s hair (including my own) for any reason. I have a friend who shaved his head while he was in art school, saved the hair, and replaced the hair on a couple troll dolls with it. I wish I could find a picture. It was pretty good.

This isn’t even a new concept. In the 19th and part of the 20th century, people wore jewelry made from locks of their loved one’s hair. It’s kinda cool, but I don’t know if I think this is sweet or yucky.

I think the art below is amazingly detailed and beautiful, even if it is made of someone’s old hair.

1. Hair Jewelry

Art student, Kerry Howley, created a jewelry line made of human hair. The collection is called Attraction/Aversion, which is a perfect description of how I feel about it. Simultaneous opposites.

2. Hair Embroidered Portraits
Zaira Pulido is an artist who uses her friends hair instead of thread to create various embroidery works. She makes embroidered portraits of her friends made from their own hair. That’s a BFF.

3. Leaves Made From Hair
I think I like this one the most. I love small details and delicate things. Jenine Shereos is a sculptor and installation artist specializing in fiber and textile art. She made these by stitching the hair onto a backing, then dissolving the backing in water. I bet these are super difficult to handle without ruining!!

Do you have a favorite?

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