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.

Custom Hairwork Options

• Fully Custom Hairwork: Pricing starts at $850 (hairwork + metalwork) for silver rings and $1600 for silver cuff bracelets. *Gold and Antique pricing available upon request. Includes design support, options for braid patterns, and collaboration with a jeweler. Please note that fully custom commissions typically require a design consultation. After scheduling, a non-refundable design deposit of $150 is required and will be applied toward the total cost, ensuring that we are aligned with your vision.

  • To start the process, please fill out the contact form here. Based on the information you provide, I will send you a general estimate for your project. From there, we can proceed further.

• Semi-Custom Hairwork: Incorporate your provided hair into existing jewelry designs. Choose from available jewelry options in the shop. Add on the Semi-Custom Hairwork option before checkout. After placing your order, I’ll email you detailed instructions on how to prepare and mail your hair. The current turnaround time is 6-8 weeks after I receive your hair.

Review the FAQs and browse the Gallery before submitting your request.

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 strands directly from hair brushes. It requires a lot of time; I can provide this service for an additional fee.

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 ring compartments.

- 6 inches (15.2 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 (15.2 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 it 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.

Semi-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.

Once your package is on its way, you will receive an automated email with tracking information sent to the email address you provided at checkout. Please note that this email may occasionally land in your spam folder.