The Ultimate Guide to Importing Raw Best Human Hair Extensions to Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa

What Are Raw Human Hair Extensions Used For?

Raw human hair is an ingredient used by manufacturers and hair professionals to produce a variety of finished products like:

• Hair wefts.
• Sew-in hair extensions.
• Clip-in hair extensions.
• Custom made wigs and hair toppers.

There are many other finished products that can be made from raw human hair, but it also may require additional processes like coloring, ventilating, or conditioning in order to be packaged and sold to a consumer.

Raw Hair vs. Processed Human Hair

Knowing the difference can help businesses provide the products that meet customer expectations.

Neither category is automatically better for a business. The right option depends on the production process, target customers and budget.

How to Choose the Best Human Hair Extensions for Your Business

Quality hair extensions can help maintain customer satisfaction and reduce cost of refunds and replacements. Products should be chosen based on features as opposed to descriptions in marketing material.

Check Hair Texture and Appearance

It is important to consider the right types of hair for the target customers based on the preferred textures and styles. Some customers prefer natural textures, while others prefer hair that can be styled to achieve other textures and styles.

Prior to purchase, verify evenness of texture, appearance, if hair has been chemically treated or dyed/bleached.

Evaluate Hair Length and Weight

Hair length can impact the final product a buyer can manufacture, and ultimately the price.

Check the full text of the material request here

Ask the supplier how they measure hair length and the units they use. For example, if hair is measured using stretched length, is that stretched length represented in the description?

For larger bulk purchases, verify the net weight of the hair and check if the supplied weight includes other materials, e.g. packaging.

Miscommunication can happen if a wig maker orders hair of different lengths, and a written specification is not given for each bundle.

Understand Hair Grades and Density Claims

Hair grades and labels like 'Premium' or 'High Grade' are not standardized and should not be relied on to compare quality between suppliers.

Consider the following when looking for a supplier:

• How consistent are the strands and does it shed?
• Tangles after washing?
• How does it hold up to color and chemical treatments?
• What is the average weight and length of a bundle?
• How does the supplier ensure quality?

These are better factors to evaluate quality than a grade label.

Request A Sample Prior To Bulk Purchasing

A sample is typically ordered prior to a large bulk purchase and gives the buyer the chance to examine the hair closely. Some factors to examine would be how the hair feels, how it behaves after washing, the texture, how it holds up to styling and a myriad of other factors.

If your business also processes the hair, speak to the supplier how it would hold up to your processing (i.e. coloring).

Finding a Reliable Hair Extensions Supplier

The supplier you choose impacts the consistency of your product, the timeliness of your deliveries, how well you’re able to plan and ultimately the profitability of your business, and the level of satisfaction of your customers. A good deal on hair extensions may not be a good deal in the long run if that shipment doesn’t meet your expectations.

Evaluate the Supplier’s Business Information

Prior to making any payment, you’ll need to analyze the products offered for sale by the supplier, the terms of order and payment, and the various business information available about the supplier.

A good supplier should be able to explain the product in detail and how it is packaged and what is expected of the buyer.

Request for:

• A product catalog.
• Sample orders.
• Quotations and order specifications.
• Thermal shipping and payment instructions.
• Process for reconciling quality discrepancies.
• Documentation and tracking of shipment.
• Registration certificates and references.

Use verifiable contact details other than social media.

Evaluate Suppliers Beyond Price

Do a total cost and quality analysis to compare suppliers. For example, while Supplier A may have a higher unit price and charge more for shipping, Packing may be of a better quality.

Examine the same hair type, length, and weight. Compare the degree of processing and packaging and the terms of delivery.

Ascertain Payment Terms and Quality

Your agreement should clarify the quality of the product, and the terms of the supply.

It should provide terms for dispatch and delivery, quality, quantity, and processing as well as terms for packing and reporting discrepancies.

For larger transactions, consider using a payment method that gives your business sufficient protection, and keep a record of all your business communications.

You should not pay a large amount based on satisfaction with low quality photos, especially for a really low price.

How to Import Raw Human Hair Extensions to Nigeria

There is a market for beauty retailers, salon suppliers, wig makers and distributors as well as hair product distributors in Nigeria. However, to successfully import the products, you must know your customer and commercially ship the product to Nigeria and accurately classify it for customs.

Step 1: Know Your Customer

Identify the types of hair products your customers will actually buy.

For example, a customer in Lagos may want to buy raw hair for wig making while a customer in Abuja may wish to buy ready made hair extensions and wigs.

Research the following:

• The types of extensions and wigs customers want.
• The types of raw hair customers want.
• The prices and location of your competitors.
• The types of finished products local salons want to buy.
• The expected retail prices.
• The potential profits.

The research will help avoid the loss that comes from having unsold products.

Step 2: Get Import Requirements For Nigeria

Talk to a Nigerian Customs clearing agent to know the HS code and customs valuation method of the product you want to import.

Learn about import duties, taxes, levies, and permits that you may have to pay.

Nigeria has the SONCAP program. Find out the classification of your product and see what certifications (if any) are required.

Step 3: Get the Required Documents

Your clearing agent may require the following documents, among others, for the import shipment:

• An invoice.
• A packing list.
• An air waybill or bill of lading.
• A sales contract or purchase order.
• A certificate of origin, if required.
• Relevant customs declarations, import documentation, and permits for each shipment.
• The completed imports compliance documents.

The complete document requirements will depend on the product, transaction, and the import process. Your clearing agent should be able to confirm the complete requirement before the goods leave the exporting country.

The full cost of importing hair into Nigeria includes the purchase price, cost of transport by sea or air, insurance (if any), duties and taxes, clearance costs, costs of transport to the ultimate destination, and all other charges.

Prior to shipping, you may wish to use the services of a freight forwarder to assist you with the import documentation and to obtain the best rates for shipping and air freight.

How to Import Raw Best Human Hair Extensions to Kenya

Kenya has a growing beauty industry, particularly with wig making and online retailing. To sell hair extensions, a business must know the level of demand and local compliance requirements.

Understanding Kenya's Import Documentation

The Kenya Revenue Authority provides information on import declarations and the documents required to support imports.

The type of document needed for importation will depend on the nature of the consignment. Documents may include a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin, permits and the importer’s identification.

It is advisable that importers retain the services of a licensed customs clearing agent to advise them on the appropriate procedure that applies to their imports.

Are the Required Product Standards Applicable?

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is responsible for standards and conformity assessment for regulated products in Kenya. Requirements will depend on the classification of the product and the relevant standard.

You can't assume that the same requirements and inspections will apply to all hair extensions. It's advisable to check with your clearing agent and KEBS on the applicable requirements to your products.

Plan Your Stock Based on Customer Demand

A Kenyan wholesaler may supply several customer groups i.e. Professional wig makers and retail wig sellers.

Rather than stock all products, consider starting off with a controlled product range and gradually increase your product range based on customer demand. This will help you manage your working capital.

Know Your Landed Costs

The landed cost is the total cost of the product at the point of arrival into Kenya.

This will include the purchase price, freight and insurance costs, customs duty and taxes, clearance and local delivery costs.

Import charges will vary depending on the product classification, external tariff and the applicable regulations. Get a clear picture on these charges with a licensed clearing agent.

Importing Raw Human Hair Extensions to South Africa

There is a well established beauty retail and salon industry in South Africa, but there are also import processes, customs declarations and the total cost of bringing a good to market to consider.

Register and Confirm Your Importer Requirements

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) provides information on their website about the procedures for importer registration and for importing goods to South Africa. It is the importer's responsibility to confirm whether or not registration is required for their situation and to ensure that their customs declarations include the correct tariff classification and the correct product value.

It is best to check the official SARS website and review their importer registration process before a shipment is arranged.

Determine if an Import Permit is Required

Different goods fall into different control categories. Some controlled goods require permits and most new goods are not subject to import control requirements.

Because control and regulation requirements are dependent on the specific goods being imported, it is important to confirm with SARS and the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) if a permit or other approval is required for the shipment.

The South African Government's import permit guidance provides information on the process for goods that are subject to import controls.

Understand Customs Duties and VAT

The total cost of the goods brought to market may include the following (customs clearance, freight, insurance and local delivery costs).

The customs duty is determined by the correct tariff classification. It is also important to confirm the treatment for Import VAT and other charges. A general percentage should not be used to estimate the final total.

Develop Adequate Product Range

South African businesses can reach professional stylists, wig retailers, online beauty stores, and shoppers looking for hassle-free hair solutions.

A good initial range can include:

• Options with a more natural-looking straight texture.
• Hair with waves and curls.
• Varying lengths, and bundle weights.
• Hair that is suitable for the production of custom wigs.
• Finished wigs.

The right range is subjective and dependent on customer research.

Comparing Importing Requirements Across the Three Countries

Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa have their own customs systems, but they have different product requirements for imported goods.

This table is a planning overview and not a complete legal checklist. Make sure you check the specific requirements for your product and shipment.

Calculating Landed Costs of Best Human Hair Extensions

Importing requires an understanding of landed costs: what it will cost the business to get the product to the point where they can sell it.

A simplified calculation is:

Landed cost = Product cost + Freight + Insurance + Import duties and taxes + Clearance and handling + Local delivery

Depending on applicable customs rules and shipping arrangements, the treatment of each of the above charges may vary.

Import duties and taxes, if any, will vary with different countries and depend on the customs classification and valuation.

How Landed Cost Assists You in Setting a Price

Once the landed cost is calculated, other costs associated with selling the product, such as packaging and storage, can be added.

Taking into account the total cost, you can arrive at the selling price and the minimum order quantity.

Air Freight and Sea Freight

Differences in shipping methods have an effect on delivery time, cost and package requirements.

Air Freight

There are circumstances where Air Freight may be more appropriate than Sea Freight. For example, you may want to test the sale of a new product by air freighting a small sample, before waiting for a Sea Freight shipment to arrive.

When you need to air freight shipment, check the quotations for chargeable weight, transit time and delivery.

Sea Freight

Sea freight may be a good option for larger shipments, depending on the delivery window.

Examine the total logistics cost from origin to final delivery. Sometimes, the cheapest ocean freight rate may not be the most economical way to ship your cargo.

Which Option Is Best?

This depends on several factors, such as the size and quantity of your shipment, the cash flow of your business, and your stock level.

A small, new importer may want to evaluate customer demand and product quality by shipping a small sample order. A larger, established importer may have a better idea of customer demand, and may schedule larger shipments to correspond with peak sale periods.

Ask your freight forwarder to explain the agreed Incoterms, who will be responsible for clearing the cargo at export and import, and what costs are included in the quote.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Importing Human Hair

Avoiding these mistakes may mean the difference between a successful first order and a devastating financial loss.

Choosing a Supplier Only Based on Low Price

An abnormally low price could mean that the quote is missing important information about the product, such as processing and shipping details, and product weight and quality.

Compare quotes for identical terms, and request a sample if it is feasible. Evaluate the supplier’s quotation and order terms prior to effecting payment.

Ignoring Product Specifications

A vague quotation may result in a lack of clarity regarding product length, weight, texture and/or processing.

Be clear and concise when outlining your requirements in the purchase order and confirm the requirements with the supplier.

Underestimating Shipping and Import Costs

Freight and import charges may affect the profitability of the shipment.

Obtain a full freight quote and check the expected customs treatment to determine the landed cost before setting your selling price.

Ordering Too Much Stock Too Soon

You risk tying up working capital with long turnover products.

Start small and only purchase products supported by market research and customer enquiries. Once you’ve received a shipment and received customer feedback, you can adjust the product offering as needed.

Failing to Check Documents Before Dispatch

Lack of or inconsistencies with documents can delay a shipment through customs.

Ask your clearing agent to check the commercial invoice, packing list and transport documents, as well as certificates and permits. This should be done before the shipment leaves the origin country.

Making Unverified Quality Claims

Claiming hair is raw, unprocessed, chemical-free or a particular grade does not give sufficient evidence to support such claims and should not be disclosed.

Using accurate and full descriptions aid customers in making informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of a dispute.

Are Human Hair Wigs for Women a Good Product to Add to Your Business?

Human hair extensions are just one segment of the broader hair market. If you are considering the best human hair extensions, you should also consider the best hair wigs for women.