Articles

Knitting Wear from Human Hair: Human Material Loop

2022.04.22

Human Material Loop is an Amsterdam-based startup established in 2021 with the mission to "revolutionize the textile industry."

They collect and process discarded human hair from partnered beauty salons to develop high-performance yarn and textiles. Although hair was used in textile products like socks and shoes, as well as in ropes before the Industrial Revolution, it fell out of use as a material afterward.

However, since hair shares similarities with animal wool, founder Zsofia Kollar believes that hair holds positive potential in addressing issues surrounding the textile industry. We interviewed Zsofia, the founder, about the background of the company's establishment and the innovations utilizing human hair.

Using a Rejected Material from History

What inspired you to start Human Material Loop?

I have a background in conceptual design, focusing on changing perspectives and perceptions of specific materials. During my research, I was deeply fascinated by hair and recognized its role in the cultures of various regions worldwide. Yet, we have consistently rejected hair as a material.

It led me to rethink how to get the textile industry to accept hair as a material. The more I researched, the more it made sense to create a company focused on using hair to tackle textile industry pollution.

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