Counterfeit Chic today discusses a fascinating story on the trade in temple hair.  The issue:  Western women buying hair extensions composed of hair shaved off women in India, supposedly as part of temple rituals.  While this is arguably exploitive, according to the Western clientele temple hair is transcendent both in its physical & metaphysical qualities:  

"It's a wonderful thing," says Batsheva Schilis, 24, of Oakwood, Staten Island, who recently fitted extensions to her hair. "It doesn't frizz in the summer and is easy to straighten and maintain.

"But, if you're a spiritual person like me, you feel an energy from the chi of the woman who donated it. I don't think the Indian women are exploited. They see the ceremony as an honor."

More on the hair trade here, with photos.