Gloss Angeles – "Meet the Woman Revolutionizing the Wig Industry"

Hosts: Kirbie Johnson, Sara Tan (absent this episode)
Guest: Hasiya Abdulsalam, Founder of The Renatural
Release Date: February 20, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Kirbie Johnson interviews Hasiya Abdulsalam, founder of The Renatural, an innovative wig company that’s disrupting the industry with a patented, hyper-realistic, glueless wig featuring a prosthetic-inspired hairline and robot-assisted manufacturing. The discussion debunks common misconceptions about wigs, explores industry history and labor, dives deep into technological advancements, and offers actionable tips for aspiring wig-wearers, founders, and beauty enthusiasts alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Hasiya’s Background and the Founding of The Renatural

• Academic & Career Journey:

  • Graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science, initially expected a career in environmental infrastructure (e.g., recycling systems, sewage systems) before pivoting to the beauty industry.
  • Moved to Bangkok for a year and later to Korea, where her interest in wigs intensified ([04:42] – [05:44]).
  • Wrote her dissertation on the wig industry using an anthropomorphic methodology, temporarily "becoming" a wig to narrate its history and place in society ([05:06] – [05:44]).

• Industry Experience:

  • Worked in a Korean wig factory for six months; was struck by the repetitive, labor-intensive nature of wig-making ([05:46]).
  • Identified a strong disconnect between wig manufacturing and the needs/preferences of end users, inspiring future innovation ([06:12]).

History & Labor of Wigs

• Tradition vs. Innovation:

  • The construction of wigs has remained largely unchanged since the 1700s:

    “Lace became popular at that time, and it really is still the core of wig bases today.” — Hasiya ([09:19])

  • Introduced the different methods of hair attachment (double knots, V-loop, single-knots, etc.) ([09:19])

• Labor Reality:

  • Making a single 360-degree wig by hand can take months; Hasiya herself spent five months constructing one by hand ([08:23]).
  • The slow, repetitive labor often strips wig-making of its artistry.

Early Innovations & The Wig Fix

• First Foray: The Wig Fix (2020):
  • Medical-grade silicone wig gripper promoted natural hair growth and improved security ([10:39]).
  • Sold close to 100,000 units since launch ([10:57]).

The Renatural Wig: Technological Leap

• Solving Key Consumer Pain Points:

  • The Renatural's wig is engineered to appear undetectable ("can you wear a wig and no one knows?"), with a patented, skin-replica hairline and no lace grid ([02:06]).
  • Features a bamboo-polymer hybrid base for breathability and comfort, six different scalp-mimicking shades, and a hairline three times thinner than standard lace ([12:38], [13:29]).
  • No need for glues, tapes, plucking, bleaching, or tinting.

• Prosthetics Approach:

  “I studied prosthetics deeply because I wanted a wig that was wearable… for all realities of someone's life.” — Hasiya ([13:29])

• Robot-Assisted Manufacturing:

  • Developed a proprietary “wig robot,” inspired by embroidery machines and drastically reduces wig production time from months to under 45 minutes for a full wig ([18:55]).

  “We built the fastest way to make a wig right now... under 45 minutes, hands free.” — Hasiya ([19:34])

Market Trends & Cultural Insights

• Growing Market:

  • Human hair wigs and extensions market anticipated to hit $9.3 billion by 2023 and expand 5% yearly through 2030 ([14:21]).

• Demographics:

  • Black women: 50% of lace wig wearers ([18:00])
  • Orthodox Jewish women (sheitel): 20% ([18:18])
  • Medical (hair loss/alopecia): 25%
  • Fashion/entertainment/other: 5%
  • 100 million people globally wear wigs 3+ times a month ([15:00])

  “It is truly an outlier when it comes to spend... $600 three times a year, between ages 21 to 65.” — Hasiya ([15:21])

• Cultural Shift:

  • TikTok and celebrity transparency have made wig-wearing less stigmatized and more aspirational ([16:12], [16:49]).
  • Celebrities (e.g., Sabrina Carpenter) sharing behind-the-scenes wig prep is shifting public perception.

Ethical Sourcing & Materials

• Ethics and Transparency:

  • Years of building relationships with reputable, international hair suppliers ([22:58]).
  • Human hair is highly valuable; stockpiled until a suitable buyer is found ([23:26]).
  • Hair is sourced from various countries for cultural and economic reasons; factories keep hair in optimal conditions for quality ([23:26]).

• Developments in Synthetics:

  • Banana fibers, collagen to improve texture and elasticity ([25:11]).

Business Building & Funding

• Securing Investment:

  • Raised $6.2 million over two years, bootstrapped first $3 million via The Wig Fix ([25:44], [27:54]).
  • Support from high-profile investors including Mark Cuban, Olamide Olowe (Topicals), Pharrell (grant), Glossier.

  “We should embody that delusion [as a founder]… what's the worst? Someone says no, you're a bit embarrassed if you fail—try again.” — Hasiya ([26:18])

• Grit & Mindset:

  • Stresses the importance of the "messy middle," staying committed even as plans, timelines, and goals evolve ([26:18]–[27:07]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Industry Innovation & Perseverance:

  “I invented the robot. It was basically like an embroidery machine, like kind of de-hacked with a lot of Photoshop... and then we built the fastest way to make a wig.” — Hasiya ([18:55])

• On Founding Grit:

  “Having a startup is just being committed to the commitment.” — Hasiya ([26:18])

• Beauty of Wigs:

  “Wigs are truly the epitome of beauty. You have endless options and instant transformation... it transforms the way you sit up, you speak, the way you act.” — Hasiya ([17:15])

• Celebrity Endorsement:

  “Who has the best wigs? I have to say Beyoncé. That’s obvious.” — Hasiya ([30:16])

• On Practical Advice:

  “Make sure it’s properly fitted… re-measure your head to get the right sizing and make sure your wig is adjustable for that.” — Hasiya ([30:22])

Quick Tips & Wig-Wearing Wisdom

(Rapid Fire Section – [30:16] Onward)

• Wig Cap:
  • Not necessary but recommended for protection and longevity ([30:49]).
• Wig Prep:
  • Protect natural hair with low-tension styles (cornrows, low pony, etc.), especially with repeated use ([31:10]).
• Wig Damage:
  • Can cause hair loss ("wig alopecia") if glued on excessively; opt for glueless solutions whenever possible ([31:28]).
• Wig Cost:
  • Pays for hair quality, craftsmanship, custom hairline, and years of use ([32:10]).
• Wig Longevity:
  • Renatural wig: 5+ years; standard good wig: 3–5 years ([32:25]).
• Cleaning Routine:
  • Wash 1–2 times weekly, use disinfectants for internal cap, be mindful of glue build-up ([33:40], [34:03]).
• Signs a Wig Won’t Photograph Well:
  • Too thick, too blunt a hairline, lack of feathering/parting ([35:12]).

Standout Segments & Timestamps

• Intro to Hasiya’s background ([02:44]–[06:12])
• History of wigs and the labor involved ([08:23]–[09:46])
• The Wig Fix and lead-in to The Renatural ([10:34]–[13:29])
• Robot invention and manufacturing leap ([18:55]–[19:50])
• Ethical sourcing and hair origins explained ([22:58]–[23:57])
• Business insights, raising funds, and founder advice ([25:44]–[29:45])
• Rapid-fire Q&A (wig advice) ([30:16]–[35:00])
• What’s next for The Renatural ([35:57]–[36:25])

Closing Thoughts

Hasiya Abdulsalam’s approach to wig-making blends social consciousness, market insight, and technological audacity. Her commitment to consumer experience—driven by high-tech innovation and a nuanced understanding of culture—sets The Renatural apart in a multibillion-dollar industry. This episode offers not only a behind-the-scenes look at how a new generation of wigs is being made, but also actionable inspiration for founders, beauty believers, and anyone curious about the next big thing in personal transformation.

Kirbie’s Send-off:
Sara Tan was away this episode but sends her best, expressing admiration for Hasiya and the innovation she represents ([36:29]).

For further information, check out:

• The Renatural: [official website]
• Gloss Angeles: acast.com/privacy

End of Summary — Episode ran until approximately [36:50] (excluding ads and non-content sections)