In pictures: Hair today, sold tomorrow

A worker feeds human hair into a sewing machine at the ANNA factory in Taihe, in China’s eastern Anhui province. Greg Baker / AFP

A worker grades bundles of human hair at the ANNA factory in Taihe, in China’s eastern Anhui province. Greg Baker / AFP

Workers prepare hair extensions at the ANNA factory in Taihe, in China’s eastern Anhui province. Greg Baker / AFP

Human hair is washed and disinfected at the ANNA factory in Taihe. Greg Baker / AFP

Processed hair is dried on racks after being washed at a factory in Taihe. Greg Baker / AFP

Vendors display hair for sale at a street market specialising in human hair in Taihe. Greg Baker / AFP

Hair extensions at a factory in Taihe. Greg Baker / AFP

Vendors and buyers stand around hair for sale at a street market specialising in human hair in Taihe. Greg Baker / AFP

A worker places hair extensions on racks to dry at a factory in Taihe. Greg Baker / AFP R

Sacks bulging with human hair spill onto the streets of a rural county whose farmers have helped make China the world’s biggest exporter of products made from the material.