Tech, tradition, and a touch of UAE glamour in the hair accessories industry

Khaleej Times

a day ago

The global hair accessories market, valued at around $25.97 billion in 2024, is forecast to reach $66.17 billion by 2032. During the forecast period of 2025 to 2032 the market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 12.40%, primarily driven by rising consumer interest in stylish, statement-making pieces and boosted by social-media trends and influencer marketing.
The global appetite for 'hair hardware', from ornate clips to pearls and diamanté-embellished pins, has surged in recent years. This category is now widely seen as one of the simplest yet most expressive ways to elevate personal style, driving a new wave of fashion-forward experimentation in hair styling.
The UAE is rapidly emerging as a key player in the global fashion and accessories landscape. With its unique mix of high fashion, cultural diversity, and tech-savvy consumers, the region has become a fertile ground for brands that blend creativity with innovation. Consumers here are increasingly seeking out distinctive, expressive accessories, making it an ideal launchpad for fashion-forward, digitally native brands looking to make a global impact.
Thehair accessories industry has quietly undergone a dramatic transformation. From basic utility items to coveted fashion statements, the industry has seen a remarkable evolution — led by creative entrepreneurs, pioneering technology, and a fresh cultural lens. And at the heart of this revolution is Priyanka Sanghi, Founder and CEO of Hair Drama Co.
With a background in finance and years spent decoding markets and crunching numbers, Priyanka realized she wanted more than just data-driven decisions — she craved creative expression. 'Despite being such a visible part of personal style, hair accessories were either too basic or too bridal,' she recalls. 'There was no in-between, no brand that treated hair fashion with the same sophistication as jewellery or apparel.'
That gap wasn't just personal – it reflected a wider vacuum in the fashion industry, where hair accessories had long been overlooked as a serious style category. Globally too, the accessory segment was beginning to gain renewed attention, as consumers leaned into self-expression, seasonal styling, and detail-driven dressing. Hair, once an afterthought in the fashion narrative, was now becoming a new frontier for creativity.
And thus, Hair Drama was born in 2015 in India.
Traditionally, hair accessories in India were seen either as ceremonial staples or childhood relics. Hair Drama Co. entered this space with a new vision. Today, the brand caters to everything from weddings and red carpets to resort wear and Gen-Z street style, embraced by stylists, celebrities, and everyday women alike.
Hair Drama was the first brand in India to incorporate 3D printing into the design and manufacturing of hair accessories — a move that paid off. 'For us, 3D printing wasn't just a tool — it became a creative collaborator,' says Priyanka. 'It allowed us to blend heritage Indian styling with futuristic design techniques.'
The results are dazzling: digitally precise, structurally intricate, and artistically bold designs that couldn't be achieved through traditional methods. This fusion of tech and tradition is a perfect metaphor for today's India.
As Hair Drama Co. scales globally, the UAE is emerging as a key market. 'The MENA region, and UAE in particular, is a dynamic hub for fashion and luxury. Our vision is to partner with names and narratives that celebrate individuality. So yes, the MENA region is very much part of that future,' says Priyanka.
At the heart of Hair Drama Co. is another powerful element: Indian artisans. These artisans, many of whom are women from small towns, bring to life the textures and finesse that define the brand's global appeal.
This focus on craftsmanship echoes a larger movement within the global fashion and accessories industry — a return to slow fashion, where quality, narrative, and sustainability are taking precedence over mass production. Handcrafted accessories are no longer seen as niche or ethnic—they're now embraced by mainstream fashion as objects of art and individuality. It's a powerful statement about SMEs and local craftsmanship — proving that even in a tech-driven landscape, heritage and handmade still hold immense value.