heists

The Great Chicago Hair-Extension Heist

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 15: A view of a hair station with extensions laid out backstage at the Emu Australia fall 2012 fashion show during Style360 at Metropolitan Pavilion on February 15, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Joe Corrigan/Getty Images)
Photo: Joe Corrigan/2012 Getty Images

Last night, three thieves hammered their way into the 35th Street Beauty Supply in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, making off with $230,000 (or six duffel bags’ worth) of natural hair extensions. This is part of a veritably hairy crime wave sweeping the nation. In spring of 2011 alone, at least $405,000 worth of hair extensions were stolen nationwide, the New York Times discovered, with almost a quarter of the thefts taking place in Chicago. Ah, the dirty underbelly of the Big Luscious Hair economy.

The Great Chicago Hair-Extension Heist