Leila’s Hair Museum - Independence Missouri

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Leila’s Hair Museum - Independence Missouri

When you think "hair museum," most people think of tools used to do hair, such as curling irons, or hair styles of the past, or even the many adornments that people use to do their hair. However, Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, Missouri is not anything like one would think. Leila’s Hair Museum contains wreaths and jewelry that contain or are made of human hair. Most of these items date before 1900. It is owned by Leila Cohoon, and she is fairly certain that it is the only hair museum in the entire world. The museum is also the headquarters for the Victorian Hairwork Society. They meet at Leila’s Hair Museum and archive their press releases and other material there.

These hair wreaths were considered works of art by families. They placed their hair in the wreaths in a horseshoe shape so that hair could be added as the family grew. Many of the wreaths she has are still in their original frames. For instance, Leila Cohoon has the hair wreaths of two sisters who had their heads shaved when they entered a convent. Other items include a family history book from the years 1725 to 1900 that includes the family’s hair and their calling cards. Some of the jewelry that is made of hair includes necklaces, watch fobs, hat pins, earrings, and brooches. She currently has over 2000 pieces in her collection, many of which she enjoys wearing. Leila Cohoon continues to add to her collection by going to garage sales, estate sales, auctions, etc. She has received pieces from others who have heard of her museum, including Phyllis Diller.

Leila began collecting the pieces when she started the Independence College of Cosmetology, and when the new building was completed, she had enough extra space to open the museum. The museum has been featured in many different publications, including People magazine, Woman’s World, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Lets Tour America – Missouri, and the 100 of the most unusual museums. It has also been featured on a variety of television shows, including A&E and various Kansas City television stations.

Leila Cohoon has learned how to make the wreaths by taking others apart to see how the work was done, and she is making one with the hair from her grandchildren. However, she prefers collecting hair wreaths to making them. While some people may think this is a strange custom, she mentions that people still have the habit of saving hair, for instance, when babies get their first hair cut or other momentous occasions. The hair is put into a photo album or used as a keepsake in other ways.

The hours for Leila’s Hair Museum are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays. The admission prices are $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors and children under the age of twelve.