How to Sell Your Body for Cash (Legally)
Need some cash? Selling hair, eggs and sperm can pull in thousands every year.
May 4, 2009 — -- Rhonda Hester just lost her job and instead of pulling out her hair, she put it to use.
"I really love my hair, I really can't imagine cutting it, but I really need money to take care of my daughter right now, so I'll give up my hair," Hester told "Good Morning America."
Hester is turning to TheHairTrader.com and hoping her 20-inch locks will bring in at least $1,000.
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Jacalyn Elsie, who manages the Web site, said she hears some heartbreaking tales from her clients.
"We've received moms, just an overwhelming amount of moms, posting their hair for sale saying 'I want some extra money for my family. Times have been tough.'"
So tough that the Internet site is now receiving a staggering 1,000 inquiries every day. The number of women who want to sell their hair has doubled in three months.
"We've been experiencing a tremendous growth," Elsie said.
According to Elsie, one client was able to make more than $2,500 for her hair.
"They will contact the seller and say 'I'm looking for 20 inches and this is what I need -- I need the hair cut gathered in a pony tail,'" she said.
The hair often goes toward creating fashionable long hair extensions.
"People are paying top dollar for top quality," Elsie said.
Women can also legally sell their eggs and receive more than for more than $2,500.
On college campuses there has been a 70 percent increase in applications to become sperm donors.
"It takes them only about 15 minutes and they can generate $14,000 a year," Dr. Cappy Miles Rothman, founder of Cryobank, said. But it's no easy feat.
Tough Application Process for Sperm Donors
"It's really somebody who has to be dedicated, has to be very healthy, free of genetic diseases," Rothman said. "We have an awful lot of information on the donor. He is screened for genetic diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and also he is required to be here once or twice a week to provide samples. So it's a dedication. It's not just a frivolous position.
"Not only are they paid for it but they are doing a good humanitarian thing," Rothman said.
Though thousands of men apply, only 9 percent of applicants are accepted as donors.
According to Rothman, the ideal man is six feet tall, has blond or brown hair, blue or green eyes, medium complexion, medium build, is in college or is a college graduate and has dimples.
"It's an easy way to generate more income, but nobody comes in who looks like he's homeless or needs money to eat," Rothman said. "I have never yet seen anybody return the money or not accept the money."