About .hair domain
.hair is a proposed generic top-level domain (gTLD) that has not been delegated. It was applied for in ICANN's New gTLD Program by two entities: L'Oréal and Your Hair Limited (E&L Management Ltd.). The application process was subject to formal objections, including a GAC Early Warning issued to L'Oréal's application. As a proposed TLD, it is not an active, registrable product on the market.
Who can register .hair domain
As a proposed and non-delegated TLD, .hair domains are not available for registration to anyone. The applicants, L'Oréal and Your Hair Limited, were the only entities involved in the application process. Should it ever be delegated, eligibility would depend entirely on the registry policies established by the successful applicant.
How to register .hair domain
This TLD is not issued through commercial registrars. The process involves ICANN's application and delegation system for new gTLDs. Applicants submit detailed proposals to ICANN, which are then evaluated, potentially face objections and contention resolution, and may proceed to contract negotiation. The outcome for .hair was contention between two applicants, and it has not progressed to an operational registry.
Typical uses of .hair domain
If delegated, the .hair extension would logically be used by businesses, professionals, and enthusiasts within the hair care and styling industry. Salons, product brands, stylists, and related content creators might choose it to create a direct, memorable web address that clearly signals their niche. It could serve as a niche alternative to broader extensions like .com or .beauty.
Tips for registering .hair domain
- As a proposed TLD, there are no active registration terms, pricing, or policies.
- Any future operational details, such as registration periods or WHOIS privacy, would be set by the eventual registry operator.
- The contention between two applicants means the TLD's future launch is uncertain and subject to ICANN's resolution processes.
Frequently asked questions about .hair domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .hair domain?
As of today, .hair domains start from $1.24/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $44.76/yr across 26 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .hair domains?
NameBeta tracks 26 registrars that support .hair domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1.24/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .hair domain?
The registry for .hair domains is XYZ, administered by XYZ.COM LLC.
Who can register a .hair domain?
.hair is not a live TLD, so no one can currently register a domain with this extension. The original applicants were two specific companies. If it becomes operational in the future, the registry operator will define all eligibility rules, which could range from open registration to highly restricted use.
Can I transfer a .hair domain between registrars?
Domain transfers are not applicable as .hair is not an active TLD. For operational TLDs, transfers typically follow ICANN's inter-registrar transfer policy, requiring an unlocked domain and a valid authorization code. Since .hair has no registry, it has no transfer policy, lock periods, or redemption procedures.
What was the GAC Early Warning for .hair?
The Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) issued an Early Warning against L'Oréal's application. This warning, a strong recommendation to the ICANN Board, expressed concern that granting exclusive access to a common generic string like "hair" could have negative impacts on competition within a broad market sector. Applicants receiving such warnings are encouraged to work with objecting governments.
What happens when two companies apply for the same TLD?
When multiple applicants apply for the same string, like .hair, they enter a contention process. ICANN facilitates resolution, which can involve direct negotiation between the applicants, community priority evaluation, or an auction. The winner proceeds to sign a registry agreement with ICANN, while the other application is withdrawn.
Could .hair ever become available for registration?
It could only become available if ICANN resolves the contention between the two applicants and delegates the TLD to one of them, who then operates it as a registry. This process is uncertain and can take years. Even if delegated, the registry might operate it as a closed, brand-specific TLD rather than an open, public one.
