01. Weft Construction
The construction of the wefts (the sewn part of the hair bundle) affects the durability and ease of installation:
- Machine Weft: Durable and less prone to shedding, but can be thicker and harder to conceal.
- Hand-Tied Weft: Thinner and more natural-looking, but may require more care to prevent shedding.
02. Texture
The texture of hair bundles can vary greatly, allowing you to match them to your natural hair or achieve the desired style.
- Straight: Sleek and smooth, ideal for a polished, sophisticated look.
- Wavy: Adds volume and movement, suitable for a more relaxed, beachy vibe.
- Curly: Offers a voluminous, bouncy look, perfect for adding drama and texture.
- Kinky/Coily: Mimics natural African-American hair textures, providing a natural and full appearance.
- Straight Hair
- Body Wave
- Deep wave
- Pineapple wave
- Loose Wave
- Water Wave/Natural Wave
- Curly wave
- Italian culry
- Kinky Curly
- Afro Curly
- Kinky Straight
- Yaki Straight
03. Color and bleaching
Hair bundles come in various natural and dyed colors to match or enhance your look:
- Natural Colors: Usually shades of black, brown, and dark blonde.
- Dyed Colors: Available in a wide range of shades, including vibrant and pastel colors.
- Ombre/Balayage: Gradual transition of color from dark to light, offering a stylish look without full dye.
04. Weight
Hair bundles are usually measured in grams or ounces, with a standard bundle typically weighing around 100 grams (3.5 ounces).
05. Length
Hair bundles come in various lengths, typically measured in inches. The length you choose depends on the style you want to achieve:
- Short (10-14 inches): Ideal for bob cuts or shoulder-length styles.
- Medium (16-20 inches): Perfect for medium-length styles that fall around the bust line.
- Long (22-30 inches): Great for long, flowing styles that reach the waist or beyond.
Types of Raw Hair
Raw hair is completely unprocessed and comes directly from the donor without any chemical or steam treatments. Here are some common types of raw hair based on their geographical origin:
Raw Indian Hair:
- Texture: Naturally wavy, fine, and silky.
- Styling: Can be easily straightened or curled.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of styles, from sleek to voluminous.
- Characteristics: Known for its versatility, raw Indian hair can be naturally straight, wavy, or curly. It is soft, durable, and blends well with most hair types.
- Source: Collected from temples in India where donors willingly cut their hair for religious reasons.
Raw Cambodian Hair:
- Texture: Coarser and thicker compared to Indian hair.
- Styling: Holds curls and waves exceptionally well.
- Versatility: Great for creating full, voluminous looks.
- Characteristics: Known for its coarse and slightly wavy texture. It is very strong and holds styles well.
- Source: Collected from donors in Cambodia, often in rural regions.
Raw Vietnamese Hair:
- Texture: Smooth, thick, and straight.
- Styling: Takes well to coloring and heat styling.
- Versatility: Ideal for sleek, straight styles.
- Characteristics: Typically straight with a thick, coarse texture. It is highly durable and can withstand multiple styling processes.
- Source: Sourced from rural areas in Vietnam, often from donors who maintain natural hair care practices.
Raw Burmese Hair:
- Texture: Naturally thick and slightly coarse.
- Styling: Holds styles well, whether straightened or curled.
- Versatility: Perfect for creating dense, voluminous hairstyles.
- Characteristics: Generally thicker and coarser than other types of raw hair. It has a natural bounce and volume.
- Source: Sourced from Burma (Myanmar), often from donors in rural areas.
Types of Virgin Hair
Virgin hair refers to hair that has not been chemically processed but may have undergone minimal treatment such as washing or conditioning. It can include steam-processed textures to achieve specific looks. Here are the common types based on their origin and natural texture::
-
Brazilian Virgin Hair:
- Texture: Thick, soft, and durable.
- Styling: Easily holds curls and can be straightened.
- Versatility: Suitable for various styles and textures.
- Characteristics: Known for its full body, natural wave, and softness. It blends well with most hair types and is highly versatile.
- Source: Collected from donors in Brazil.
-
Peruvian Virgin Hair:
- Texture: Light, soft, and silky.
- Styling: Blends well with relaxed hair textures.
- Versatility: Great for voluminous looks without feeling heavy.
- Characteristics: Lightweight and soft, yet thick and voluminous. It blends well with African-American hair textures.
- Source: Sourced from donors in Peru.
-
Indian Virgin Hair:
- Texture: Fine and silky.
- Styling: Naturally straight but can hold curls well.
- Versatility: Ideal for sleek and smooth styles.
-
Malaysian Virgin Hair:
- Texture: Thick, smooth, and shiny.
- Styling: Holds curls and waves exceptionally well.
- Versatility: Perfect for bouncy, voluminous styles.
- Characteristics: Known for its silky texture and natural shine. It is heavier and thicker than Indian hair.
- Source: Collected from donors in Malaysia
-
Virgin Mongolian Hair
- Characteristics: Light and airy, with a fine texture. It holds curls well and has a soft feel.
- Texture: Naturally straight or wavy.
- Source: Sourced from donors in Mongolia.
-
Virgin Russian Hair
- Characteristics: Known for its fine texture and natural softness. It is less dense than other types but blends seamlessly with European hair.
- Texture: Naturally straight or wavy.
- Source: Collected from donors in Russia and Eastern Europe.
Hair Quality
The quality of the hair is crucial for longevity and appearance:
- Raw hair : Raw hair is completely unprocessed and untreated human hair. It is cut directly from the donor and has not undergone any chemical or steam processing to alter its texture or color.
- Virgin Hair: 100% human hair that has never been chemically processed, retaining its natural state.
- Remy Hair: Human hair with the cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction, reducing tangling and matting.
- Non-Remy Hair: Human hair with cuticles not aligned, more prone to tangling and shedding.
Differences Between Raw Hair, Virgin Hair, Remy Hair, and Non-Remy Hair
Understanding the differences between raw hair, virgin hair, Remy hair, and non-Remy hair is essential for making an informed choice when purchasing hair extensions. Each type has distinct characteristics, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
Comparison Summary
| Feature | Raw Hair | Virgin Hair | Remy Hair | Non-Remy Hair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Completely unprocessed | No chemical processing, may be steam-processed | Lightly processed for cleanliness | Chemically processed |
| Cuticle Alignment | Intact and aligned | Intact and aligned | Intact and aligned | Misaligned |
| Donor Source | Typically single donor | Single or multiple donors | Single or multiple donors | Multiple sources |
| Texture | Natural texture, no alterations | Natural texture, may include steam-processed textures | Natural texture, may include slight processing | Inconsistent due to mixed sources |
| Durability | Extremely durable, lasts several years | Long-lasting, but may not last as long as raw |
Raw Hair
Definition: Raw hair is completely unprocessed and untreated human hair. It is cut directly from the donor and has not undergone any chemical or steam processing to alter its texture or color.
Characteristics:
- Unprocessed: No chemical or steam treatments.
- Cuticle Intact: Preserved and aligned cuticles.
- Single Donor: Typically sourced from a single donor.
- Texture: Natural texture (straight, wavy, or curly).
- Durability: Extremely durable, can last several years.
- Natural Luster: Maintains the donor’s natural shine and luster.
Pros:
- Most natural look and feel.
- Long-lasting and strong.
- Minimal tangling and matting.
- High versatility for styling.
Cons:
- More expensive.
- Limited availability.
Virgin Hair
Definition: Virgin hair has never been chemically processed (no dyes, perms, or relaxers) but may have undergone minimal treatment such as washing or conditioning. It retains its natural state but can include hair that has been steam-processed to achieve specific textures.
Characteristics:
- Unprocessed: Free of chemical treatments.
- Cuticle Intact: Preserved and aligned cuticles.
- Single/Multiple Donors: Can come from single or multiple donors.
- Texture: Natural texture, may include steam-processed waves or curls.
- Durability: Long-lasting, though not as durable as raw hair.
- Natural Appearance: Looks and feels natural.
Pros:
- Natural and healthy appearance.
- Versatile and easy to style.
- More affordable than raw hair.
- High quality with minimal shedding and tangling.
Cons:
- May not last as long as raw hair.
- Can include steam-processed textures.
Remy Hair
Definition: Remy hair is high-quality human hair with cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction. It undergoes minimal processing to ensure it retains its natural strength and luster.
Characteristics:
- Cuticle Intact and Aligned: Prevents tangling and matting.
- Minimal Processing: Lightly treated for cleanliness.
- Single/Multiple Donors: Can be from single or multiple donors.
- Texture: Natural texture, may include slight processing.
- Durability: Very durable, long-lasting.
- Natural Luster: Retains a natural look and feel.
Pros:
- Smooth and manageable.
- Natural appearance.
- Versatile for styling.
- Long-lasting with proper care.
Cons:
- Moderately priced.
- May not be as durable as raw hair.
Non-Remy Hair
Definition: Non-Remy hair is human hair collected from various sources, often after it has fallen naturally or been cut without maintaining the alignment of the cuticles.
Characteristics:
- Cuticle Misalignment: Cuticles are not aligned, often facing different directions.
- Chemical Processing: Typically undergoes chemical treatments to improve appearance and texture.
- Multiple Sources: Collected from multiple sources.
- Texture: Can be inconsistent due to mixed sources and processing.
- Durability: Less durable, prone to tangling and matting.
- Artificial Luster: May have an artificial shine due to silicone coatings.
Pros:
- More affordable.
- Widely available.
- Can look good initially due to silicone treatments.
Cons:
- Prone to tangling and matting.
- Shorter lifespan.
- Artificial appearance over time.
- Requires more maintenance.
Maintenance Requirements
Different hair types and qualities require varying levels of care:
- Low Maintenance: Straight and wavy textures that don’t require frequent styling.
- Medium Maintenance: Curly hair that needs regular moisturizing and detangling.
- High Maintenance: Kinky/coily hair that requires intensive care to maintain its texture and avoid tangling.
How to Care for Virgin Hair Bundles
- Washing: Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to maintain the hair’s natural moisture.
- Conditioning: Deep condition the hair regularly to keep it soft and manageable.
- Styling: Use heat protectants when using heat styling tools to prevent damage.
- Detangling: Gently detangle the hair with a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for extensions, starting from the ends and working your way up.
- Storage: Store the hair in a cool, dry place when not in use, preferably in a silk or satin bag to avoid tangling.
Buying Tips for Virgin Hair Bundles
- Source: Purchase from reputable suppliers who can provide details about the hair’s origin and processing.
- Texture and Length: Choose a texture and length that matches your natural hair for the most seamless blend.
- Weft Quality: Ensure that the wefts are well-constructed to prevent shedding.
- Reviews and Feedback: Look for customer reviews and feedback to gauge the quality and reliability of the hair bundles.
