If you want to start a hair extension business, it is necessary to have all the background information of hair material in the market. In this part, we will clarify the term of virgin hair extensions and compare different other kinds of human hair extensions, which include Remy hair and non-Remy hair extension products.
By definition, virgin hair is the kind of hair that is intact from any chemical or dyeing process. Virgin hair usually comes from 14 to 25-year-old hair donors with long and healthy hair. In the hair extension market, virgin hair extensions are regarded to possess the highest quality. Compared to other hair types, virgin hair has the most durable texture, which can last for up to 2 years under proper care and maintenance. As a result, along with their scarce sources, virgin hair extensions’ price is the most expensive.
In terms of human hair extensions, it is easy to mistake virgin hair extensions for Remy or non-Remy hair extensions. Consequently, I will highlight the features of each hair type so that you can understand why there is a price gap among these types.
Remy hair is one of the premium raw hair extension materials in the market. Remy hair has the cultices moving toward the same direction, giving a seamless and silky appearance. Therefore, tangling problems rarely occur in Remy hair.
The main difference between Remy and virgin hair is that while virgin hair is from only one hair donor and completely chemical-free , Remy hair can be collected from multiple donors who may have dyed or processed their hair before. However, these chemical interventions must be minimal and must not bring any significant damage to the hair. Because it is getting more difficult to collect virgin hair compared to the past, Remy hair extensions are the best hair solution for anyone who wants to have a high-quality hair experience.
Frankly, non-Remy hair is inferior to virgin and Remy hair in every aspect, therefore way more cheaper. Non-Remy hair can be collected from literally everywhere, for example, temples, salons and many unknown suppliers.
More often, non-Remy hair in its original state is low in moisture and straw-like because of damaged cuticles. To cover these flaws, hair manufacturers use an excessive amount of silicone coating and acid soaking to give the hair a bouncy and silky look. That is the reason why you find non-Remy hair condition deteriorates quickly after several times of washing, which wears off the chemical coating. Usually, non-Remy hair extensions are sold at a cheap price and only last for up to 6 months.
It should be noticed that virgin hair extensions around the world can vary in characteristics. As a consequence, not every virgin hair extension can keep its shape and last for a long time. Instead, it depends on which country the hair supply is from. Next I will give a brief summary of 3 most common types of virgin hair extensions based on racial origins: Asian, African and European virgin hair extensions.
Asian hair structure is widely known for its straightness, durability and dark shade (mostly black or brown). On average, Asian hair possesses a higher level of cuticle layers than European and African hair , resulting in higher durability. Asian hair is also round in shape and consistent in the stretching process, which explains the straightness. Moreover, of all hair types, Asian hair grows at the fastest rate, at approximately 1.4 cm per month. Considering all these factors, Asian hair is the most appropriate material for hair extension products.
In the human hair industry, Asian hair extensions, especially virgin hair, are the most sought after because they have great strength, volume, silky texture and are easy to reshape if wanted. Among Asian countries, Vietnam, China and India are dominant in the global hair supply market.
African virgin hair, or Afro hair, is commonly seen in curly or coiled shape. Having the strongest hair structure in all three types mentioned, African hair cuticles are the most prone to damage as well as breakage. African hair also has the slowest growth rate, which makes African hair short, kinky and hard to restyle, therefore unsuitable for chemical processing. Because of the fragile hair characteristics, African women often seek hair extension products to help them diversify their daily hairstyles. That is why Africa is known as the largest consumer market for hair extensions. Most African hair vendors import their raw hair supply from Vietnam and other Asian countries for their hair extension businesses. African virgin hair extensions are still on offer in the market, but only in limited quantities and they do not vary in length.
European, or Caucasian, virgin hair extensions vary a lot in shape and color. In terms of hair shape, it can be wavy, curly or straight; in terms of hair color, it can be blond, red, light brown or dark brown. Unlike the Asian round hair structure, the European hair strands are oval. Europeans grow their hair at the rate of around 1.2 cm each month.
Because of high living standards in many European countries, Caucasian virgin hair supply is getting rare. Most human hair vendors in Europe also import raw hair supply from Asia, bleach and dye the hair to cater to consumers’ preferences. The largest virgin Caucasian hair supply is from Russia, although the number of hair donors is shrinking every day.
If you want to buy virgin hair extensions, examine your products carefully to make sure it is the right product, especially when online-shopping. Scam hair vendors may take advantage of your lack in hair knowledge to give you false hair extensions. Below are several tips to tell virgin hair extensions apart from other types.
