Difference between Raw, Virgin hair, Remy hair and Non-Remy Hair

We understand that navigating the various terms used to describe hair quality can be confusing, so we aim to simplify things for our wonderful clients. This way, you can have a clearer understanding of exactly what quality of hair you are purchasing.

Virgin hair vs Remy hair, Remy hair vs non-Remy hair, hair grades like Double, And Super Double Drawn Vietnamese Hair – what do they all mean? Don’t worry, we’re confident that by reading this article, you’ll gain a much better understanding and be able to make an informed decision on the best hair choice for you.

There are four main categories of human hair that primarily determine hair quality, which we’ll explain below. These categories are: 1. Raw Hair, 2. Virgin Hair, 3. Remy Hair, and 4. Non-Remy Hair.

After we’ve explained these categories, we’ll delve into the different hair grades, where terms like single, double, super hair fit in, and discuss the importance of understanding Hair Density.

Please note that the two most popular collections of hair sold by Hair Majesty are Virgin Hair and Remy Hair. We also offer Raw Hair, which can be specially ordered according to your requirements.

1. Raw Hair

Raw Hair refers to human hair that has not undergone any form of processing or treatments, whether chemical or steam processing. It is collected directly from individual donors, with all the hair strands aligned in the same direction, ensuring the cuticles remain intact and aligned, which helps prevent tangling. Generally, raw hair can be dyed to any colour, including bleach blonde (colour 613).

Raw hair is extremely expensive (for example, 18-inch bundles could cost anywhere between R2000 and R4000 per bundle), and the vast majority is purchased by European and American markets due to its high cost. Very little raw hair is sold in South Africa, where you can expect to pay around R12,000 to R15,000 for a wig. In our opinion, the benefits of raw hair do not justify the cost for most clients, but if budget is not a concern, this is, of course, a fantastic quality of hair to consider.

2. Virgin Hair

Virgin hair refers to human hair that has not undergone any processing or chemical treatment. The hair cuticles remain intact and are aligned in the same direction, which helps prevent tangling and shedding. Virgin hair is generally more consistent in terms of length and texture compared to raw hair, but it is not necessarily collected from a single donor. As a result, the price of virgin hair is considerably lower than that of raw hair. This type of hair should be able to colour well, and you should be able to dye it to a colour 27 (a medium blonde). However, only raw hair is typically guaranteed to dye successfully to a colour 613 (a bleach blonde).

It’s important for clients to bear in mind that any time you colour hair, it does get slightly damaged. Therefore, if you prefer light blonde styles, we recommend purchasing a style that has been professionally pre-dyed rather than spending a significant amount of money on a high-quality wig and then risking damage when trying to dye it to a light blonde.

3. Remy Hair

Remy hair refers to high-quality human hair with intact cuticles that are aligned in the same direction, ensuring a natural look and feel. Remy hair may have undergone slight processing, such as dyeing, perming, or mild chemical treatments.

In essence, all virgin hair is Remy hair, but not all Remy hair is virgin.

The majority of Remy hair available in South Africa has undergone some form of processing, making it generally more affordable than virgin hair. Remy hair should be able to take colour, but it typically can only be dyed to brown shades and not to blondes.

In terms of value for money versus hair quality, Remy hair is an excellent option and is likely the hair quality that most women who have purchased human hair globally would have chosen.

4. Non-Remy Hair

As mentioned above, we do not sell Non-Remy hair, but that does not mean this quality should be overlooked, especially for clients with a strict budget.

Non-Remy hair is human hair that has had the cuticles removed using chemicals, or it has cuticles that are intact but not aligned in the same direction, leading to a higher risk of tangling and a less natural appearance. The chemical process to remove the cuticles typically results in hair with lower moisture levels. Be cautious of brands that use a lot of silicone to mask this, as once the hair is washed and the silicone is removed, the hair could become very dry and tangle easily. We do not recommend dyeing Non-Remy hair.

Non-Remy hair is much cheaper than Remy and Virgin hair, so from a budget perspective, it may be the best option for some clients. There is nothing wrong with Non-Remy hair as long as clients are aware of what they are purchasing and understand that Non-Remy hair will not last as long as Remy or Virgin hair.

Hair Grades

Now that we have a clearer understanding of the different hair qualities, where do hair grades (such as single, double, and super) and terms like Vietnamese hair fit in?

Historically, hair grades have been used by brands to distinguish between the various hair qualities we’ve discussed. In this sense, they do provide some insight into the differences in hair quality within a specific brand. However, it’s important not to assume, for instance, that one company’s Double Drawn grade is superior to another company’s Single Drawn. There’s nothing to stop a company from labeling their products as Super Double Drawn or even Super Super Double Drawn. The key is to understand the actual quality of the hair you are purchasing.

The Exquisite Beauty of Vietnamese Hair

In Vietnamese culture, long black hair has always been regarded as a symbol of beauty, believed to enhance the allure of Vietnamese women. Traditionally, the image of a Vietnamese lady has been portrayed as a young woman with long, straight, smooth black hair, elegantly dressed in a discreet “ao dai.” Moreover, due to deep cultural and spiritual beliefs, the Vietnamese hold their hair in high regard, considering it an important part of their body and appearance, and they take great care of it.

Is Vietnamese Hair Good?

Vietnamese human hair is renowned as one of the finest hair types in Asia, and here’s why:

• Natural Black and Thick Hair: Vietnamese human hair is naturally black and thick, a characteristic influenced by the genetic traits of the Vietnamese people, the country’s mild climate, and their meticulous hair care routines.
• Strength and Durability: Vietnamese hair is known for its remarkable strength and durability, standing out among other hair types worldwide. It boasts incredible elasticity, is healthy, and remains free from tangling or shedding. Even after chemical or heat treatments, with proper care, this hair retains its strength and elasticity. Hair extensions made from Vietnamese hair are exceptionally durable and highly sought after in the international hair market. While hair extensions made from Chinese, Indian, or other types of human hair typically last only 1-2 years, Vietnamese hair extensions can last up to 10 years with proper care.
• Impressive Length: The length of Vietnamese human hair is another feature that many admire. In various regions of Vietnam, especially in the northern mountainous areas, the tradition of growing long hair is still preserved. Some women have never cut their hair, and it’s not uncommon to see a Vietnamese girl with hair longer than one meter. Hair extensions made from Vietnamese hair, which can reach up to 40 inches in length, are unique to Vietnam and are difficult to find in other countries.

The Importance of Hair Density

The volume or density of hair used in making wigs plays a crucial role in the overall look and feel of your wig. Just because two brands claim to sell virgin hair doesn’t mean the quality is the same; one brand might use high-density hair, while the other uses much lower density, leading to a completely different final appearance.

At Hair Majesty, we only use the highest quality hair for all our wigs and always ensure that the density and volume are of the best possible standard. So, you can rest assured that any wig you purchase from us will have fantastic density!

For clients who prefer very high-density wigs, we offer the option to have your wig made using our Double Drawn hair, as featured in our Queen Z Double Drawn Collection. For more information on what Double Drawn hair is, please refer to our blog article on Double Drawn hair.

We hope this has helped enhance your understanding of the differences in hair qualities, including the distinction between virgin and remy hair, as well as the differences between Vietnamese hair and the various hair grades. If you need any assistance before making your first or next Hair Majesty wig purchase, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Please also refer to our Summary Table below: