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Which type should you get? What’s the difference? We’re here to hook you up and explain the variations so you can make an informed decision and look fabulous.
If you’re interested in buying hair extensions, you’ll have come across a few rather confusing names. But let’s stick to three of the most common types of hair extensions –
When trying to decide the best of the three, several questions are raised.
The main ones though are, “what is the difference between them?” and when it comes down to it, in the battle of Remy Hair vs Virgin Hair vs Human Hair, “which hair type is best?”
In the following post we want to help you figure that out for yourself.
By first discussing each of the hair types separately and examining the differences.
Due to its quality, Remy hair is arguably the most popular type of human hair extension available.
Yes. It is taken with the cuticles intact and all of them running in the same direction. This helps avoid any matting or tangling.
The hair extensions called virgin hair are so-called because no chemical processes have been used to alter them.
Meaning it’s not been coloured, permed, bleached or had any other harsh treatments.
Hair extensions known as non-Remy hair normally consist of the leftovers taken from salons and other places.
As they are not collected so the cuticles match, they matt, tangle and shed easily.
As a result of this, companies tend to put the hair through processes involving the use of harsh chemicals and coat them in lots of silicone to make them seem silky and soft. It is often referred to as human hair.
Now we know a little more about each type of hair extension, you may still be wondering which is best.
To answer, we need to consider the differences and the best way is to compare them.
We can compare Remy hair, virgin hair and non-Remy hair with one another by looking at three criteria:
Remy Hair – Taking Remy hair to begin with, this is taken from the hair of multiple donors, rather than just one.
Virgin Hair – Virgin hair extensions, on the other hand, are those taken from just one donor. The hair is very healthy and tends to be from a younger donor and has not been treated or processed.
Non-Remy Hair – Unlike the above two, non-Remy human hair tends to be collected from the floors of salons and various other places and organisations.
As it is not always in the best condition, it is processed and treated and covered in silicone to make it appear better.
Remy Hair – Remy hair extensions are created using hair taken directly from donors with almost all the cuticles intact.
Virgin Hair – Like Remy hair extensions, virgin hair is taken from its single donor, but with the cuticles completely intact.
Non-Remy Hair – However, non-Remy hair extensions normally have cuticle damage, which can greatly affect its quality, and which is why they must be processed and treated.
Remy Hair – As you’d probably imagine, because the hair used in these extensions is naturally in better condition, Remy hair can last longer than non-Remy hair. Its lifespan, therefore, can range from 6 to 10 months.
Virgin Hair – As virgin hair is the closest you can get to a hair extension like real hair growth, it lasts longer than the others. If cared for properly, virgin hair extensions can last anything from 1 to 2 years.
Non-Remy Hair – Given the amount of processing chemical washes it goes through, combined with the fact the cuticles are not intact, non-Remy hair extensions don’t last very long.
The best you can expect for non-Remy hair is a maximum of 6 months in most cases.
With the above, we hope you now understand exactly what each type of hair extension is and how they compare to one another.
The difference between Remy hair and human hair (or non-Remy hair) is the latter is heavily processed and taken from the floors of salons and other establishments.
Virgin hair extensions stand out, clearly, as the best and highest in quality.
That’s not to say the others are useless, as they all serve a purpose, but hopefully now you understand the differences, pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your hair.
Hey! I'm Alesha - just your average girl from Ohio who has had her fair share of bad hair days...and lived to tell the tale. I started this site to help women skip my mistakes and have a positive hair experience
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