Human Hair Extensions: Understanding Quality Types

What are the different quality types of human hair extensions?

If you’re new to purchasing and wearing human hair extensions, understanding the quality behind different products can be confusing at first. It’s important to know the distinction between each type as it affects how long you can expect the hair to last, how comfortable it will be, and how it will hold up over time. While cheaper options may seem appealing at first, they don’t have the same feel, durability or lifespan as better hair. 

In this guide, we will explain the differences between Virgin Remy, Machine Remy, Non-Remy, and synthetic hair.  

What is Virgin Remy hair?

Virgin Remy hair is the highest quality available on the human hair market. If human hair extensions are designated with Virgin Remy grade, the hair has been collected from a single donor and all strands face one direction. This is described as "cuticle intact." Think of the difference between a single ponytail held in a hair tie (with all hair strands flowing the same direction, neat, organized, smooth) versus a pile of hair on the floor that you gather into a ponytail (strands are more jumbled, disorganized, and tangled). Keeping all the hair facing one direction makes a difference in how smoothly it lays on your head, how naturally it moves, and how easy it is to maintain over time. 

This results in higher quality strands that can last for longer with proper care. Cuticle intact hair can also be heated, styled, and colored without damage because the hair hasn't been put through complicated processing. The meticulous care taken during collection preserves the cuticles, providing a natural texture, softness, and long-lasting sheen. They are also less prone to tangling. Virgin Remy human hair extensions have unmatched purity and set the standard for excellence in the world of hair extensions. 

What is Machine Remy hair?

Machine Remy hair is great quality but not quite as high as Virgin Remy. With this quality standard, at least 95 percent of the hair is cuticle intact after being put through a machine. These human hair extensions are long-lasting, smooth, and natural looking. Although machine-processed hair is still considered Remy hair, it may require extra care to prevent tangling and maintain its quality and appearance. 

What is Partial or Non-Remy hair?

Partial Remy can be more affordable but has noticeably lower quality than Machine or Virgin Remy hair. Cuticles may be partially intact, requiring additional care for them to stay smooth. Non-Remy hair has cuticles laying in both directions, meaning it is not as smooth and is more prone to tangling, matting, and becoming dull. It is not as comfortable to wear.  

Non-Remy hair may have been chemically processed to remove the cuticles and instead add a smooth finish using sealer or filler made of silicone. Over time, washing and drying the hair as well as heat styling it can wear off this silicone, exposing a dry, rough texture. As a result, the hair feels dry and is more prone to tangling, matting, or breakage. 

If you feel a swatch of machine Remy or Virgin Remy hair compared to partial or Non-Remy, the lower quality hair feels a bit “scratchier” by comparison. These lower quality grades tend to produce challenges, as the cuticles are often compromised. Additional processing is necessary, impacting the lifespan and requiring careful maintenance. 

What is Synthetic Hair?

Synthetic hair is made from various types of synthetic fibers. It is not human hair. The process of creating synthetic hair involves blending and layering these fibers to create a hair-like texture. Synthetic extensions, though budget-friendly, lack the authenticity and durability of human hair. They serve as a short-term solution with limited longevity. They cannot be colored or heated without risking damage.  

Synthetic hair lacks the texture of human hair. It doesn't move or lay naturally, and it doesn't have the softness or bounce that Remy hair has. Synthetic hair has limitations for heat styling; using a curling iron or straightener can melt the hair and/or damage your hot tools! We do not recommend using synthetic hair. 

Why Quality Matters: The Longevity Factor with Human Hair Extensions

Quality is paramount if you want your extensions to last and hold up beautifully over time. The meticulous craftsmanship involved in creating high-quality extensions directly influences their longevity. An analogy for different hair extension types could be likened to choosing the right fuel or oil for your car. Just as you select a specific type of fuel or oil based on your car's needs and performance, choosing the right hair extension type is crucial for achieving the desired longevity and quality. Using the wrong type may not only affect performance but can also lead to issues over time. 

While it may be tempting to order hair extensions online that have the cheapest price point out there, usually what you’ll find is that they aren’t comfortable to wear and fall apart quickly, leaving you right back where you started.  

How to Maintain the Quality of Your Remy Hair Extensions 

Maintaining your extensions is a matter of getting a few key routines down as soon as you start wearing them. Here are a few quick tips. 

• Bring up any questions or concerns to your stylist right away. Keep your regular maintenance and move-up appointments.
• Use sulfate free hair products.
• Brush often with an extension brush.
• Use a heat protectant before blow drying or styling.
• Wash your hair 1-2 times per week. Condition 2-3 times per week.
• When washing your hair, gently massage the scalp, using extra care near the attachment points.
• Apply conditioner mid-lengths to ends of your hair.
• Sleep with dry hair in a loose braid, preferably with a silk pillowcase.
• Moisturizing your extensions is especially important. Just like natural hair, hair extensions can suffer from dryness, especially if they are exposed to environmental factors, heat styling, or chemical color treatments. Hydrating them helps maintain moisture and prevent frizz. Well-moisturized hair extensions retain their softness and shine, creating a more natural and healthy appearance. Dry extensions can become dull and brittle over time.