Raw Hair Vs. Virgin Hair- What’s The Difference Between Raw Hair and Virgin Hair?

As the popularity of hair extensions grows, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about their options regarding cost, quality, and variety. With so many types of hair extensions available—from wigs to bundles, raw hair to virgin hair-it can be challenging to understand what each term truly means. Whether you’re new to hair extensions or an experienced user, there are some basics you need to know.

In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between raw hair and virgin hair. If you’re wondering, “Aren’t they the same thing?”—they’re not. Let’s dive in!

What is Raw Hair?

Raw hair is exactly what it sounds like: raw, natural, 100% human hair. This means it hasn’t undergone any chemical, heat, or steam processing. Raw hair is the purest and most natural type of hair available. It is known for its outstanding quality and longevity. Most donors are from India, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Raw hair typically comes in two textures: straight and natural wave, or wavy.

Here are the most common types of raw hair on the market:

• Vietnamese Raw Hair: popular and favored by clients; it is super smooth and ideal for those smooth smooth looks.
• Indian Raw Hair: a little crude, of course, and comes in those lighter brown colors.
• Cambodian Raw Hair: most known to have curlier styles available.

What is Virgin Hair?

Virgin hair refers to hair that has never undergone any chemical treatments, such as coloring, perming, or bleaching. It comes from a single donor, ensuring a perfect match with your natural hair. In contrast, hair from multiple donors can be difficult to dye or bleach consistently due to variations in each strand. Virgin hair offers consistent quality and is highly sought after.

The supply of virgin hair is limited due to high demand. Each donor typically contributes only 150–200 grams of hair at a time, making it difficult to meet the large demand. Consequently, virgin hair is more expensive.

Here are some types of virgin hair on the market:

• Vietnamese: Silky and soft.
• Peruvian: Coarser and thicker.
• Brazilian: Light, shiny, and sleek.
• Malaysian: Heavier, softer, and silkier.

What is the Difference Between Raw Hair and Virgin Hair?

To understand the difference between raw hair and virgin hair, refer to the table below:

The table highlights that virgin hair generally offers superior quality and blends seamlessly with natural hair. Make an informed decision based on your preferences and needs.

How to Check if the Hair is Real Virgin Hair

Virgin hair is among the highest-quality hair extensions. Many brands offer virgin Remy human hair extensions at high prices. Ensure you know how to verify the authenticity of virgin hair. Here are some tips:

Examine the Hair for Cuticles

Virgin hair should have intact cuticles. Run your fingers along the hair shaft. It should feel smooth going downwards and slightly resistant in the opposite direction. If you feel resistance, it’s likely not virgin hair.

Check for Chemical Residue

True virgin hair has no chemical processing. Perform a test by wetting the hair bundle, adding a small amount of neutralizing shampoo, and rubbing it into the hair. If the foam turns pink, chemicals have been used. You can also sniff the hair for chemical odors like perm or relaxer.

Conduct a Smoke Test

Light the ends of the hair on fire. Genuine hair will turn to ash, while synthetic hair will become sticky and harden when cool. If the hair burns with white smoke and turns to ash, it is likely human hair with no synthetic fibers.

In a Nutshell

Understanding the difference between raw hair and virgin hair is crucial for anyone seeking high-quality and authentic hair extensions or wigs. Both types are valued for their natural attributes and minimal processing but have distinct characteristics. When choosing between raw and virgin hair, consider your personal preferences and budget.

Do you prefer raw or virgin hair? Each type has its pros and cons, but both offer excellent quality if purchased from a reputable company like ours. Luxshine Hair, the biggest hair factory in Vietnam, supplies both virgin and raw hair at wholesale prices. Contact us for any questions about raw vs. virgin hair, understanding the differences, and selecting the best option for you!