Raw Hair Vs Virgin Hair WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

If you are new to the world of hair extensions it is easy to be overwhelmed by the options on today's market. Truth is, becoming well versed on what to expect from all types of Human Hair Extensions offered will help you make the best decision and leave you stress-free!

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What Are Virgin Hair Extensions?

The true definition of Virgin Hair is 100% Natural Human Hair that has never been manipulated or processed in any way. However, in the world of human hair extensions, Virgin Hair is human hair that has been chemically altered or mechanically manipulated to achieve desired textures and/or colors and usually sourced from multiple donors. Most  "VIRGIN HAIR" sold today has actually adopted former "Remy Hair" characteristics. Remy hair is the hair left over from the virgin hair donors and processed to market which lowers the quality. 

Note: At Monet Society our hair is Raw Hair, has not been manipulated by any means. 100% Natural Human Hair. We believe in Luxury and Beauty.

What Are Raw Hair Extentions?

Raw Hair is the true Virgin Hair definition. In the world of Human Hair Extensions, Raw Hair is 100% Natural Human Hair that is chemically unprocessed in anyway and usually sourced from single donors. The term "RAW" was utilized to differentiate between True Virgin Hair and Processed Virgin Hair, making it Raw Hair Extensions the Best Virgin Hair on todays market. 

What Are Hair Grades?

You will see on the market today that some hair extensions are “graded” for quality; however, this should raise a red flag because it implies that hair has been mixed, may have fillers, and/or is processed which alters the integrity of the hair.  Hair grades are a false way to categorize Human Hair Extensions developed by Chinese Manufacturers many years ago. The hair grading system is not regulated and was developed as a way to market product to consumers.

The grading system first started off as 1A-3A and gradually progressed to 10A in today’s market. Grades are used to determine the percentage of human hair in a bundle as well as the integrity of its cuticles. If you see hair that is ‘graded’... run! You will be wasting your money.

 100% Raw or Virgin Hair extensions should not be graded as their cuticles remain intact and there should not be mixed with fillers.

What Are The Major Differences Between Raw Hair And Virgin Hair In Todays Market?

Raw hair texture is naturally derived whereas Virgin hair has been processed to achieve the texture pattern in efforts to mimic a particular hair style or pattern.  Virgin hair on the market is typically silky, medium to high luster, and sourced from multiple donors. Raw hair varies in pattern, tone, and is typically lower to medium luster due to the fact that it is not processed and cut from same donors. Hint: this is why Raw Hair Extensions are typically harder to maintain than Virgin Hair Extensions. Raw hair will respond to elements, manipulation, and care just like your own hair would!

Features Of Raw Hair Extensions In Today's Market?

• Purest form of Virgin Hair on Today’s Market
• Rare (this is why we sell out fast).
• Every bundle has a unique appearance
• Full cuticle hair
• Mainly sourced from one donor.
• Available hair textures are limited to natural hair patterns (I.e. natural wave, curly, straight)
• Lasts longer (5+ years) because it gets better with every wash.
• Typically more maintenance
• Available only in natural blacks, browns, grays, reds (rare), and blondes (rare)

Features of Virgin Hair Extensions?

• Quality varies depending on distributor; more margin for false advertising
• Every bundle is uniform due to hair being processed
• Available hair textures are “endless”
• Lasts up to one year with exceptional care
• Cuticles may not always be in tact.
• Hair feels good at first glance and may feel hard after 4th to 5th wash. Mostly the case when poor quality hair is used to produce hair.
• Available in array of colors

Texture Differences?

 Raw Hair on the market today typically has Straight, Natural Wave and Curly options as its’ standard patterns due to it being unaltered in any way.  However, Virgin Hair comes in an array of options such as Body Wave, Loose Wave, Kinky Curls, Kinky Straight, Water Wave, Spanish Wave, and various other popular patterns that are meant to mimic how one's hair would look from a specific region (ex. Indian hair, Brazilian hair).

Fun Fact: “Brazilian hair” on the market is typically not sourced from Brazil at all! This is only a marketing tactic for vendors to attract more consumers to the pattern of Brazilian hair. Actual Brazilian hair is extremely rare and difficult to source.

Is Virgin or Raw Hair Better?

The quality of Raw hair and Virgin hair will depend on the donors, sourcing, and production. There can be lower- quality raw hair just as there can be higher- quality Virgin hair. This will all depend on the vendors used and/or stipulations put into place with sourcing and production. For example, our Virgin collection is NOT chemically processed in any way.

Bet You Didn't Know This...

Textures such as Brazilian hair, Malaysian hair and Peruvian hair are the most popular textures for Virgin hair extensions and essentially.. Well.. ‘made up’ for marketing purposes. These textures on the market are sourced and processed into these wave patterns. After chemically processing the hair, It is sold with a disguised name for consumers.

So, this is why it is important to know where your hair is sourced and having single donors assists with the overall hair quality. You do NOT want hair sourced that is “left overs” from high quality Raw or Virgin hair.