Remy Hair VS None-Remy Hair VS Virgin Hair, What's The Difference?

Human hair wigs and extensions are in categories. Three major categories commonly purchased by women are virgin hair, Remy hair, and non-Remy hair.

Each of these categories has different benefits and characteristics that make them unique. Getting to know what they are will be a bonus for you. That's because you can make the right choice that suits your expectations and needs.

In this article, let's learn what these human hairs are and compare virgin hair, Remy hair, and non-remy hair.

What is Remy Hair?

In the hair industry, “Remy” refers to human hair with intact, unstripped cuticles, all aligned in the same direction. This type is popular for being high-quality, strong, and naturally tangle-free.

When collected, Remy hair is placed in a ponytail with all the hair flowing in one direction before cutting. Other times, it is shaved. This is to be sure the hair stays aligned, which results in a natural-looking extension.

Characteristics of Remy Hair

There are a few features that differentiate Remy's hair from other categories. Some of them are;

- It has a unilateral cuticle direction.

For Remy's hair, all of the strands face the same direction. This keeps the hair without tangles, even after wearing and washing it several times.

- Remy's hair is chemically treated.

Remy's hair undergoes slight treatment. It may be perming, chemical processing, dying, or texturizing to give it a new color, texture (waves or curls), etc.

- It's healthy

Remy hair is strong, and healthy, making it different from low-quality hair.

- It comes from one donor.

Majorly, Remy hair is collected from one donor. However, it can come from many donors due to high demand.

Benefits of Remy Hair

Some benefits are;

1. You can dye or bleach your Remy hair. So, for those who love to dye their hair, Remy hair is a good option.
2. You can use your wig or hair extensions for longer periods with Remy hair. It's durable and can last up to two years.
3. This hair is tangle-resistant and easy to comb through.
4. In the hair market, it's considered the second-best human hair you can purchase. Meaning, it will offer you great value for your money.
5. Remy hair is versatile. It gives you different styling options and can blend well with your hair.
6. Because it's aligned, you have a natural look and feel.
7. It's shiny, smooth, and soft.

What is Non-Remy Hair?

Also called normal human hair or 100% human hair, non-remy hair is obtained from different donors. Due to how it's collected and considering the different sources, the hair does not face the same direction. This makes it heavily chemically processed, as having it face the same direction and have the roots aligned would be time-consuming.

The processing of the non-remy hair helps to solve the issues caused by the way it's collected. But in the long run, the hair faces low moisture from all the acid used.

Characteristics of Non-Remy Hair

Some characteristics of non-Remy hair are;

- It comes from many donors.

Non-Remy hair is not harvested from a single person. It comes from many donors and temples, leading to its cuticle facing different directions. Due to this, the hair is at the risk of getting tangled or appearing less natural.

- Have its cuticles chemically removed.

Since the cuticles are not properly sorted, they are chemically stripped and masked with silicone. While the silicone gives it a good shine and healthy look, it doesn't last. The process often makes the hair become dry and fragile with time.

- Shorter lifespan compared to Remy or virgin hair.

Non-Remy hair does not last as long as the two other human hairs. While it might look and feel soft at first, after a few washes, it starts to break and lose its moisture.

Note: This doesn't dispute that non-remy hair is 100% human hair. They are, and look more natural than synthetic hair. However, compared to Remy hair or virgin hair, they are not of the highest quality.

Benefits of Non-Remy Hair

1. It offers you a natural look. Though it might not be the best in quality, it's good.
2. Non-Remy hair is quite versatile for styling.
3. It's easy to maintain.
4. The hair is durable if you care for it well.
5. Non-Remy hair is the cheapest among human hair extensions. That makes it a good option for those who do not want to spend so much on human hair.

What is Virgin Hair?

Virgin hair is the best among the three human hairs. It's unprocessed, without any chemical treatment, no dye, and has its cuticles running in the same direction.

These hairs can last many years and still look natural with proper care. They stay smooth, sleek, healthy, and without tangles.

Characteristics of Virgin Hair

Here are some of the characteristics of Virgin hair;

- Retains its texture and length

Unlike Remy hair, which may come in a different texture, virgin hair remains in its pure state. This can be because it's not processed in any way. The same thing goes for its length.

- Has intact cuticles

Virgin hair has its cuticles running in the same direction. Since they are not stripped, their cuticles remain, making them stay without tangles.

- Most Expensive

Virgin hair is the most expensive human hair among the three categories listed in this article. But it's worth the price since the hair is unaltered.

- It Lasts for a long period.

Virgin hair lasts the longest. If your unit is made from 100% virgin hair, that's even better.

- It's strong

Virgin hairs are the strongest as they've not been exposed to chemicals.

Benefits of Virgin Hair

1. It has a natural and beautiful appearance.
2. Virgin hair gives an authentic look and is very soft.
3. The hair is durable and lasts for a long time.
4. It can be washed and styled with heat tools regularly.
5. The hairstyles one can choose from, go from wavy to very curly to straight.

Remy Hair vs Virgin Hair vs Non-Remy Hair: Differentiating Them

For someone who is not an expert, it can be hard to differentiate Remy hair, non-remy hair, and virgin hair.

But here's how to identify their differences through appearance (quality), price, lifespan, etc.

1. Processing

Virgin hair is unprocessed and unaltered. However, Remy hair may have slightly undergone a chemical process while non-remy hair undergoes a heavy chemical process.

2. Lifespan

The lifespan of the three human hair categories also differs, with virgin hair lasting the longest. It can last several years whereas Remy hair lasts between a year and two. The last choice, non-remy hair, lasts for several months.

3. Price

Another noticeable difference between the three human hairs is the price. The prices of each of the hairs are different. While the pricest is virgin hair, it's followed by Remy hair, with non-Remy hair being the least expensive.

4. Direction of the Cuticles

Virgin and Remy hair have their cuticles intact and in the same direction. But non-remy hair has its cuticles in different directions. Although this might not be obvious to the naked eye, with time, through the quality, it becomes obvious.

5. Hair Quality

Each of the human hair types has different qualities. While virgin hair comes in a ‘natural-looking’ color, Remy hair might be available in jet black. So also, non-remy hair.

Take time to study their volume as well. The virgin hair and Remy hair are thicker than non-remy hair. Non-remy might appear thin in general.

Tips for Choosing the Right Option For You

A few factors that'll be useful in choosing the best human hair;

1. Consider What You Want in a Hair

Are you considering durability and longevity? Would you like unaltered hair?

It's easy to get carried away with the numerous choices you face once it's time to buy. So, think of what you want in your hair before anything else.

2. Take a Look at the Cost

Your budget plays a role in determining the hair you'll get. Virgin hair and Remy hair are usually pricier than non-remy hair. However, their prices also show their quality. Although virgin hair might be costly, it lasts way longer. And the least, non-remy hair doesn't last as long as the rest.

3. Styling Options

If you're hoping to wear different styles with your human hair, you may need to get virgin human hair. Because this hair can be styled in multiple ways using heat styling tools and colors. Similarly, Remy hair, but with limited options. On the other hand, Non-Remy hair is the most restricted as it's not advisable to style it frequently.

4. Maintenance and Care

Also, consider the maintenance and care of your choice of human hair. Virgin hair may need gentle handling. However, Remy's hair requires more time and washing to sustain its beauty. We can't say the same for non-remy hair.

Conclusion

With the understanding in this post, it's easier to make an informed choice.

So, consider the benefits, characteristics, and other factors of the three human hairs and make your decision.