If you have ever worn hair extensions before, you may have heard of the term “virgin hair”. You may have also heard the term “raw hair”. If not, it’s totally fine because by the end of reading this article, you will get a better understanding of what they both are. So let’s look at the differences and the similarities.
Virgin Hair
Virgin Hair is defined as hair that has not been permed, dyed, colored, bleached or chemically processed in any way. Virgin hair, however, has been steam processed. Steam processing is when the hair weft is rolled onto small rods and is then placed in a steam processing machine. The applied steam and pressure from the machine creates the desired curl pattern of the hair. So that is how the patterns such as deep wave, beach wave, etc. are created. After being washed the hair will still revert back to its original curl pattern. Some people refer to virgin hair as Brazilian, Russian, Mongolian, Peruvian, etc., but the name is just used as a way to identify the texture it most resembles. Our virgin hair can last 1 to 2 years once proper care instructions are followed.
Raw Hair
Raw Hair is defined as hair that has NOT been chemically or steam processed in any way. Unlike virgin hair, it comes in its most natural state. This is the highest quality of hair on the market. It is also more costly than virgin hair because of its rarity. Women from parts of India and Cambodia grow their hair up to 40” and donate it to hair temples for money or sacrifice it for religious purposes. The hair is then sorted, wefted and then washed in a herbal bath. Raw hair comes in only three patterns: wavy, curly and straight. Our raw hair can last up to 3 years.
Both Virgin & Raw Hair
Here at In Style Boutique & Hair, both our virgin and raw hair is collected from one donor with cuticles still intact and aligned in the same direction which will prevent tangling. You should experience little to no shedding, like all hair. It comes in its natural color ranging from 1B (off black) to 4 (medium brown). It all depends on the donor. You can color or bleach the hair to your desired color. Both hairs should be treated with lots of TLC. Treat it like it's your own by following proper care instructions. (See: Hair Care Instructions)
Soooo which one is best?
In my opinion, both types of hair are overall superb. I myself have worn both types of hair and had positive outcomes for both. Making a decision on what type of hair to choose all depends on what style you want to achieve. Virgin hair is very popular because of its variety. If you feel like rocking a kinky curly do” or maybe some loose curls, or even a deeper wave, you can do all with virgin hair. With raw hair, you do have fewer options since it only come in three style patterns but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that it lasts much longer than virgin hair. Often some people even reuse the hair and make it into a wig. So with that being said, it all depends on the style you want to achieve and the purpose for which you want it for.
Quick Tip: One way you can immediately tell the difference between raw hair and virgin hair by looking at them is that Raw Hair has a frizzier look. Most virgin hair tends to be silkier and shinier because of the silicon conditioners that is added and the steam processing it undergoes. Note: We do not use silicon conditioners on any of our hairs.
Thinking about trying Virgin or Raw Hair? Take a look at the different types we have here.
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