A hair strand is made up of an inner core and an outer layer of cuticles. The cuticle layer is formed by tightly packed scales in an overlapping structure similar to roof shingles. The cuticle also controls the water content of the fiber. The shine that makes healthy hair so attractive is due to the cuticle.
The cuticles of hair strands are all directed in the same direction. If the cuticles were positioned in opposite directions, they would tangle. For this reason, hair collectors cut the hair directly from people's heads in a ponytail to keep the natural direction.
South India is the only place where women donate their long virgin hair as a religious sacrifice, supplying the ultimate human hair for the global market.
The term "Remy" comes from Indian women remitting their hair to temples. Remy hair has aligned follicles and cuticles. Virgin Remy hair hasn't undergone processing like chemical dying. Even processed Remy hair maintains high quality, as it's sourced in pristine condition.
However, the term "Remy" is often misused today, with synthetic blends falsely marketed as such. Those who wear real Remy hair know the difference.
Non-Remy hair, often called "fallen hair," is cheaper but more prone to tangling. It may be chemically processed to remove the cuticles, making it "tangle-free." However, it lacks the strength, versatility, and shine of Remy hair.