Raw vs Virgin vs Remy Hair: What Is the Difference?

If you are buying human hair extensions for the first time, words like raw, virgin and remy can feel confusing. Suppliers use them all the time, but they do not mean the same thing. Here is a simple guide to what each term really tells you about the hair.

What does "Remy" mean?

Remy hair is collected so that all the cuticles (the outer layer of each strand) face the same direction, from root to tip. Because the cuticles stay aligned, the hair tangles less, looks smoother and lasts longer. Hair that is not remy has mixed cuticle directions, which usually leads to matting.

What does "Virgin" mean?

Virgin hair has never been chemically processed. It has not been dyed, bleached, permed or treated with harsh chemicals. What you see is the hair's natural state, which is why virgin hair can usually be coloured, styled and washed in the same way as your own hair.

What does "Raw" mean?

Raw hair goes one step further. It is kept in its natural form, with its natural texture and cuticles intact. It is usually collected from a single donor, so the strands match in thickness and texture. Raw virgin hair is generally considered the highest quality you can buy.

Single donor or multiple donors?

Single donor hair comes from one person, so every strand has the same texture and quality. Hair from three to four donors is blended together. It can still be good, but it is usually less uniform and is priced lower.

What do the grades (13A, 12A, 9A...) mean?

The "A" numbers are grades that suppliers use to describe their hair quality. They are not one universal standard, so always ask what a grade means for the supplier you buy from. At MG Hair India, these are the qualities available:

• 13A - Indian single donor raw virgin remy human hair
• 12A - Indian virgin remy hair from 3 to 4 donors
• 9A - Indian remy human hair
• 18A - European Brown raw virgin human hair
• 10A - Brazilian human hair

Double drawn hair

Double drawn hair is sorted so that the shorter strands are removed. The result is a fuller look with thick ends, not only a thick top. It is available in Indian single donor raw virgin remy (20A), 3 to 4 donor virgin remy (14A), Indian remy (11A), European Brown raw virgin (25A) and Brazilian (15A) grades.

Quick checklist before you buy

• Ask if the hair is remy, virgin or raw, and whether it comes from a single donor.
• Check the texture and colour in real product photos, not only in stock images.
• Choose the length you actually need. Regular lengths run from 8" to 30", and extra-long hair can be made on special order.
• Match the grade to your budget and to how long you want the hair to last.

Ready to see the difference yourself? Browse our hair extensions and choose your texture, colour and length.