THE HAIR EXTENSION GRADING SYSTEM EXPLAINED
What is a cuticle, and how does it play a role in hair extensions? The hair cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, and the hair shaft has three layers. Each hair fiber is made up of three layers. The innermost layer is called the medulla, and it is composed of loosely packed cells at the center of a single strand. The middle part of your hair fiber that surrounds the medulla is called the cortex, which comprises keratin proteins and structural lipids. The cortex makes up most of the hair strand mass and is surrounded by the cuticle layer, which protects the overall structure of each strand. It acts as a protective barrier for the hair strand and gives it a lot of shine. The cuticle has layers that look like shingles. You can take one strand of your hair and slide your finger down your hair shaft. It will feel really smooth. To feel the cuticle, you will need to slide your fingers up your hair strands to feel the shingles that are your cuticle.
So why is the cuticle so important when dealing with hair extensions? If the hair strands are not going in the same direction, the hair will not be happy, and you will not be satisfied because it will tangle and matt up pretty bad. When creating hair extensions, the hair needs to be going in the same direction. Well, now what you are about to read will make sense to you.
THE HAIR EXTENSION INDUSTRY
Truthfully, the hair extension industry is still largely unregulated and does not have a legitimate grading system. Since 2010, Hair extension manufacturers have struggled to set themselves apart from their competitors regarding how to grade and sell more of their hair extension products to consumers.
So, these manufacturers came up with the so-called hair grading system that uses a combination of numbers ranging from 4 to 12 and the letters, usually “A” or “AA and “AAA.” All in an attempt to prove that their hair is better quality than the other hair extension manufacturers.
As a licensed hairstylist and certified hair replacement specialist, I have a unique perspective about hair extensions as I have personally worn just about all different types of hair extensions. Second I have installed almost all of them on my clients. The number one piece of advice I give people seeking to purchase new hair extensions or wigs is if it's straight, wavy, take the hair extensions, run your finger through it if you feel any type of resistance, then you may have a valid reason to be concerned. Next, gently take a hair bundle and slide it behind your neck. It should feel great, not itchy.
HAIR EXTENSION TYPES
It is safe to say that different degrees or types of hair are used when manufacturing hair extensions, wigs, hairpieces, and toppers.
I want to go over the hair they use they are.
100% Virgin Hair (Raw)
Raw virgin is sourced from donors who did not use chemicals on their hair. The hair is usually thick and in excellent condition is the most expensive hair you can buy, and it has the highest quality. It is human hair with all the cuticles going in the same direction which hasn’t gone through any chemical or mechanical processing. Some manufacturers will steam treat the hair to create a different texture. If the hair is straight, it is still raw virgin hair.
Remy or Remi Hair
This hair is sourced from two or more donors. Remy’s hair is also 100% human hair, with all the cuticles going in the same direction to prevent tangles and matting but it has been chemically or mechanically processed. It is also high-quality hair that will last you for a long time.
100% Human Hair/ Non-Remy
Some hair manufacturers choose not to take care and keep the hair cuticles in alignment. Although the human hair has not been mixed with synthetic hair, it has been stripped of its cuticles in an acid bath.
The hair manufacturers must add silicone to keep the hair looking shiny and smooth. The only problem is the silicone eventually shampoos after just two to four times, and then it's a tangled, matted mess!! And might be chemically processed. It will not last s long as 100% Raw virgin or Remy’s hair.
Synthetic Hair
Although manufactures have made great strides in creating synthetic hair at the end of the day its not real hair you can not change the color or texture.
Synthetic hair has no human hair whatsoever, and it’s completely synthetic and made of plastic, which would be considered low-quality non-human hair that won’t last for a long time. This type of products are not good in length longer than 12 in. it will surly clump up behind your shoulders and you will find your self cutting that plastic often hair.
Ok, let us start with the highest quality hair extensions today; you can also view and purchase them on our site just click the links next to the names of each hair.
Vietnamese Hair Extensions
The Vietnamese hair extensions are just stunning. We just call it "Raw Hair," sourced from the countryside of Vietnam, where the women do not use chemicals on their hair.
Profile of Vietnamese Hair
Hair is THICK. Probably the thickest hair we have ever sold. The texture is not silky smooth like the Brazilian. It is a perfect match for a woman who wears sew-in extensions, and if you are not into sew-ins, then a wig could be made the purchasing a closure, frontal, and bundles to make a wig out of it.
What you should know:
The hair is 100% Human Hair
Double Stitch Wefts
Hair is "Remy" with cuticles facing the same direction
Vietnamese Hair can be colored up to a #613 Pale blonde
Double drawn and full to the tips
All bundles are 100 grams (standard)
Indian Hair Extensions
The wavy & curly Indian hair textures are some of the most sought-after hair in the beauty industry. The reason that Indian hair is in such high demand is that it is easy to manage. It bleaches well up to # 613—last a long time with proper care.
Profile of Indian hair
The hair is 100% Human Hair
Double Stitch Wefts
Hair is "Remy" with cuticles facing the same direction
Full bundles some bundles will not be the same as those collected from many different donors. That is not a reason to be concerned because a human head of hair can contain different lengths and textures.
All bundles are 100 grams (standard)
The popularity of Indian hair has stayed consistent over the past ten years and shows no sign of slowing down. Because it is less abundant to find, the prices for actual raw Indian hair that has been donated at temples will generally be higher.
A word about the following two hair categories, Brazilian, and Malaysian, is 100% human hair. The hair is actually not from those countries. It is processed and named that way to sell the products.
Brazilian Hair Extensions
Profile of Brazilian hair
These are the best-selling bundles here because they retain their value and are effortless to manage. You can simply wash and go.
What you should know:
The hair is 100% Human Hair
Double Stitch Wefts
Hair is "Virgin Remy" with cuticles facing the same direction
The Brazilian Hair can be bleached up to a #27 Honey Blonde
Single drawn but still not thin at the tips
All bundles are 100 grams (standard)
If you are looking for excellent quality hair extensions for the price, then our Brazilian Hair is it!
Malaysian Hair Extensions
Profile of Malaysian hair
The Malaysian body wave and Malaysian straight weave are a fantastic value for the price.
The natural 1b color blends very well and is styled very easily.
What you should know:
The hair is 100% Human Hair
Double Stitch Wefts
Hair is "Virgin Remy" with cuticles facing the same direction
Malaysian Hair can be colored up to a #27 honey blonde
Single drawn but still not thin at the tips
All bundles are 100 grams (standard)
See this link to learn more about hair manufacturing process it is very interesting.
https://profitablestylist.com/remy-vs-non-remy-extensions/
Resources
https://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/
https://www.cookforyourlife.org/
http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/index.html
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