When it comes to hair extensions, the terms "raw hair" and "Remy hair" often come up, and understanding the differences between the two can help you make informed decisions, especially when choosing textures like curly or Afro kinky curly extensions. Here's an in-depth look at the distinction and what happens when these types of hair are processed into curly textures.
What is Raw Hair?
Raw hair refers to 100% unprocessed human hair collected directly from donors. It is in its purest form, with no chemical treatments, heat processing, or artificial alterations.
Characteristics of Raw Hair:
- Natural Texture: Raw hair retains its natural wave, curl, or straight pattern as it comes directly from the donor.
- Cuticle Alignment: The cuticles are intact and aligned in the same direction, reducing tangling and increasing durability. Durability: Raw hair can last for years with proper care, making it a premium choice for extensions.
- Customizable: Since it’s unprocessed, raw hair can be dyed, bleached, and styled to your preference without significant damage.
What is Remy Hair?
Remy hair is human hair that has been lightly processed to maintain uniformity and manageability. The cuticles are intact and aligned, but the hair may undergo treatments to achieve specific textures or colors.
Characteristics of Remy Hair:
- Smooth and Tangle-Free: The cuticle alignment ensures the hair remains manageable and soft.
- Light Processing: Remy hair is often chemically treated or steam-processed to achieve desired textures or styles.
- Affordable: Compared to raw hair, Remy hair is more budget-friendly while still offering decent quality.
- Less Durable: Due to the processing involved, Remy hair has a shorter lifespan than raw hair.
What Happens When Raw Hair and Remy Hair Are Used to Produce Curly or Afro Kinky Curly Extensions?
Raw Hair:
When raw hair is used to create curly or Afro kinky curly extensions, it undergoes a processing method, such as steam processing, to achieve the desired texture.
1. Resulting Changes:
- The hair is no longer considered “raw” because the natural texture has been altered.
- Steam processing, which uses water vapor to mold curls, is a gentler method that retains much of the hair’s integrity.
- The final product is durable, with natural-looking curls or coils that last longer and hold styles better than heavily processed hair.
2. Key Advantages:
- Curls appear more authentic and mimic natural hair patterns.
- Extensions maintain their luster and longevity with proper care.
Remy Hair:
When Remy hair is used for curly or Afro kinky curly extensions, the hair is subjected to a more intense processing method to achieve uniformity and the desired curl pattern.
1. Resulting Changes:
- The processing often involves heat and chemicals, which can strip some of the cuticle layers and weaken the hair.
- The hair may feel softer initially due to silicone coatings but loses durability over time.
- Curls may not hold as well or last as long compared to extensions made from raw hair.
2. Key Disadvantages:
- Over-processing can lead to tangling, frizz, and shedding, especially with Afro kinky curly textures.
- The lifespan is shorter, and maintaining defined curls requires more effort.
Comparing Raw Hair and Remy Hair for Curly and Afro Kinky Curly Extensions
Distinguishing between raw hair and Remy hair can be tricky, especially if you're new to hair extensions. Here’s a guide to help you identify the differences:
1. Source and Processing
Raw Hair:
- Collected directly from a donor in its natural state.
- No chemical or heat processing; retains its natural texture and cuticle alignment.
Remy Hair:
- Also collected from donors, but lightly processed for texture or color.
- Cuticles are aligned, but some treatments (e.g., steam processing or light chemicals) are applied.
Raw Hair:
- Has a natural texture straight from the donor. It might have slight imperfections, such as uneven strands, which is a sign of authenticity.
- Feels slightly coarser and heavier compared to processed hair.
- Comes in natural patterns like straight, wavy, or curly, which are not artificially enhanced.
Remy Hair:
- Often has a smoother, silkier texture because it’s lightly processed to enhance manageability.
- The texture may feel uniform and polished, especially if treated with a silicone coating.
- Available in a variety of pre-styled patterns (e.g., deep wave, body wave) created through steam or chemical processing.
Final Thoughts
The choice between raw and Remy hair for curly or Afro kinky curly extensions depends on your priorities. If you value longevity, natural appearance, and versatility, raw hair is the superior option. However, if you're looking for an affordable alternative with decent quality, Remy hair can still work well for shorter-term use or low-maintenance styles.
For textured styles like Afro kinky curly, the processing required will impact the hair's natural integrity. While raw hair retains its quality better, both types can achieve stunning results with proper care and the right styling products.
Choose wisely based on your budget, maintenance routine, and desired look!