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When it comes to purchasing human hair products like hair extensions or wigs for yourself or do hair business, one crucial factor to consider is hair grade. Hair grading is a way of categorizing human hair based on various factors such as origin, quality and collection type. Understanding hair grades can help you make informed decisions about which type of hair is best suited for your needs and budget.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at hair grades, explaining what they are, how they’re determined, and what to look for when shopping for human hair products. If you’re interested in purchasing hair extensions or wigs, read on to learn everything you need to know about hair grades.
Human Hair Grade by Origin
European Hair
The highest grade of human hair is European hair, which is typically collected from countries in Eastern Europe like Russia and Ukraine. This type of hair is soft and similar in color to the hair of European and Anglo-Saxon women. However, the cost of this hair is high, and it may be out of reach for many people.so it is So it’s rare to find sales of genuine European hair
Southeast Asian Hair
The majority of hair that is available on the market is sourced from Southeast Asian countries like India, Myanmar, and Vietnam. This hair is of high quality and has similar characteristics, such as being thin and soft, to European hair. As a result, this type of hair is ideal for use in hair extensions or wigs.
Southeast Asia has a large population of low-income individuals, and hair buyers may obtain a large quantity of hair from this region due to economic or religious reasons.
Chinese Hair
Chinese hair is another popular option and is the primary source of virgin hair. This type of hair is strong and thick, making it perfect for creating light-colored hair extensions or wigs.
Some types of hair become thinner when bleached, but Chinese hair has a unique quality that enables it to be lightened to achieve light blonde colors like 613 or 60. In contrast, hair from other regions of South and Southeast Asia is often too thin and can be easily damaged during the bleaching process, and therefore cannot be bleached to so light colors.
Human Hair Grade by Quality
Virgin Hair
The highest quality of human hair is virgin hair, which is unprocessed and has cuticles that are intact and facing in the same direction. This type of hair is exceptionally healthy and has not been chemically treated or exposed to damaging agents like heat or pollution. As a result, virgin hair usually has a natural, attractive shine and requires minimal maintenance to keep looking its best.
Hair extensions and wigs made of virgin hair offer a natural, glossy appearance, making them a popular choice for high-end hair salons and luxury beauty studios.
Remy Hair
Remy hair is a highly popular type of human hair used for hair extensions and wigs.It is known for having all hair cuticles aligned in the same direction, resulting in a smooth and silky texture.
Most Remy hair is produced through machine processing of high quality of non-Remy hair. This technique helps to improve the hair quality and makes Remy hair a favored choice.
The majority of Remy hair has cuticles intact, although some may be missing or damaged. To ensure a smooth and consistent texture, this type of hair often undergoes a slight acid processing.
No-Remy Hair
No-Remy hair is a type of low-quality hair that is often collected from hair salons, individuals, and the hair that falls off during processing in hair factories. Unlike Remy hair, the cuticles of No-Remy hair are usually destroyed or not intact, resulting in a less smooth and tangle-prone texture.
This type of hair is generally considered less desirable and suited for people who are looking for wigs or hair extensions but do not wish to spend a lot of money. It is often sold at a lower price point and is not as durable or long-lasting as Remy hair.
Hair Grade by Collection Method
Donation Hair
Women who practice Hinduism often donate their hair to temples every year, as it is considered a form of devotion and surrender to God. The donated hair is believed to be of the highest quality as it is well-nourished and taken care of by the donors.
Another condition, In some impoverished regions, women may sell their hair due to financial hardships. Although this may be a difficult decision, the hair that is sold is also of high quality, as it is typically taken care of and grown over a considerable period of time.
These types of hair are often highly valued in the beauty industry as they can be used to make high-quality wigs and extensions. These kind of hair are healthy without bleaching or dying.
Hair Collected from Hair Salon
During a haircut at a hair salon, it is common for some hair to fall to the ground. This can be due to a number of factors, such as a change in hairstyle, a trim to remove split ends, or simply to maintain the health of the hair.
However, instead of being discarded, this hair is often collected and sold to hair broker. This type of hair is generally highly valued for its quality, as it is typically healthy and well-cared for. This is because individuals who go to hair salons typically take good care of their hair, including regular washing, conditioning, and salon treatments.
The collected hair is sorted and tested for quality before being used in a variety of hair products, including wigs, hair extensions, and hairpieces. It may be bleached or dyed to match a specific color, but the overall quality of the hair is maintained.
Natural Shed Hair
If you are a woman with long hair, you may notice that you shed quite a bit of hair daily. However, instead of letting the hair go to waste, many people choose to collect and sell the shed hair to hair broker.
You will often find the shed hair is not very healthy, this is why it falls out. However, instead of being discarded, this hair can be collected by a hair broker and sold to hair companies.
These shed hairs are often mixed with other types of hair to create a variety of hair products. Because there is a high demand for hair products in the market, it can be difficult for hair companies to source long, high-quality hair. As a result, shed hair has become a valuable part of the hair supply chain.
It is important to note, however, that not all shed hair is of equal quality. Some of it may be damaged, chemically treated, or otherwise unsuitable for use in hair products. Hair companies must carefully sort and test the hair to ensure that they are getting the best possible material.
The Misleading Grade System
Have you heard about the grading system for hair extensions: A, 2A, 3A, … up to 10A? This grading system is misleading because there is no uniform standard for it, and you may even find hair extensions graded as 15A or 20A in the near future.
It’s important to consider the hair length ratio, which affects the grade of hair extensions. For example, when referring to 18 inch hair extensions, not all hair strands are 18 inches in length; the extensions are made up of a mixture hair strands ranging from 14 to 16 inches, or even 12inch. The proportion of different lengths will affect the price of the hair, as longer hair is typically more expensive.
The variation in hair length ratios also causes confusion in the market. Even hair extensions graded as 5A by different companies can have significant differences in quality. The best method for testing hair length ratio is through taking a sample, rather than relying on the 5A, 6A, or 10A grading system.
