Raw Hair vs. Virgin Hair: Which is Better for Your Extensions

Raw Hair vs. Virgin Hair: Which is Better for Your Extensions

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Raw hair and virgin hair have become the most favored terms when it comes to deciding on the best hair extension for you. Each of them can be considered of high quality and quite natural-looking, but they are different in many ways, which will affect your decision. Let's break down the differences of raw hair and virgin hair so that you can decide which one to have for your hair extensions.

What is Raw Hair?
Raw hair is hair that has been collected directly from the donor without undergoing any chemical processing or treatments. Hair usually collected from one donor makes it unique and of good quality. Raw hair is recognized by its natural texture, cuticle alignment, and durability. It may appear straight, wavy, or curly, depending on the donor's type of natural hair.

The most significant quality of raw hair is that it is natural. Being non-colored, non-permed, and otherwise not chemically altered, it retains every characteristic that can be found naturally in hair. For this reason, raw hair is the costliest hair for human extensions.

What are Virgin Hair?
Virgin hair, in turn, refers to hair that has never undergone any form of chemical treatment or processing. Much like raw hair, it hasn't been colored, permed, but it does not come from a single donor. In fact, several donors may actually source virgin hair, and every bundle qualifies as chemical-free.

Virgin hair may be straight, curly, wavy, even braided and can be at whatever length possible; however, generally, it is never raw because it has been processed, but the quality of alignment and unity of cuticles in all raw hair differ a little. However, it is still one of the best options given for hair extensions, giving a natural look with softness and richness.

Differences between Raw Hair and Virgin Hair
Origin and Harvest:

Raw Hair: It comes from the donors straight from washing it co-washed to ensure that the texture and cuticle alignment are in perfect order.
Virgin Hair: Multi-source origin form different donors. Such hair will vary ever so slightly in its texture or quality.
Processing:

Raw Hair: Not chemically treated with any chemicals. Letting the hair's original qualities shine through.
Virgin Hair: Untreated, but from a myriad of sources. Thus, its texture or color may vary ever so slightly.
Cuticle Alignment:

Raw Hair: Since it is collected from one donor, raw hair generally has the cuticles aligned well, leading to a more uniform and glossy look.

Virgin Hair: It often can be collected with the alignment of cuticles intact because it might have come from different donors; therefore, there is a possibility that it will have slight variations.

Longevity: End.
Virgin Hair: Still very robust, though potentially less durable than raw hair; purely due to the tiny variations in alignment and texture of the cuticles.
Price:
Raw Hair: Because raw hair is less common, acquired ethically, and must be hand-collected by one donor, it's quite more expensive.
Virgin Hair: Virgin hair, on the other hand, is generally more affordable as it is very popular and accessible.

Which one will be better for your extensions?
Between raw hair and virgin hair, you'll want that which is best for your priorities and budget. Let's break down the some factors in consideration that might determine the choice:

1. Longevity and Durability
Raw hair, therefore, would seem to be a good choice if you are seeking extensions that should last for several years with proper care. Its superior durability results from its cuticle alignment and the natural state by which it would stand the test of time even with frequent washing and styling as well as general wear and tear.

But virgin hair still has great durability, especially if you want high-quality extensions that will last a decent period of time. It is an investment if you want extensions that really look and feel like your own natural hair.

2. Textural Consistency
If you are looking for a set of extensions with a well-balanced texture and flow, raw hair is probably the best option. The reason is that raw hair would only be coming from one donor, so it'll be more consistent in terms of its texture, coloring, and thickness to give a seamless, natural look on your extensions.

On the other hand, hair by multiple donors may sometimes be different in terms of texture or color. The differences can be very minor, but if you want absolute consistency, you should opt for raw hair for a more homogenous result.

3. Budget Considerations
Virgin hair is normally less expensive than raw hair, which makes it cheaper. If quality extensions with a low budget are what you are looking for, virgin hair could work out well for you. If budget is not an issue, but you want the best in terms of quality and durability then raw hair would be a worthwhile spend.

4. Maintenance and Care
Raw and virgin hair have to have the right level of care to maintain their look and lifespan. They should be washed regularly, conditioned for a softer feel, and kept away from heat. However, since raw hair is stronger and has lesser tangling and shedding rates, it might require fewer touch-ups in the long run compared to virgin hair.

Conclusion
Ultimately, it depends on the personal preferences, hair goals, and budget to decide between raw hair and virgin hair. If you want an excellent hair extension that promises to give you the quality you are looking for, with a longer life and holds a very natural appearance, then it would be raw hair. Ideally best suited for people who would want an investment that will last for more than several years.

But if you'd like to have something that is sold affordablely yet is still luxurious and of quality, virgin hair could be the best alternative for you. It gives a soft and natural look without the outrageous price given by raw hair.

As long as you choose the right one, be it raw or virgin hair, you can actually achieve the voluminous hair you have always desired with natural-looking extensions. The bottom line is you consider your individual needs and hair goals when making your decision.