Remy vs Non-Remy Hair: What’s The Difference

If you’re attempting to find the best, highest quality wigs or hair extensions available and start researching online, you’ll find some terminologies that repeatedly appear.
Remy hair, virgin hair, synthetic hair, non-remy hair, etc., are terms you’ll find in articles and blogs pertaining to human hair wigs and hair extensions. But what do they mean, and how are they different from one another? Why is remy hair the best quality that’s available in the market?
To answer these questions and assist you in your decision-making process while making a purchase for the best quality hair wigs, let’s learn all about Remy hair versus non-Remy hair.
What Is Remy Hair?
Remy hair, also referred to as Remi Hair, is 100% real human hair with cuticles that are intact, and the strands are aligned in the same direction. The hair cuticle is responsible for the smoothness, strength and shine of the hair. Keeping the cuticle intact ensures that the hair remains tangle-free and has a natural look and feel to it while allowing it to retain its tolerance to heat and color treatments.
Remy hair is usually collected from a single donor and is of the highest quality; it is the most sought after and expensive hair type in the hair industry.
Wigs made from Remy hair will last longer than their counterparts.
What Is Non-Remy Hair?
Non-Remy hair is hair that does not have its cuticles intact and running in the same direction, i.e., the roots and ends of the hair are all mixed up. They are typically gathered from fallen hairs in the salons or cut hairs from the temple floors.
This hair is prone to tangling, damage, and shedding when sewn into wefts. To address this issue, non-remy hair is put in an acid bath to strip the hair of its cuticles. This makes the hair less tangled and less prone to friction, but also damages the hair, weakening and drying it out. They are coated with silicone to add shine to the hair, but after repeated washing, the shine wears off. Thus making them a cheaper alternative to Remy Hair.
What Is Virgin Hair?
There is another term that is frequently used in the hair industry, and ne that you are likely to come across and that is Virgin hair.
Virgin hair is basically hair that has never been dyed, colored or chemically treated. It is completely unprocessed and usually comes from a single donor. It is collected in such a way that all the cuticles are intact and run in a single direction. It is collected from the donor by tying their hair in a ponytail and then cutting it.
Because of the nature of the hair, it lasts for more than a year and premium hair products like extensions and wigs are made from them.
The Difference Between Remy and Non-Remy Hair
The primary difference between Remy and non-Remy hair lies in the way the hair is collected and processed, particularly in terms of cuticle alignment. Here are the key distinctions:
1. Longevity
Remy hair wigs or extensions can last as long one or two years with daily wearing, as it comes from quality hair that is aligned with the cuticle intact, healthier and stronger and thus less prone to tangling and damage.
Non-Remy hair is lower quality hair to begin with however, the process of removing the cuticle further damages the hair. As a result, non-Remy hair cannot tolerate heat or color treatments well and only last for several months. To make non-Remy hair look healthier, manufacturers typically coat it in silicone however, this quickly washes out leaving the hair dry, frizzy and more prone to tangling and damage.
2. Price
Remy hair must be collected in a way that keeps the cuticles intact and aligned. This often involves gathering hair directly from a donor and maintaining the natural direction of the hair.
Alternatively, non-remy hair is collected from various sources, including shed hair, salon floors, and random suppliers. The hair may be a mixture of different directions, as cuticle alignment is not a priority in the collection process.
Due to the tedious process involved with this supply of remy hair is limited and as such remy hair does carry a premium and is more expensive than non-remy hair.
3. Quality
Remy hair looks more natural, is stronger, smoother, shinier and healthier in appearance that non-remy hair, it is also less prone to frizz, tangling and damage, and is easier to maintain. It also retains its ability to tolerate heat and color.
Non-Remy hair is not aligned, has been chemically treated and does not have its cuticle intact. The hair is damaged and thus weaker with a low moisture content and for these reasons is prone to frizz, tangling, and shedding.
Which One to Choose?
Remy hair is considered premium due to its aligned cuticles and natural appearance, while non-Remy hair is more affordable but may require additional processing to address issues like tangling and matting. The choice between the two depends on personal preferences, budget, and the desired quality of the hair product.
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