What to Know About Raw, Virgin & Grade Hair Before Your Install

Every week, we get questions about the differences between hair types. So, we created this quick guide to help you understand the key terms and what they really mean before your next install.

 

What Is Grade Hair?

“Grade hair” refers to processed or blended hair, typically from Chinese factories. It's been so heavily marketed that many now believe it’s real virgin hair, but it’s not. 

Unlike raw or true virgin hair, grade hair has gone through multiple chemical and steam treatments to achieve a sleek, glossy finish. The result? A product that looks pretty but lacks authenticity and longevity.

 

What Makes Hair Truly Virgin?

Let’s clear this up: not all “virgin hair” is created equal. For hair to be considered truly virgin, it must come from a single donor and remain completely untouched—no coloring, no perms, no relaxers, and no harsh chemical treatments. That said, some virgin hair on the market may still go through mild steam processing or donor blending to create a more uniform texture. So while it hasn’t been chemically altered, it’s not always 100% in its raw state.

 

What Is Raw Hair?

Raw hair takes things a step further. This is the purest form of human hair you can buy. It’s cut directly from one donor, bundled immediately, and never manipulated with heat, steam, or chemicals. What you see is what you get: natural texture, authentic pattern, and untouched integrity. It’s rare, unprocessed, and exactly how the donor’s hair grew from their scalp, making it a true luxury for those who want the real thing, no shortcuts.

 

 

What Is Remy Hair?

Remy hair isn't a hair type—it's a method of preparation. The hair is collected and aligned with all cuticles facing the same direction. This alignment helps minimize tangling and maintain a smoother finish, even after multiple wears.

 

Double Drawn Hair: Worth the Investment?

Double-drawn hair goes through an extra sorting process to ensure uniform thickness from root to tip. It’s fuller, has no stringy ends, and offers a more luxurious finish. Because it requires higher-quality donor hair and additional labor, it costs more, but you’ll notice the difference in volume.

 

Understanding Hand-Tied Wefts

Even more meticulous than double-drawn, hand-tied wefts are the finest on the market. They're lightweight, flat-laying, and ideal for natural-looking installs. However, they don’t offer as much density per weft, so you'll need more bundles, making it a pricier option for full-head installs.

 

The Illusion of Quality in Grade Hair

Chinese factories have mastered the art of making lower-quality hair look like high-end bundles through excessive processing. The result? Hair that’s ultra-shiny and super soft—qualities that many mistakenly associate with premium hair. But authentic raw hair has a natural texture and a healthy, low-luster sheen, not an artificial shine.

 

Why Grade Hair Sells (and Why It’s Not Always Worth It)

The biggest appeal of grade hair? It’s cheap to produce and easy to sell. We sometimes call it "Money Hair"—hair that offers high margins because it costs little and sells quickly. But when it comes to longevity, styling versatility, and overall quality, it rarely lives up to the hype. 

 

The Real Cost of Raw Hair

Raw hair isn’t just more expensive—it’s more exclusive. Ethically sourced from temples and collected from single donors, raw hair remains untouched by chemicals or processing. That purity makes it rare, and its natural quality is why it’s favored by hair connoisseurs, celebrity stylists, and women who expect nothing less than luxury.

If you're new to extensions or shopping on a budget, our virgin hair bundle deals are the perfect introduction. They offer a cost-friendly way to experience SL Raw’s craftsmanship before you step into our premium raw collection.

What many don’t realize is that the shiny, ultra-smooth hair found in beauty supply stores—often labeled as “virgin”—is usually mass-produced, chemically altered, and made for short-term wear. It may look sleek at first, but it lacks the long-term performance and realism of true raw hair.

The hidden gem? Raw hair. Loved by A-listers and loyal clients for its longevity, natural texture, and unmatched authenticity, raw hair offers a richness you can see, feel, and trust.

 

Shop Smarter, Not Just Cheaper

When shopping for hair, think beyond the price tag. Understand what you’re investing in. If longevity, realism, and premium texture matter to you, raw hair is the better choice.

 

 

Happy Shopping,
— The SL Raw Virgin Hair Team