Russian, Remy & other 'Hair Extension terms'

We hear terms such as Remy, Russian, double drawn, 100% human hair, virgin hair. Find out what these terms really mean.

REMY HAIR - The term remy hair refers to the characteristics of the hair and the method used to manufacture the hair extensions. Remy hair means that all the cuticles are facing the correct way (closest to the root being at the top and the ends being at the bottom) remy hair is harvested by holding the donors hair in a ponytail and cutting. This ensures that the hair maintains its natural texture so that there is no knotting or tangling that occurs in non remy & low quality hair.

RUSSIAN HAIR - Russian hair is Caucasian hair perceived to be the best. It is never processed in a factory, its processed solely by the hair merchant and usually by hand. This hair is about quality not quantity. It is sold in grams or ponytails and not packets.

DOUBLE DRAWN HAIR - When hair extensions are listed as double drawn it means that majority of the shorter hairs of a bundle of hair are removed and replaced with longer hairs. Alternatively the hair can be cut at the ends so that the bundle appears thicker; This type of hair is considered twice drawn hair.

100% HUMAN HAIR - 100% human hair is hair harvested from humans. This hair is not animal hair such as yak and it is not synthetic hair.

VIRGIN HAIR - Virgin hair is completely unprocessed, and intact. To qualify as virgin hair, it must meet rigorous standards including: not been permed, dyed, colored, bleached, chemically processed in any way. This also means it comes from a single donor, and all the cuticles are intact, running in the same direction.

Don't get fooled! These terms are thrown around often. Major hair companies and suppliers use these terms which are known to describe 'good' hair extensions when far too often their hair does not match any of these descriptions. Be smart when you are purchasing hair extensions. If you can see and feel the hair in person what you would be looking for is remy hair. Remy hair is said to have a cool and silky feeling when you touch it, there should be split ends at the end of the hair, not all through the mid lengths or top. 100% human hair should feel like your own hair, not overly glossy or static like barbie doll hair. If you are purchasing online be wary of the price when purchasing from suppliers claiming to be Russian. Anything cheaper than $600 AUD usually would be too good to be true. If hair is stated as Virgin then it should only be natural colours and in ponytail form. Bleached and coloured hair is not virgin. Do your research and find out all about the hair you are purchasing before you fork out on your next set of hair extensions.