What Is Virgin Hair? Virgin vs Remy vs Raw Hair Explained
Virgin hair is one of the most used phrases in the hair industry, and one of the most confusing. Here's what it actually means, how it compares with Remy and raw hair, and how to tell what you're buying.
What is virgin hair?
Virgin hair is human hair that has never been chemically processed: no dye, bleach, perm or relaxer. It keeps its natural color and texture, and its cuticles run in one direction from root to tip, which helps it stay soft and tangle less.
Virgin vs Remy vs raw hair
| Remy hair | Virgin hair | Raw hair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuticles aligned | Yes | Yes | Yes, fully intact |
| Processing | May be colored or steam-styled | No chemical processing | None; texture as it grew |
| Donors | Usually blended | Usually blended | Often one donor per bundle |
| Lifespan with good care | Shortest | Longer | Longest |
| Price | Lowest | Mid | Highest |
"Remy" describes how hair is collected, with the cuticles kept in the same direction. "Virgin" and "raw" describe how little it has been processed. Grades like 8A, 10A and 12A are labels brands use to rank their own lines; there is no independent standard behind them.
How the Loxx Hair collections compare
- Everyday Collection: 8A Burmese Remy hair, our most affordable line. With good care it typically lasts around 4 months.
- Luxury Collection: 10A Indian virgin hair, typically around 8 months with good care.
- Premium Collection: 12A Vietnamese raw hair with the cuticle intact, each bundle from a single donor. With proper care it can last over a year. Expect a few natural short hairs, a sign of unprocessed single-donor hair.
These are typical lifespans with proper care, not guarantees; how you wash, style and store the hair matters most. Our hair is collected from temple donations and whole ponytails bought from salons. Still deciding? Read which collection is best for you.
How to tell if hair is really virgin
- Color: virgin hair is a natural dark shade, usually natural black to dark brown, with slight variation between strands. Perfectly uniform jet black may be dyed.
- Feel: slide your fingers from tip to root. Virgin and raw hair feel slightly rougher going up because the cuticles are intact and aligned.
- After washing: it should keep its texture and not feel coated or stiff. Silicone-coated hair feels silky in the bag and dull after one wash.
- Burn test: human hair burns to ash and smells like burnt hair; synthetic fiber melts into a hard bead.
- Ends: raw single-donor hair has some shorter strands. That's normal.
Can you dye or bleach virgin hair?
Yes. Because it hasn't been processed, virgin hair takes color well. Lifting it several shades still weakens it, so for blonde looks a pre-lightened #613 blonde unit is easier. Read how to dye a wig at home.
How to make virgin hair last
- Wash with sulfate-free shampoo and condition every wash.
- Detangle from the ends up with a wide-tooth comb.
- Use heat protectant and moderate heat.
- Sleep in a silk scarf or bonnet.
For wigs, frontals and closures, follow our lace care guide. For sew-ins, see how many bundles you need.
FAQ
Is virgin hair better than Remy?
Usually, for longevity, because it hasn't been chemically processed. Remy is a good budget option if you change styles often.
Is raw hair the same as virgin hair?
Raw hair is virgin hair taken a step further: no steaming or texturizing, often from one donor. All raw hair is virgin, but not all virgin hair is raw.
Where can I feel the difference in person?
Visit our Chicago store at 714 S Clark St to compare Everyday, Luxury and Premium bundles side by side. Shop all bundles online.
