Virgin hair extensions are the gold standard in the hair world. Untouched by chemicals and processing, they offer unmatched quality and versatility.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about virgin hair, from what makes it “virgin” to tips on finding the best match for your hair type and style.
Virgin hair is hair that has never been chemically processed or treated, making it the purest form of hair extensions available. It is cut directly from the donor, with all the cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction, which helps maintain the hair’s natural texture and shine.
This type of hair is renowned for its durability, softness, and versatility. It can be dyed, curled, straightened, and styled just like natural hair. Because virgin hair is free from dyes and chemicals, it minimizes the risk of damage and tangling, ensuring a long-lasting, natural look.
Different Grades of Virgin Hair
Virgin Hair grades are a classification system used to denote the quality and durability of hair extensions. The higher the grade, the better the quality. Here’s a breakdown of the most common grades:
Grade 7A: Good quality hair that is 100% human and can be styled and colored without much hassle.
Grade 8A: High-quality hair. It’s thicker, fuller, and has minimal shedding and tangling.
Grade 9A: Superior quality with the ability to withstand multiple dye jobs and styling sessions. Lasts longer than 8A.
Grade 10A: Top-tier quality, often called “luxury” hair. It’s the thickest, healthiest, and can last over a year with proper care.
How to Differentiate Virgin Hair Grades
Virgin hair grades are usually labeled, but if you want to be able to differentiate it by yourself, here are things to look out for;
- Look at the Cuticles: Higher-grade hair will have intact cuticles facing the same direction. This reduces tangling and mimics natural hair.
- Check the Ends: Higher grades have fuller, healthier ends without split or dry tips. ● Feel the Hair: Higher grades feel softer and smoother. Lower grades may feel dry or rough.
- Test for Shedding and Tangles: Run your fingers through the hair. Higher grades will have minimal shedding and tangling.
- Evaluate the Price: You often get what you pay for. Higher-grade hair is more expensive due to its quality and longevity.
- Determining Your Hair Type
Choosing the right extensions isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Your natural hair type plays a crucial role in selecting extensions that will blend seamlessly and look natural, from straight to wavy to curly and kinky.
Choosing virgin hair that matches your natural hair prevents undue stress and potential damage.
- Choosing the Right Texture
When you’ve determined your hair type, the next step is to choose the right texture, which doesn’t necessarily have to be the exact texture of your hair. It should be more about the look you’re trying to achieve so you can choose a sleek body wave when your texture is kinky.
Here are some various textures:
Straight: Sleek and polished, perfect for a chic, sophisticated look.
Body Wave: Subtle waves that add volume and movement, ideal for a casual yet glamorous look.
Deep Wave: More defined waves that give a full-bodied, bouncy look.
Kinky Curly: Tight curls that blend perfectly with naturally curly hair for a voluminous and textured style.
Loose Wave: Soft, loose curls that offer a relaxed look.
- Choosing the Right Color
There’s something surreal about matching hair color, especially with your skin tone. It makes people look much better when their hair matches their skin tone.
Match Your Skin Tone: Lighter extensions for fair skin, darker for deeper tones.
Mid-Lengths and Ends: Match the extensions to the middle and ends of your hair for a natural blend.
Custom Coloring: If you have highlights or a unique color, consider getting your virgin hair extensions custom-colored to match.
- Selecting the Length
Length isn’t just about personal preference; it affects styling and maintenance, too. The longer your virgin hair, the more you need maintenance, as longer hair is more prone to tangling and frizzing.
- Short (10-14 inches): This adds volume without much length. It’s great for bobs and shoulder-length styles.
- Medium (16-20 inches): Perfect balance of length and volume. Ideal for most hairstyles.
- Long (22-24 inches and beyond): For the dramatic, Rapunzel-like transformation. Keep in mind that longer extensions require more care.
- Installation Methods
Fusion or Bonded Hair Extensions
Fusion hair extensions offer a durable and long-lasting solution for those seeking to enhance their hair’s volume and length. This method involves attaching individual strands of human hair to your own with a unique adhesive and is ideal for individuals with medium to thick hair. It is important to note that with fusion or bonded hair
extensions, these extensions cannot be reapplied once removed, necessitating new purchases for future applications.
Tape-In Hair Extensions
Tape-in extensions offer the convenience of being reusable and a fast application process, making them a good choice for enhancing hair density without weight. They are ideal for fine, thin hair.
Here, the wefts are attached directly to the hair, providing an almost invisible integration. This option is not recommended for lighter hair types due to its potential to cause strain and damage.
Weave or Sew-In Extensions
Its heat and glue-free application make it a gentle alternative for hair enhancement. This technique requires the creation of cornrows, onto which wefts of hair are meticulously sewn, and is ideal for coarse, curly, or thick hair.
Clip-in Extensions
Ideal for Medium-density hair, it is a versatile and temporary option for those looking to experiment with their hair’s length and volume.
Micro-bead/Micro-Ring Hair Extensions
Micro-bead or micro-ring extensions offer a no-heat solution for medium to thick hair. Micro-bead or micro-ring extensions provide a secure attachment without the need for adhesives or heat, using instead tiny beads to clamp extensions in place. This method
ensures a durable application suitable for those with thicker hair whose beads remain concealed.
Selecting the perfect virgin hair extensions involves considering your hair type, desired texture, and the style you want to achieve. By matching the extensions to your natural hair and choosing the proper installation method, you can enjoy a flawless, natural look that enhances your beauty and style.
If you need help selecting the proper hair, find a local hair extension vendor to help answer your specific questions.
Remember, the right extensions can make all the difference, turning your hair dreams into reality!
