True Hair Game: The Truth about Your Hair Extensions

Let’s be honest most of us don’t really want to know how the hair we wear is sourced. If you ask people where their hair extensions come from, they’ll likely repeat what they read on the packaging or online product description.

The truth is, many of us don’t give it much thought. We’re usually more concerned about the quality and price than the origin of the hair. But what if I told you that your “Brazilian hair” might not actually be from Brazil?

In this article, we’ll uncover where human hair extensions really come from and explore the processes behind how the hair in your bundles is collected.

Mini Guide to Hair Extensions

Before exploring the origins of your hair, let’s start with a quick guide to hair extensions.

What Are Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions, commonly known as weaves, are hairpieces made from human or synthetic materials designed to blend with or enhance one’s natural hair. They are a popular solution for transforming hairstyles by adding length, volume, or even a splash of color.

Extensions can be used for both short-term and long-term changes, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different looks. They can either be integrated into your natural hair to enhance its fullness or completely cover it with human or synthetic hairpieces, providing endless styling possibilities.

One of the biggest advantages of hair extensions is their ability to enhance your appearance without causing damage. For instance, you can add vibrant colors without using harsh chemicals, or try out a new texture without altering your natural hair. Extensions also allow you to make dramatic changes, such as going from short to long hair overnight or adding volume for a fuller, thicker look.

While extensions are often associated with Black women, they are not limited to any specific group. People of all races and hair types use extensions, including weaves, wigs, and clip-ins, to achieve their desired styles. From everyday looks to glamorous transformations, extensions cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.

The versatility of hair extensions is what makes them so popular. Whether you want to experiment with a bold new style, fix a bad haircut, or simply enhance your natural beauty, extensions are a convenient and customizable option. They allow people to express themselves creatively while enjoying the flexibility to change their look as often as they like.

Types of Hair Extensions

When you hear the term “hair extensions,” the first things that likely come to mind are bundles or weaves, commonly used to add length or volume. You might also think of bulk braiding hair, often used to create intricate styles like box braids or twists. However, extensions come in a variety of forms beyond these popular options, each serving a unique purpose and catering to different styling needs.

Here’s a closer look at the various types of hair extensions available:

• Fusion/Bonded Hair Extensions

Fusion extensions use individual keratin-tipped strands that are fused to your natural hair with heat. These extensions provide the most natural look because there are no visible wefts, making them virtually undetectable. They blend seamlessly with your hair, creating a flawless finish. However, the installation process is time-consuming and requires professional expertise to avoid damage to your natural hair.

• Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-in extensions consist of wefts of hair attached to your natural hair using double-sided tape. They are lightweight, flat, and comfortable to wear, making them an excellent option for those seeking a natural appearance without added bulk. The application process is quick, and they are semi-permanent, lasting several weeks with proper care. Tape-ins are ideal for adding volume and length without causing significant strain on your natural hair.

• Weave/Sew-In Hair Extensions

Sew-in extensions involve braiding your natural hair into cornrows and sewing wefts of hair onto the braids using a needle and thread. These are durable and long-lasting, making them a favorite for those looking for a protective style or a long-term solution. Sew-ins are also used to create wigs and are commonly referred to as human hair bundles. They are versatile, allowing for various styling options, but the installation process can take time and requires a professional.

• Clip-In Hair Extensions

Clip-in extensions are one of the easiest and most user-friendly options. Wefts of hair are sewn onto small clips, which can be easily attached to sections of your natural hair. They are similar to tape-ins but use clips instead of adhesive, making them reusable and ideal for temporary styling. Clip-ins are perfect for those who want to add length or volume for special occasions without any long-term commitment.

• Braiding Hair

Braiding hair is typically synthetic and comes in single strands rather than being attached to a weft. It’s specifically designed for protective styles such as box braids, twists, and cornrows. Braiding hair is lightweight and durable, making it an excellent option for creating intricate and long-lasting hairstyles.

Things to Consider Before Buying Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can be a fantastic way to enhance your look, but choosing the right type requires careful consideration. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind before making a purchase:

Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair

The first and most critical decision is determining whether the extensions are made from human hair or synthetic fibers. Both have their pros and cons, but they are suited to different needs and styles.

Synthetic Hair:

Synthetic extensions are typically more affordable but often come with limitations. Pay special attention to the shine and texture. Excessive luster can make synthetic hair look overly shiny and unnatural, as real human hair does not have that kind of reflective quality.

Another key aspect to check is whether the synthetic material can withstand heat. Many synthetic hair types are not heat-friendly, which means they cannot be styled using curling irons, flat irons, or blow dryers. If you prefer styling versatility, this is an important consideration.

Human Hair:

Human hair extensions, while more expensive, offer greater versatility and a natural look. When choosing human hair, it’s essential to understand its type and origin.

• Virgin hair is the highest quality as it has never been chemically processed. It retains its natural structure, making it stronger and more durable.
• Remy hair is also highly valued because it is collected from a single donor, ensuring that all cuticles are aligned in the same direction. This alignment reduces tangling and promotes a silky, smooth texture. However, not all human hair marketed as “remy” is genuine, so it’s important to buy from reputable suppliers.

Touch and Feel the Hair

If you’re purchasing in person, always take the opportunity to touch and feel the hair. This is one of the easiest ways to determine its quality. High-quality extensions, whether synthetic or human, should feel soft, smooth, and free from excessive tangling. Avoid hair that feels overly coarse, dry, or artificial.

Consider the Source

For human hair extensions, it’s also important to inquire about the source of the hair. Hair sourced ethically and sustainably is more likely to be genuine and of better quality. Some regions, such as India and Southeast Asia, are well-known for providing high-quality virgin and remy hair.

Shine and Appearance

Regardless of the type of hair, pay attention to its shine and appearance. Even synthetic hair can sometimes appear natural if it has the right amount of luster. Conversely, human hair that has undergone chemical treatments may look overly processed or unnatural.

Durability and Maintenance

Consider how durable the hair extensions are and how much maintenance they require. Virgin hair, for example, can last much longer than synthetic options if properly cared for. Synthetic hair, while less durable, may be easier to maintain and style in the short term, especially for occasional use.

Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair

When it comes to choosing between human hair and synthetic hair extensions, it ultimately comes down to the old saying: “You get what you pay for.”

Human hair extensions tend to last significantly longer than synthetic options. This is because human hair fibers are much stronger and more durable than synthetic fibers, which means they can withstand more wear and tear, as well as styling. If you’re interested in learning more about how to care for human hair extensions, check out our article on human hair wig care.

If you’re on a budget and looking for something affordable for a short-term style, synthetic hair is a good option. However, if you’re after extensions that will stand the test of time and provide a more natural look, investing in human hair is the best choice.

Synthetic and Human Hair Blends

Blended hair extensions combine both synthetic and human hair, typically mixed together on wefts. However, companies that sell these extensions often do not disclose the origin of the human hair used in the blend.

These bundles generally consist of about 90% synthetic hair and 10% human hair. The inclusion of human hair helps the synthetic strands appear more natural while adding a bit more durability compared to fully synthetic extensions.

Blended hair is a great option for those on a budget who want something that lasts longer than standard synthetic hair but don’t need the full investment in 100% human hair extensions.

How Synthetic Hair is Made

When people ask where their hair comes from, they typically think of human hair. However, it’s also worth understanding how synthetic hair is made, especially since many of us already wear it or might in the future.

As a child, I used to believe that the hair used for braiding was made from horsehair, but in reality, it’s made of plastic fibers.

Synthetic hair is crafted from fine plastic fibers designed to resemble human hair. The material used is often acrylic, which is heated and then spun into strands that mimic the texture and appearance of real hair.

Where Does Human Hair Come From

Human hair, as the name suggests, comes directly from a human. While it’s something many people may overlook, the idea of wearing someone else’s hair on your head can feel a bit strange when you stop and think about it.

Human hair is collected in various ways. Some individuals donate their hair for religious or charitable reasons, while others sell it for profit.

The three most common types of human hair used for extensions are virgin, remy, and virgin remy hair. There is also standard hair, which is collected in less sanitary conditions and may not meet the same quality standards.

Here are some key terms you’ll encounter when discussing how human hair extensions are made:

• Donors: The individuals who provide the hair.
• Collectors: People responsible for gathering the hair from the donors.
• Workshops/Factories: In these facilities, the hair is washed, sorted, and sewn onto wefts to prepare it for further processing.
• Agents: These are individuals or businesses that sell hair to large companies, which then distribute it to factories where it is made into bundles, wigs, clip-ins, and other products.

Chinese Hair

China is the largest exporter of hair in the world, which might come as a surprise if you were thinking that countries like India or Brazil lead the industry. In fact, the hair labeled as “Brazilian” or “Indian” is most likely sourced from China.

Some hair vendors go door to door collecting what’s known as “fallen hair.” This type of hair, also referred to as “standard hair,” is gathered from hairbrushes or strands that have fallen on the ground.

To maintain the hair’s appearance, it is often coated with silicone to preserve the cuticles. Additionally, some Chinese wholesalers collect hair directly from locals who are willing to sell it. In many cases, hair sourced in China is a blend of strands from various Asian countries.

Large factories process the hair, with many women working to detangle, wash, and sometimes bleach the strands—similar to processes in India. In some villages, people may even purchase hair in bulk from factories, only to resell it to hair vendors at a higher price.

So, if your hair packaging says it was shipped from China but is branded as Brazilian hair, it’s highly likely that the hair originated from China.

Indian Hair

Indian hair is the second most popular type of hair on the market. A significant portion of this hair comes from an ancient Hindu tradition known as Tonsure, where Indian men, women, and children donate their hair to temples as a sacred offering to the god Vishnu.

This ritual has been practiced for hundreds of years as a way for devotees to purify themselves and express gratitude by repaying their debts to the gods. Hair, seen as a symbol of pride, is sacrificed in this act of devotion. Millions of individuals participate, with their hair being shaved or cut from ponytails.

Once the hair is collected at the temples, it is auctioned off to hair companies and other buyers. This practice is the primary reason why Indian hair is so readily available. However, it’s important to note that only about a quarter of the raw Indian temple hair sold on the market actually comes from these sacred donations. Most of the hair is sourced from women who sell their hair for profit.

Collectors sometimes go to extreme lengths to gather hair, with some even searching through trash dumps or rummaging through discarded items to collect strands from brushes. This hair is then sold in bulk to factories, where it is detangled and washed by workers before being prepared for sale.

Brazilian Hair

As much as it may be disappointing, the “Brazilian hair” you’re purchasing is likely not from Brazil. Due to the high demand for Brazilian hair, many companies label Chinese hair as Brazilian to increase its perceived value, as Brazilian hair tends to be priced higher than Chinese hair.

Brazilian hair is sought after for its textures and colors, which closely resemble African-American hair. However, genuine Brazilian hair is quite rare because Brazil lacks mass hair collection sites like the temples in India and China.

In some cases, the term “Brazilian Hair” can be used as a broad category to encompass hair from other South American countries as well.

The hair that is truly sourced from Brazil typically comes from small rural towns, where donors are compensated for growing strong, healthy hair. Vendors usually visit these areas every 6-8 months to collect the hair from local donors.

European Hair

European hair is considered one of the most valuable types due to its unique textures, colors, and the fact that it is relatively scarce.

However, it’s important to note that European hair doesn’t always originate from Europe itself. The donor may simply be of European descent, and the hair would still be classified as European. For example, British women spend an estimated 65 million Euros annually on hair products.

Genuine European hair typically comes with a high price tag. So, if you’re paying around $60 for a bundle, it’s safe to say that the hair you’re purchasing is not authentic European hair.

Russian Hair

Some collectors travel to small villages and towns in Russia, aiming to persuade women to sell their hair. In these areas, even girls as young as 13 may sell their locks. Like in other countries, Russian women often cut their hair into a ponytail and sell it at the base.

Russian hair is typically sold by weight and length. It is highly prized, especially because it is one of the few types of hair that naturally comes in blonde shades. This makes Russian hair particularly valuable in the market.

However, some manufacturers may label hair as “Russian” simply because of the added value it carries. If the hair is said to come from Southern Russia, it is likely not from Russia at all but instead from China, as the hair is often mislabeled to increase its market worth.

Why Do Companies Mislabel Hair?

If you’re wondering why companies lie about the origins of hair, the answer is simple: money.

The human hair extensions industry is a multi-billion-dollar business, and everyone is eager to get their share. Due to high demand, companies often slap any label on hair because they know consumers are more likely to buy products that come from certain countries.

Since the hair industry is largely unregulated, unethical collectors, vendors, and distributors can easily misrepresent hair, marketing it as something it isn’t.

How to Tell if Hair is Ethically Sourced

Here are a few tips to help you determine whether the hair you’re buying is truly as advertised:

• #1 The Shipping Label: Check the package for a shipping label. If it says “Made in/Shipped From China,” it is likely Chinese hair, even if it claims to be from another country.

• #2 The Smell: If the hair has a strong chemical smell, it’s likely that chemicals were used to seal the cuticles, indicating the hair may not be as natural as claimed.

• #3 The Texture: Touch the hair carefully. Companies may market hair as “100% human,” but if it feels synthetic or unusually stiff, it’s a sign that it may not be real human hair.

Know Where Your Hair is Coming From

In today’s world, scams are rampant, and there are always people looking to make a quick profit at your expense. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that you’re purchasing your hair extensions from a reputable and trustworthy source. When it comes to hair, many vendors may try to cut corners and sell you lower-quality or misrepresented products, so doing your homework before making a purchase is essential.

Start by researching the company thoroughly check their reputation online, look for customer reviews, and see what other buyers have to say about the quality of their products. A reliable company will have transparent practices, and their customers should be able to vouch for their integrity. If the company seems evasive or lacks transparency, it’s best to stay cautious.

Make sure to also confirm where the hair is sourced from, as this will give you an idea of the quality you’re buying. As discussed, hair from different countries has its own characteristics, and understanding where your hair comes from can help you make an informed decision.

Stay woke! The hair industry can be tricky, and you don’t want to be fooled into buying something that doesn’t meet your expectations. Have you ever been tricked by a hair company? Was there a time when you learned a lesson the hard way? We’d love to hear your experiences leave a comment below and share your story! Your insight could help someone else make a smarter decision next time they shop for extensions.

and…

If you’re looking to buy high-quality wigs or hair extensions, look no further than HazuHair.

We are a trusted Vietnamese hair factory with over 100 skilled workers, offering a wide range of hair styles including wavy, curly, straight, kinky, and more.

Our products come in various colors such as natural black, ombre, blonde, red, pink, and many others.

Reach out to us today!

• Hair Factory: Tan Son 2 Village, Tan Dinh, Lang Giang, Bac Giang Province, Vietnam
• Hotline: +849 4949 3883
• Whatsapp Mrs ThanhLam: https://wa.me/84949493883
• Website: https://hazuhair.com