What is Remy Hair? Why Is It Important for Hair Extensions?

The term “Remy Hair” is often mentioned, but what does it really mean? Is it a brand, a specific style, or something else? Are Remy hair extensions high-quality or subpar? What exactly are Remy hair extensions, and what role does a hair vendor play in this industry?

In the hair industry, many terms are used interchangeably, often for marketing and advertising purposes, which can lead to confusion. Today, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Remy Hair and clarify the misconceptions surrounding it.

Key Components of Human Hair

A human hair strand consists of three fundamental layers: the Medulla, Cortex, and Cuticle. By understanding these components, you’ll gain a clearer picture of how a hair strand is structured.

Medulla

The Medulla is the innermost layer of the hair shaft, often overlooked because it is nearly invisible to the naked eye. This core layer is considered highly fragile and thin, which makes it difficult to observe without specialized equipment. Despite being a fundamental part of the hair structure, the exact role of the Medulla is still a bit of a mystery in the scientific community. While it’s known to exist, researchers are not entirely certain of its specific purpose or contribution to the overall health and function of hair.

The Medulla is something you wouldn’t be able to see or feel when handling hair. It is only visible under high-powered microscopes, making it inaccessible for everyday observation. Although the Medulla can be studied under laboratory conditions, this is not typically necessary when assessing hair quality or structure in the hair industry. Hair quality assessments generally focus on more visible and tangible elements, such as the cuticle and cortex layers, as these directly affect the hair’s appearance, strength, and overall performance in extensions or other applications.

Cortex

The Cortex is the middle layer of the hair shaft, situated between the innermost Medulla and the outer protective Cuticle. It is the thickest and most significant part of the hair structure, responsible for providing strength, elasticity, and resilience to the strand.

One of the primary functions of the Cortex is to house the pigment that gives hair its color. The pigments, called melanin, are what determine whether your hair is blonde, brown, black, or red. This layer is also responsible for maintaining the hair’s texture, whether straight, wavy, or curly, based on how the proteins within the Cortex are structured.

The Cortex’s dense composition of protein fibers makes it the most substantial and important layer in terms of the overall health and appearance of the hair. It not only provides hair with its color but also contributes to its thickness and durability. Damage to this layer can affect the hair’s integrity, leading to issues like dryness, breakage, or loss of color vibrancy. In the hair industry, understanding the role of the Cortex is essential, as it is the main factor in determining hair quality and how it responds to styling, coloring, and treatment.

Cuticle

The outermost layer of a human hair strand is called the cuticle, a term frequently used in the hair extension industry. In fact, many hair brands incorporate this word into their names due to its significance.

The cuticle plays a crucial role in determining whether hair is classified as “Remy” or “Non-Remy.” Made up of dead cells that overlap like roof shingles, the cuticle serves as the protective layer of the hair. Although it forms the external part of the hair strand, it doesn’t influence the hair’s color – that function belongs to the cortex underneath.

Despite its thin and delicate structure, the cuticle provides strength and protection to the hair, acting as a shield against damage and environmental factors. Proper alignment of the cuticle is key to high-quality hair extensions, as it ensures smoothness, shine, and longevity.

To help you visualize the composition of a hair strand, here’s an example I created to give you a clearer idea of its structure.

What Is Remy Hair?

Now that we’ve explored the structure of a hair strand, we can better understand what Remy hair is and why it’s so valued in the hair extension industry.

Remy hair refers to hair in which the cuticles – the outermost layer of the hair strand – are intact and aligned in a natural, downward direction from root to tip. In your natural hair, the cuticles lie flat in this same direction, giving the hair a smooth appearance and feel. To understand this better, try running your fingers upward along a strand of hair, from tip to root. You will feel a slight roughness – this is the sensation of the overlapping cuticle scales, which form the protective outer layer of each hair strand.

For hair to be considered genuine Remy hair, this natural alignment of the cuticles must be preserved during the collection and production process. The key to Remy hair’s superior quality is that all the cuticles remain intact and follow the same direction, minimizing tangling and ensuring a soft, silky texture. When cuticles are misaligned or damaged, the hair becomes more prone to tangling, matting, and roughness.

The term “Remy” is often misunderstood or misused. Scientifically speaking, “Remy” simply refers to the method in which the hair is collected and processed, ensuring that the cuticles are aligned in the same direction. It doesn’t refer to a specific hair texture, color, or origin. However, in marketing, you might see the term used in various ways, sometimes incorrectly, to enhance a product’s appeal. It’s important to note that for hair to truly be Remy, the cuticle alignment must be intact, which contributes to the hair’s durability, smoothness, and natural shine.

Remy hair extensions are highly sought after for their natural look and feel. Because the cuticles are intact and aligned, Remy hair tends to be more resilient to damage, easier to maintain, and better able to hold styles over time. This makes it an excellent choice for high-quality hair extensions, wigs, and other hair products. Many consider Remy hair to be the gold standard in the industry because it mimics the qualities of natural hair, making it soft, manageable, and long-lasting.

The popularity of Remy hair is due to these very factors. With proper care, Remy hair extensions can last significantly longer than non-Remy alternatives and maintain their smoothness and shine. So, if you’re looking for high-quality extensions that offer a natural and long-lasting appearance, Remy hair is often the best option.

Why Is Remy Important for Hair Extensions?

Have you ever worn virgin hair bundles that tangled and matted almost instantly? It’s frustrating and a nightmare to manage, right?

This often happens with “Non-Remy” hair extensions. In non-Remy hair, the cuticles of the hair strands are not aligned. Some cuticles point downward, while others point upward. This inconsistent direction leads to friction between the strands, causing them to tangle, matte, and become unmanageable very quickly.

The root of this problem lies in how the hair is collected. Non-Remy hair is often collected carelessly, sometimes from the floor after it’s cut, which results in cuticles running in both directions. Since the cuticle alignment is not maintained, these types of hair extensions quickly become problematic for the wearer.

This is why Remy hair is so important. Remy hair is carefully collected with the cuticles all intact and aligned in the same direction, ensuring a smoother, tangle-free experience. Hair from a single donor, for example, is a good source of Remy hair, as it is cut and preserved in a way that maintains the natural cuticle structure. This attention to detail during the collection process is key to creating high-quality hair extensions that are easy to manage and maintain.

By choosing Remy hair extensions, you’re ensuring the cuticle alignment is consistent, resulting in softer, longer-lasting extensions that are much easier to style and care for.

Before cutting human hair, it is essential to band the hair to ensure that the cuticles are all facing downward. This method is considered the most effective way to collect hair. By keeping the strands in the same position during the bundling and wefting process, you can achieve Remy hair extensions once the production is complete.

Today, hair extension manufacturers are more knowledgeable about the importance of this entire process and the necessity of using quality Remy hair. They understand that proper handling and collection techniques are crucial for delivering high-quality extensions that meet consumer expectations.

Marketing Terms for Remy

The term “Remy” can be quite misleading, as many companies use it in their marketing and advertising efforts.

But do all brands that label their hair as “Remy” actually sell authentic Remy hair? Absolutely not!

It’s not uncommon to find inexpensive hair products in beauty supply stores that feature the word “Remy” in their brand name. While these brands may not explicitly state whether their hair is genuinely Remy, the inclusion of the term often leads consumers to assume that it is.

It can be quite deceptive, right?

When it comes to budget hair products, you typically get what you pay for. It’s important to do your research and ensure you’re purchasing hair extensions that genuinely meet the quality associated with Remy hair.

Do You Sell Remy Hair?

Yes, all the hair extensions available at HazuHair are classified as Remy hair or Raw hair.

The direction of the cuticles in Remy hair is essential to us, as we supply thousands of top stylists and salon owners with high-quality extensions for their brands. Stylists prefer not to use “cheap” non-Remy hair that could cause problems for their clients.

All the hair sold at our showrooms is guaranteed to be 100% human hair. We wanted to clarify this in case you are not yet one of our clients and are interested in our hair for your brand.

If you have any questions about hair extensions, feel free to reach out to our hair team we’re here to help!

Contact HazuHair:

• Address: Tan Son, Tan Dinh, Lang Giang, Bac Giang, Vietnam
• WhatsApp: +84 949 49 3883
• Instagram: @hazuhair.vietnam
• Website: hazuhair.com

Remy Hair: Another Perspective!

Given the significance of this topic, we invited one of our writers to share her insights and research on “What is Remy Hair.”

In the hair industry, many terms can be misleading, and we thought it would be valuable to offer this additional perspective.

If you walk into any local beauty supply store, you’ll likely see the term “REMY” prominently displayed on nearly every package of “human” hair. The term has become a marketing strategy designed to make consumers believe that the hair being sold is superior to other types of “non-Remy” hair.

Unfortunately, much of the hair labeled as “Remy” is either actually non-Remy or contains a mix of non-Remy and synthetic fibers.

Many women aren’t fully aware of what the term Remy means and may end up purchasing hair that claims to be Remy but is actually of low quality, comparable to synthetic blends.

For hair to be classified as Remy, it must be cut from a ponytail in a way that keeps the cuticles intact and ensures all hair follicles flow in the same direction. Additionally, the strands should be single-drawn or double-drawn, meaning they should be consistent in length from roots to tips.

However, a vendor may sometimes shave the hair from a donor’s head, leading to cuticles being oriented in opposite directions, which compromises the quality.

Purchasing Remy Hair

Some women might think they are saving money by opting for non-Remy hair, but in reality, they are wasting their money.

While non-Remy hair may initially feel soft and silky, it quickly becomes tangled, dry, and fails to hold a style after just a few washes. This initial quality is often misleading, as factories coat the hair with silicone, which gives it a soft texture and shiny appearance. However, this silicone is not permanent; it washes away with shampoo and wears off against your clothing over time.

Typically, this type of hair may last around a month before needing replacement. The ongoing expense of frequently repurchasing hair can add up quickly, making it a costly choice in the long run.

It’s important to note that Remy hair is NOT the same as virgin hair!

I often see these terms used interchangeably, but they represent different qualities. Remy hair has intact and aligned cuticles, is thick from root to tip, and experiences minimal tangling. On the other hand, virgin hair is non-chemically processed, meaning it hasn’t been subjected to bleach, acid baths, or harsh dyes.

How Is Remy Hair Collected

The collection of Remy hair can take place in several settings, including salons, laboratories, or, most commonly, Indian temples. Each location has its own unique process, but the goal remains the same: to ensure the integrity of the hair strands.

1. In many cases, a hair vendor will cut the hair directly from a donor’s ponytail. This method is crucial because it helps preserve the natural alignment of the cuticles, which are essential for maintaining the quality and appearance of the hair. The cuticles must all face the same direction to minimize tangling and ensure a smoother, more natural look.
2. Once the hair is cut, it is carefully gathered and taken to a factory for further processing. At the factory, the hair undergoes a thorough cleaning process to remove any impurities and ensure it meets quality standards. After cleaning, the hair is typically processed to enhance its durability and appearance, which may include treatments to prevent tangling and maintain its silky texture.
3. Finally, the hair is bundled and packaged for distribution, ready to be shipped to beauty supply stores or salons where it will be sold to consumers. This meticulous collection and processing process is what distinguishes Remy hair from other types of hair extensions, ensuring that it retains its natural qualities and offers a superior experience for users.

Remy vs. Virgin Hair: Which Is Better?

While Remy hair is widely regarded as a high-quality option in the hair extension market, it’s important to note that it is not necessarily the best choice available, nor is it the worst.

Remy hair can vary significantly in quality, with some vendors blending low-quality non-Remy hair with synthetic fibers, which can compromise the overall appearance and durability of the extensions. On the other hand, there is also top-grade Remy hair that boasts a soft, silky texture and can even be dyed to match different hair colors, providing versatility for users.

To ensure you are getting the best quality hair, it is crucial to purchase from a reputable source. This helps you avoid the pitfalls of low-quality, non-Remy hair and ensures you receive a product that meets your expectations for appearance and longevity.

How to Avoid Non-Remy Hair

Steering clear of non-Remy low-quality hair can be a challenge, especially since every hair company claims to offer high-quality products. So how can you protect yourself from purchasing non-Remy hair?

Even more affordable human hair bundles from reputable brands, like HazuHair, can be considered Remy hair because of the way the cuticles are aligned. Here are a few tips to help you make informed choices:

Avoid Non-Reputable Sellers on Platforms like AliExpress and Amazon

While I used to be a frequent buyer on AliExpress, it’s important to note that many vendors on this platform offer low-quality hair. Unless you can confirm that the hair you’re considering is of excellent quality, it’s best to steer clear of AliExpress brands.

Reach Out to the Company

Before making a purchase, consider contacting the hair company to learn more about their processing practices. This is a great opportunity to ask important questions such as, “How is your hair processed?” or “Are the cuticles kept aligned and intact?” If the representative seems unsure or unable to provide clear answers, it’s a red flag, and you may want to reconsider your purchase.

Check Out the Reviews

While a company’s website may only showcase positive reviews, it’s essential to explore their Yelp or Google reviews for a more balanced perspective. These reviews come directly from customers and are not curated by the company itself. Additionally, many customers share their experiences through YouTube videos, discussing the quality of the hair and the service they received.

When searching for YouTube reviews, it’s advisable to focus on updated content rather than first impression videos. Updated reviews provide insight into the hair’s quality over time, while first impression videos only reflect the initial experience right out of the packaging.

Purchase a Sample of Remy Hair Extensions

Many hair companies offer the option to purchase a sample, which may consist of a small section of a bundle or a single bundle at a wholesale price. This allows you to evaluate the hair quality as it comes fresh out of the packaging. However, keep in mind that a sample won’t fully represent the experience of having a complete installation over a few weeks.

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to guarantee hair quality unless you’re buying from a trusted source like HazuHair. Sometimes, trial and error is part of the journey. However, being knowledgeable about hair will help you identify subpar products, allowing you to make smarter purchases and avoid wasting your money!

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Remy Hair

Definition: What Is Remy Hair?

Remy hair is recognized as the highest quality of human hair used for wigs and extensions. It is characterized by its unique collection method, which ensures that the hair cuticles are aligned in one direction, closely resembling the natural growth pattern of hair.

This alignment not only contributes to the hair’s softness and silkiness but also enhances its natural appearance compared to non-Remy hair, where cuticles may face different directions. The meticulous collection and processing of Remy hair help preserve its natural texture and shine, making it a top choice for premium hair products.

Is Remy Hair Human Hair?

Absolutely! Remy hair is indeed 100% human hair, with all cuticles aligned downward in the same direction. Importantly, Remy hair is free from synthetic fibers, ensuring a completely natural look and feel.

Where Does Remy Hair Come From?

Remy hair is sourced from women who donate their hair, often for religious or personal reasons, or for monetary gain. This hair is cut directly from human heads, ensuring that the cuticles remain aligned. During the collection process, the cuticles are carefully kept in place, whether the hair is being sewn into wefts or gathered as bulk hair.

Why Is Remy Hair Considered Superior to Non-Remy Hair?

The key advantage of Remy hair lies in its cuticle alignment. Since all the hair strands are aligned in the same direction, they are significantly less likely to tangle or mat compared to non-Remy hair, where mixed cuticle directions can create friction and tangles.

This natural alignment not only simplifies styling and maintenance but also enhances the hair’s durability. Furthermore, Remy hair maintains its natural appearance and texture, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the wearer’s own hair.

How Can You Tell If Hair Extensions Are Truly Remy Hair?

Determining whether hair extensions are authentic Remy hair involves a few essential checks:

• Cuticle Uniformity: Run your fingers through the extensions. Remy hair should feel smooth in one direction while offering slight resistance when pulled in the opposite direction, indicating the cuticles are aligned.
• Natural Variations: Look for subtle differences in color and texture. Genuine Remy hair will have a natural appearance with some variations, rather than being overly uniform.
• Pricing: Remy hair typically comes at a higher price point due to its superior quality and the careful methods used to maintain cuticle alignment.

Can Remy Hair Be Dyed or Heat-Styled?

Yes, Remy hair can be dyed, bleached, and styled with heat, if it is made from raw human hair with intact cuticles.

To preserve its quality, it’s essential to apply heat protectant sprays before styling and limit the use of harsh chemical treatments. Additionally, incorporating deep conditioning treatments regularly will help restore moisture and prevent damage, keeping your extensions looking their best.

How Should Remy Hair Be Cared for?

Caring for Remy hair requires gentle handling to maintain its natural beauty and integrity.

• Cleansing: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to keep the hair well-hydrated. This helps prevent dryness and keeps the hair looking vibrant.
• Detangling: Avoid brushing wet hair, as this can lead to breakage. Instead, opt for a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle.
• Heat Styling: Limit the use of heat tools, and always apply a heat protectant before styling to minimize damage.
• Nourishment: Regularly applying natural oils can enhance the shine and overall health of the hair.

With proper care, Remy hair extensions can last anywhere from several months to a year, making them a valuable investment for those looking for quality and durability.

Pro Tip: Always remember to wash the bundles before wearing them for the first time.

If you have any questions about Remy hair, feel free to leave them in the comments below!