Many people often hear of hair extensions and the word remy is the first thing that comes to mind. There are so many ways to achieve your desired look, but it’s easy to become distracted by unknown vocabulary.
Although this is a common word in the hair industry and remy seems to stand out as different, what exactly does it mean?
In this article we will discuss what remy hair is, the difference in quality, collection, and how it’s processed. To get a better understanding of remy hair and it’s different aspects, keep on reading.
What is remy hair and what makes it so different?
Remy hair is collected in a way that keeps the hair cuticle still intact and all the hair is aligned in one direction. Every strand of human hair has an outer layer called the cuticle.
This layer gives your hair shine, protects it from damage, and makes it overall more manageable. The cuticle can only do its job if each strand of hair is aligned in the same direction.
Remy hair extensions are collected in a way that allows each cuticle to run in the same direction This differentiates remy hair from any other type of human hair.
This is a big advantage because the hair won’t tangle or matte due to the fact that it’s protected for the cuticle. The cuticle of your hair is like the skin on your body, it keeps the moisture in.
If the cuticle has been removed then an artificial replacement is needed, usually silicone.
If the hair feels smooth going up and down the hair strand then the cuticle has been removed. You want the hair to feel a little rough while going back up the hair strand.
One thing to keep in mind is that remy does not always mean virgin. Oftentimes both words are used together, but they have a completely different meaning. Both are 100% human hair, but remy hair is often slightly chemically processed while virgin hair is not.
Pros and Cons of Remy Hair
People across the world seem to love remy hair extensions, what are some factors to consider when dealing with this specific type of hair?
Pros
- Texture – Cuticles only lay flat when they’re all aligned, this gives remy hair a texture that looks very similar to virgin hair.
- Longevity – Due to the way the cuticle lays, the hair is resilient. This makes them an excellent investment, lasting around a year.
- Blending – Since all of the cuticles fall in the same direction, blending is very easy. The light reflects the hair in an attractive way making it look seamless. Instead of looking dull and lifeless, they have a natural radiance.
Cons
- Suppliers scam – Suppliers will freely advertise and label any hair as remy hair even if they don’t meet the qualifications.
Any hair that has not been collected with the cuticles all facing the same way falls under non-remy hair. This is the case even if the hair is 100% human.
Is there a difference between remy hair and human hair?
- Shine – The human hair cuticle is known to give off a beautiful shine. Natural healthy hair, when lying flat, reflects light and causes the hair to shine.
This is what sets Remy hair apart from other low-quality human hair extensions that don’t have aligned cuticles.
- Little to no tangles – Most buyers who opt for low-quality hair extensions encounter a major problem. Tangles. Due to the fact that the hair cuticles are not aligned, the strands can knot constantly.
In a short amount of time, certain extensions will begin to look unappealing and feel that way too.
Remy hair extensions, on the other hand, are tangle-free. Easily glide through the extensions and you’re ready to go.
- Little to no matting – Matting is never a good look unless you are truly seeking a dread look. Within a week or so, non-Remy human hair extensions can begin to mat and become completely unmanageable. Remy hair extensions, due to the alignment of cuticles, will remain smooth and silky for months.
- “Process” friendly – Non-Remy human hair extensions are treated with chemicals before being provided to the customer. This makes them unable to stand up to coloring or heat styling.
Read: Remy vs Virgin Hair
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception about remy hair extensions is that they are high maintenance. While you do have to take good care of the extensions it’s nothing more than you would do with your natural hair.
You have to wash and condition like you are used to, but this eliminates any possible tangles and increases longevity.
Another misconception on remy his is that it’s not worth the price. Remember, all things should be put into perspective.
If you pay more upfront you won’t have to throw the hair out after every use, less maintenance will be required and they should last you a long time.
How is the hair collected?
The way remy hair is collected is what sets it apart from other styles of human hair.
Remy hair comes from certain donors who are willing to get paid for their natural hair, Like other types of natural hair.
With remy hair, the hair is generally cut from a ponytail in order to preserve the cuticle and ensure they are all going in the right direction.
With this being brought to our attention we can see that remy hair is 100% real human hair, it’s just collected differently. This collection process has a slight effect on the quality and overall end product you purchase. [1]
Process the extensions undergo
Unlike virgin hair, another category of human hair, remy hair does go through a slight bit of processing before they are sold to the desired purchaser. This is done to ensure the natural quality of the hair is preserved and it stays looking its best.
Non-remy hair that has been collected results in the cuticles going in different directions. To account for this the hair usually goes through an acid bath that affects the entire cuticle. After it’s been chemically processed it’s dipped into silicone.
Since remy hair is able to avoid this, it often leads to longer longevity.
What is the lifespan of remy hair?
Remy hair is often of high quality and has a long life span. Remy hair is expected to last around one year. This is because of the texture of the hair and once again the way the cuticles are aligned. [2]
The silky texture leads to tangle free shiny hair and can maintain this look for up or over a year if maintained properly.
This presents a big difference to non remy hair which after a few washes starts to look dry and brittle. This doesn’t always lead to a long term commitment of extensions which is why many prefer remy hair.
How good is the quality?
Remy hair is known for its outstanding quality, it always comes out on top. Due to the subtle processing of its strands, remy hair is less prone to matting and tangling.
Also the fact that it doesn’t have a silicone layer preserves its natural soft and silky texture. Remy hair is also known for remaining beautiful for a long period of time, not just appearing that way at first.
With the proper maintenance remy extensions will look stunning the duration of your installation. These are all things that non remy hair may often start out with but can’t maintain throughout the wear.
What does the price usually run?
A pack of remy hair can easily run well over $100. Due to the fact that remy hair is so popular and in demand, they are often more expensive in price. They live up to the saying, “you get what you pay for”.
Another reason they are more expensive than other types of human hair is due to the fact that they are not as easy to collect.
People may ask why remy hair is still cheaper than other hair such as virgin hair? The reason being, even though the hair cuticles are still intact, virgin hair is considered more valuable due to its unprocessed nature.
What is remy hair made of, and is it considered fake?
Remy hair falls into the category of a specific type of human hair. So the extensions are 100% real human hair and are not made from another artificial substance.
Remy hair is considered the finest quality of human hair. This is due to the fact that the cuticles are kept intact. Any hair that is not collected with the cuticle intact is considered non-remy, even 100% human hair.
Closing thoughts
Remy hair is a category of human hair. The major difference in remy hair and any other type of hair, real or synthetic, is the cuticle. The cuticle is the lifeline of a hair strand and can give it a dramatic effect.
Due to the way the cuticle is preserved in remy hair, it allows it to have better quality overall. Better quality means less maintenance and longevity longer than that of non-remy hair.
Although remy hair can be quite pricey, it’s good to keep in mind why it has earned a higher price tag. The misconception that it’s not worth the price can be easily overlooked. With hardly any cons to remy extensions, they are a great choice for your next look.