May 6, 20224 min read

What Is Processed & Unprocessed Human Hair?

Wearing human hair extensions has been a trend for many years. The most popular hair extensions are 100% virgin human hair & raw human hair. How do we know if the hair we've purchased is actually virgin/raw hair? Keep reading to learn how to identify the difference.

Before we jump into what processed or unprocessed human hair is all about, let's first take a look at what virgin & raw hair is.

What is virgin hair?

Virgin Hair is one of the most requested types of hair extensions, because of the quality that it carries. Virgin Hair is chemically unprocessed hair from a single donor. It's a bundle of hair that was cut straight off from a donor's ponytail and has not been treated with any sort of chemicals such as, acid, bleach, or perm.

What is Raw Hair?

Raw Hair extensions have not been altered through a steaming or chemical process. With Raw Virgin Hair not being altered in any way this type of hair would last longer than Virgin Hair and it's the purest and highest quality extensions on the market.

How Long Can I Use Virgin & Raw Hair?

With proper care, virgin hair will last well over 3+ years, raw hair will last 4+ years.

Properly Caring for Your Virgin & Raw Hair Extensions:

Shampoo & Condition at least once a week.
Use styling products minimally to avoid buildup.
For wavy and curly hair use bottled distilled water for a natural look.
To maintain a fresh curly look, we highly recommend that you mix leave-in conditioner & water in a small spray bottle.
When combing, always start from the bottom of your hair extensions first and work your way up.
Brush your hair before going to bed. Always use a Paddle brush or wide tooth comb and gently brush the hair while holding it down with your other hand to prevent unnecessary tension and pulling.
Before shampooing your hair, detangle it. Wash your hair gently in a downward motion using your fingers. Do not scrub or bunch the hair together as this will cause the cuticles to open up and rub against each other which would then cause tangling.
Always condition your hair with a moisturizing conditioner. This alone will make a huge difference.

Tresemme Conditioner Moisture Rich
OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Conditioner
Cream of Nature Intensive Conditioning Treatment with Argan Oil from Morocco

Once a month wash your hair with apple cider vinegar. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your shampoo water. This will add shine and remove buildup from your hair
You can also "condition wash" your virgin hair, this means skipping the shampoo and using your conditioner just like you would your shampoo.
If possible, be patient with your virgin hair extensions and let it air dry after washing it.
Apply a small amount of coconut, almond, or argan oil 2 to 3 times per week as required.
Avoid alcohol-based products. Alcohol will cause the hair to become extremely dry.
Moisturize your hair as needed with high-quality leave-in moisturizers and conditioners.
Never sleep with wet hair. Always ensure that your hair is completely dry before you go to bed.

Let's learn about what processed hair means. Your virgin hair can either go through the steam process or chemical process.

What is the "Steaming Process"

The steaming process is to create a specific texture such as Body Wave, Deep Wave, Loose Wave, Kinky Curly, & W ater Wave

First, the hair weft is hand-rolled onto really small rollers (depending on the texture desired). This process takes at least 3-4 hours depending on the length and curl pattern desired. This rolling process is done by hand. Next, it is placed onto a steam processing machine. Finally, steam and pressure are applied to the hair for several hours to permanently set the curl pattern. Since there are no chemicals used in this process, the hair remains Virgin with a beautiful new curl pattern.

Once your hair extensions are completely dry, separate it into 1- to 2-inch sections and begin to flat iron the hair. Start by placing a small tooth comb on the root of the hair followed by the flat iron and slowly move it down the hair. Repeat the process with the section if necessary and continue the same process over the rest of the weave. For better results be sure to wash your extensions prior to straightening. It is very important that you use a quality heat-protective agent on your hair to prevent damage.

What is "Chemically Processed"

Chemically processed hair is soaked in an acidic liquid. This method is to make the hair appear to be quality hair, but in reality the hair is being stripped of its natural characteristics and that beautiful look that it has soon becomes dull, tangled, and matted.. The cuticles are stripped from the hair making the hair longevity less than 6 months. Chemically processed hair is coated with silicone after being soaked in the acidic bath to give the hair a beautiful shiny look. The hair may look beautiful, but after it's first wash the hair begins to tangle and mats. Especially"in the kitchen" aka the hairline in the back. Once the silicone wears off the hair becomes dull and stiff like it's doing the "mannequin challenge."

One must be very careful with who they choose to purchase virgin or raw hair from. So many vendors claim to have quality virgin or raw hair when in reality the hair has been chemically processed making it similar to beauty supply hair extensions.