The Different Terms For Human Hair Extensions

Aug 7, 2025

The different terms for human hair extensions – Raw, Virgin, Remy with cuticle, Remy, and Non-Remy – refer to the hair's processing and cuticle alignment. Raw hair is the purest, unprocessed hair from a single donor, while Virgin hair is also unprocessed but can come from multiple donors. Remy hair with cuticle refers to hair where the cuticles are intact and aligned, while Remy hair simply means the cuticles are mostly aligned. Finally, Non-Remy hair has cuticles that are not aligned, often due to processing. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:


Raw Hair:
This is the highest quality, completely unprocessed human hair. It comes from a single donor and has not been treated with any chemicals, including dyes, perms, or bleaches. Raw hair retains its natural texture, color, and strength. 


Virgin Hair:
Like raw hair, virgin hair is also unprocessed. However, it can come from multiple donors and may have some color variations. It's still free from chemical treatments and retains its natural characteristics. 


Remy Hair with Cuticle:
Remy hair with cuticle specifies that the hair has its cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction, from root to tip. This alignment helps prevent tangling and matting, making it a popular choice for hair extensions. 


Remy Hair:
Remy hair is human hair where the cuticles are mostly aligned. While it may have undergone some processing, like dyeing or perming, the cuticle alignment is maintained to minimize tangling and shedding. 


Non-Remy Hair:
Non-Remy hair is hair that has not had its cuticles aligned. This can happen during processing, where the cuticles are stripped away or damaged. Non-Remy hair is more prone to tangling and matting and has a shorter lifespan.