Virgin Hair vs Remy Hair and Non-Remy Hair: How to Choose the Best Option

Virgin hair vs Remy hair, and Non-Remy hair (100% human hair) are the three most popular types of human hair used in wigs and extensions. Each type has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, which often causes confusion. Understanding them thoroughly will help you choose the most suitable hair type, as your choice will directly affect the natural look, longevity, styling ability, and many other factors.

This article will analyze in detail the differences between virgin hair vs remy hair, and non-remy hair (also called 100% human hair) so that you can easily make a choice. After reading, you’ll understand why you may have had unsatisfactory experiences with human hair products in the past.

Types of Human Hair on the Market

Real human hair is always prioritized and widely used in the wig industry because it provides the most natural look. Although synthetic or blended hair still has its market share, wigs made from 100% human hair are highly rated for their quality and versatility. Human hair can be curled, straightened, and heat-styled while maintaining a natural appearance and texture – something synthetic hair rarely achieves. Especially Vietnamese hair

>>> See moreTOP 5 Reasons Why Vietnamese Hair is the Top Choice in the Hair Industry

Human hair is generally divided into three main categories: Virgin Hair vs Remy Hair, and Non-Remy Hair (100% human hair).

1. What is a Virgin Hair

Virgin hair is unprocessed hair that has never been dyed, bleached, or chemically treated. The cuticle layer is intact, and all hair is collected from a single donor. Manufacturers simply clean, weft, and sell it.

• Quality: Natural, soft, and durable.
• Rarity: Hard to find, highly sought after.
• Longevity: Can last for years with proper care.
• Styling Ability: Can be dyed, bleached, curled, or straightened freely.

2. Remy Hair

Remy hair is human hair with the cuticle still intact, and all strands are aligned in the same direction to prevent tangling and maintain smoothness. It is collected from ponytails or directly from the scalp.

• Processing: May be dyed or permed at the factory.
• Quality: Shiny, tangle-free, holds style well.
• Longevity: 6 – 12 months with good care.
• Note: Can be dyed but not bleached to very light shades (beyond color level #27).

3. Non-Remy Hair (100% Human Hair)

Non-remy hair is collected from various sources, with cuticles not aligned in the same direction. Instead of spending time aligning them, manufacturers remove the cuticle and coat the hair with silicone for temporary smoothness.

• Characteristics: Affordable, many styles available.
• Longevity: Around 6 months.
• Disadvantages: Prone to dryness, tangling, breakage; cannot handle further chemical processing.
• Signs: Uneven strands, split ends, wears out quickly.

Three Main Factors That Determine Human Hair Quality

1. Hair Origin – Most hair used in wig production comes from Asia, especially raw Vietnamese hair, known for its softness, shine, and exceptional strength. While Chinese hair, Indian hair, Cambodian hair, Brazilian hair or European hair is also valued, none match the flexibility and quality of Vietnamese hair. Because it is high-quality yet affordable, many salon owners treat it like a “treasure,” making it increasingly scarce.
2. Collection Method – Vietnamese hair is carefully selected from women in highland regions, where the climate and lifestyle help maintain excellent hair health. It is collected from donors, purchased directly from individuals, or gathered from salons.
3. Processing Method – Most hair undergoes some processing such as washing, drying, and conditioning. For dyed or ombre/balayage styles, chemical treatment is required. The more processing done, the shorter the hair’s lifespan. Raw Vietnamese hair remains the most durable, even after chemical treatment.

>>> See more: Tape in vs Clip in Extensions: How to Choose the Best One for You

Differences Between Virgin Hair vs Remy Hair, and Non-Remy Hair

Virgin Hair vs Remy Hair

• Virgin hair: Completely unprocessed, maintaining maximum purity and quality. It’s the most expensive among the three, with durability up to 5 years – ideal for personal use or business.
• Remy hair: Lightly processed for dyeing and styling, making it cheaper than virgin hair. Still lasts 6 – 10 months with proper care.

Remy Hair vs Non-Remy Hair

• Remy hair: Cuticles aligned in the same direction, making it more durable.
• Non-remy hair: Cuticles are in random directions, so they must be removed and coated with silicone. This makes it cheaper but less durable (about 3 – 4 months).

Besides, between raw hair and virgin hair is something you are also interested in, please see more:

>>> Raw Hair vs Virgin Hair: Knowing the Difference Could Save Your Brand

Quick Identification Guide

• Virgin: Natural black shine, soft, smooth, silky. It feels so natural.
• Remy: Shiny, uniform from root to tip, possibly dyed.
• Non-Remy: Split ends, uneven strands, tangles easily after washing.

Best Choice Criteria

• Quality: Virgin > Remy > Non-Remy
• Price: Virgin > Remy > Non-Remy
• Styling Flexibility: Virgin (max) > Remy (limited) > Non-Remy (very limited)
• Longevity: Virgin (5–8 years) > Remy (~1 year) > Non-Remy (~5 months)

As you can see, if you want durable, beautiful, and versatile hair, Virgin Hair is the best option. If your budget is moderate, Remy Hair is a good choice. Non-Remy Hair is suitable for low-cost, short-term use.

What’s Your Best Choice?

We hope this detailed article helps you make the right decision when choosing between Virgin Hair vs Remy Hair, and Non-Remy Hair (100% human hair). Understanding each type will bring many benefits for your personal beauty or for your clients.

The most important thing is choosing a reliable supplier. A reputable supplier like Thanh An Hair ensures origin, quality, and the best prices. Choosing the wrong supplier – whether due to inexperience or being lured by low prices – can lead to wasted money, wasted time, and, if you’re a salon owner, poor customer experience.

With over 21 years of experience in wigs and hair extensions, and more than 13 years as a verified Alibaba account, Thanh An Hair is proud to be one of the leading suppliers today. With a large manufacturing facility, we can meet any customer demand – from styles, colors, to quantities – at very reasonable prices. Currently, Thanh An Hair is partnering with and supporting over 500 salon owners, stylists, and distributors worldwide.

>>> See more: Top 10 Best Wholesale Hair Suppliers in the World in 2025

Contact Thanh An Hair today to choose the best products for you!