The term "raw hair" emerged in the hair and beauty industry to clear up the confusion between truly virgin hair and so-called virgin hair that's been chemically processed. In a world where marketing buzzwords can blur the lines, understanding the real differences between raw and virgin hair is essential.
So, what's the real deal? Let's dive in and uncover the truth about raw and virgin hair.
What is the difference between raw hair and virgin hair?
Virgin hair comes from various sources, and the quality can be a hit-or-miss–it all depends on the distributor. The quality varies wildly depending on the distributor, making it a bit of a gamble. While cuticles might not always stay intact, you can count on each bundle being uniform, thanks to the endless chemical processing that creates an array of textures.
Typically, virgin hair gets a silicone bath along with other chemical treatments, to achieve that silky softness and those trendy patterns. With every wash, the magic fades, and you're left with extensions that typically only last 6 months to a year. So, don't be surprised if your virgin hair extensions last only about 6 months to a year. Virgin hair might be great for short-term styles, but to be honest…you're basically throwing your dollars into the wind.
On the flip side, raw hair is the real MVP, untouched and unprocessed. Each bundle is unique, collected from a single donor, ensuring it retains its natural integrity and top-notch quality. While the textures are limited to the donor's natural pattern—straight, wavy, or loose curls—you'll notice it stays fabulous wash after wash. With no chemical alterations, raw hair can last 5+ years, making it a savvy investment for the long haul.
What about steam processed hair?
Currently, brands offering raw hair are stepping up their game with steam-textured patterns using pure, unaltered hair as the foundation. Instead of cobbling together shed hair from various sources and padding it with filler before dousing it in chemicals (which eventually leads to breakdown), these brands are turning to steam treatments. This method creates effortlessly blendable textures in custom patterns, all while maintaining the hair's natural durability, strength, and thickness. It’s a refreshing approach that ensures you get the best quality, longevity, and seamless blending, proving that nothing beats the authenticity of pure, raw hair.
Port Royal delivers the best of both worlds, offering raw hair and steam-treated raw hair with full transparency. Each product description provides detailed information, ensuring you know exactly what you're getting. This commitment to clarity means you can trust the quality and authenticity of every bundle, whether you choose pure raw hair or the custom, effortlessly blendable textures created through steam treatment. With Port Royal, there are no surprises – just top-notch hair you can count on.
Where does raw hair and virgin hair come from?
When it comes to virgin hair, textures like Brazilian, Malaysian, and Peruvian hair are the most popular. It might sound exotic, but let's be real—they're essentially marketing fantasies. These so-called textures are created by sourcing and processing hair into desirable wave patterns. After a round of chemical processing, they’re given an exotic name to entice consumers into purchasing.
When it comes to raw hair, what you see is exactly what you get – no smoke and mirrors here! You'll always find the precise origin listed right in the name or product description. Whether it's Indian, Cambodian, or Vietnamese, the transparency is refreshing. This level of honesty not only helps you know exactly where your hair is coming from, but it also assures you of its authenticity and quality. No fancy names or misleading labels, just pure, unprocessed hair that tells its true story!