Raw Hair
Raw hair refers to hair that has been directly cut from a donor, cleansed, and sold in its natural state. It retains the exact condition it had when it was harvested from the donor's head. It's important to note that not all raw hair is virgin or free from chemical processes. Donors may have previously colored the hair they donate. Raw-Virgin hair is known as the holy grail. Raw hair, whether sourced from Indian, Chinese, Asian, or other donors, is highly valued and typically comes at a higher price due to its exceptional quality.
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Raw hair may not feel extremely soft or have an intense shine because it hasn't undergone chemical treatments or processes to enhance its appearance. However, it is often regarded as the best option as it tends to last longer and can be colored without compromising its overall look and feel when handled correctly. Raw hair improves with each wash and benefits from proper care, much like your own natural hair. It reacts to heat, moisture, and weather conditions in the same way it did when it was still attached to the donor's scalp.
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While raw hair is our personal favorite due to its unique qualities, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you tend to be less diligent with hair care, you may prefer virgin or processed hair options that require less maintenance." This hair may need washings more frequently in the beginning and as it ages it improves and require a lot less maintenance.
Virgin Hair
"Virgin hair" refers to hair that has never undergone any chemical processing. While it is typically cleaned and steamed, it can slowly returns to its natural state. Virgin hair is commonly sourced from regions like China, Asia, Vietnam, etc., where donors have naturally straight hair. To introduce curls without permanent chemical treatments, steam and curling rods are used. This process essentially bakes the curl into the hair. It works well for body wave and loose curl patterns. However, steam-processed hair doesn't maintain curls indefinitely because it's not naturally curly. For example, over time a deep wave my turn into a loose wave.
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Virgin hair can also come from Indian donors. It is often easier to manage due to the application of silicon coatings, which enhance softness and shine. It maintains good integrity even after professional coloring and can have a long lifespan with proper care. As long as the cuticles are aligned in the same direction (remy), it is considered high quality. Virgin hair is popular among buyers due to its versatility and easy maintenance.
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One drawback is that virgin hair, especially when sourced from China, often struggles to hold curls for long periods because the original donor's hair did not naturally hold curls. However, the steam process helps to create semi-permanent curls. Additionally, the heat from steaming can be damaging, particularly for tight, kinky curls, and the process can result in dryness. Therefore, tighter curls require more maintenance and conditioning to keep them healthy." This hair performs better with weekly to biweekly washes.
Blonde hair aka 613 / 60
Blonde hair, particularly the shade 613, is truly unique, but its quality can vary. It's important to understand that the majority of blonde hair available in the market is processed, which diminishes its value. However, why is it more expensive? The process of transforming dark hair into blonde is costly, time-consuming, and offers limitless versatility. Blonde hair can be further dyed into various shades such as red, blue, silver, green, purple, or any color of choice.
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The quality of 613 hair, whether it is considered good or mediocre, depends on the type and quality of hair used to create the blonde shade. Raw or virgin hair, particularly Remy hair, is ideal for achieving high-quality 613 hair. These types of hair are more integral and stronger. Vietnamese and Asian hair, known for their coarseness and strong cuticles, are excellent choices for creating 613 hair. If you desire 613 hair with natural curls, Indian hair can be suitable. However, it requires significant care and typically doesn't last as long due to the bleaching process it undergoes.
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There are different tones of blonde hair available, with shades ranging from a yellowish blonde (613) to an almost pure white blonde (60). Typically the darker the blonde the stronger the hair is (but this is not true in every case). Proper care for this hair includes washing it 1-2 times a week, incorporating protein treatments, and using lightweight deep conditioning products. With meticulous care, blonde hair extensions can be transformed into true masterpieces of color.
Prosessed hair
Processed hair typically has a lifespan of a few months, ranging from 2 to 12, depending on the quality and care it receives. This type of hair is often referred to as "mink" by vendors because it feels soft, looks shiny, and is available at an affordable price. Processed hair has undergone chemical treatments and processing, often resulting in a modern-day Jerry curl or any desired texture and color. To prevent tangling and create a softer feel, the cuticles of this hair are often removed. After processing, silicones are added to enhance shine. Generally, as the silicone wears off, the lifespan of the hair is reached.
Processed hair is considered the lowest quality but is the easiest to manage. While it may still tangle over time, it can be suitable for short-term or occasional use, such as for immediate styling or wearing as a wig intermittently. This type of hair is commonly sold in local beauty supply stores. Although there are some good-quality processed hair options available, typically none of them last longer than a year. It's important to wash this hair as soon as it starts to show signs of not behaving properly, often depending on the tightness of the curl pattern, potentially even daily.
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It's important to understand that certain textures cannot be achieved without chemical processing. The longevity of this hair depends on how well it is cared for. However, due to the processes it has undergone and the removal of its cuticle layer, it is of lower quality. It is not recommended to further process or bleach this type of hair, but it can be darkened using semi-permanent color or rinses. Please note that this is not the typical type of hair sold by Endow Mi, but if requested, this information can help in understanding its characteristics. Processed hair has its advantages and disadvantages. But like always, I highly suggest professional grade products for the care of this hair.
How to prep and wash your wig and extensions
Preparation
Gently brush your hair extensions before washing to remove any tangles or knots, using a detangling brush.
Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water.
Shampooing:
*Dilute a mild sulfate-free shampoo in the water.
Submerge the hair extensions in the water and gently swirl them around.
Use your fingers to carefully cleanse the strands, avoiding harsh rubbing or twisting.
Pay special attention to the roots and the areas where product buildup may be present.
Rinse the extensions thoroughly with clean water until the shampoo is completely removed.
Conditioning:
Apply a generous amount of conditioner to the extensions, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to distribute the conditioner evenly.
Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair.
Rinse the extensions thoroughly with clean water to remove all the conditioner.
*Drying:
Gently squeeze out excess water from the extensions.
Lay the extensions flat on a clean towel and pat them dry to remove any remaining moisture. Always use a leave in conditioner/heat protected after rinsing.
Allow the extensions to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using heat or direct sunlight.
Styling:
Once the extensions are completely dry, you can style them as desired.
Use low heat settings on styling tools such as flat irons or curling irons to minimize damage.
Apply a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools.
Maintenance:
Brush your extensions regularly using a soft-bristle brush or a wide-toothed comb to prevent tangling.
Start brushing from the ends and gradually work your way up to the roots.
Avoid pulling or tugging harshly on the extensions to prevent breakage.
Please note that these care instructions may vary depending on the type of hair extensions you have.