Real vs. Fake Raw Hair: How to Spot the Differences Like a Pro

Investing in raw hair extensions is a great way to achieve natural, long-lasting beauty, but not all hair on the market is authentic. Many sellers label processed or synthetic hair as raw hair, making it difficult to identify genuine quality. In this guide, we’ll break down the key signs that distinguish real raw hair from fake so you can confidently choose the best hair for your needs.

What Is Raw Hair?

Raw hair refers to 100% unprocessed human hair collected from a single donor. It guarantees smoothness, durability, and less tangling since it maintains its natural cuticle alignment. Raw hair is the most natural and resilient hair type accessible since it has never been chemically treated, permed, or colored, in contrast to Remy or processed hair. Usually, donors from nations like Vietnam, Cambodia, and India provide the hair, which is gathered in its finest form there.

The texture of raw hair also differs based on the original hair type of the donor.  They might be curly, wavy, or straight.  Raw hair lasts a lot longer than processed hair and mixes in well with natural hair because it isn't chemically changed.

Readmore: Raw Hair, Remy Hair, and Non-Remy Hair: Understanding the Key Differences

Common Types of Fake Raw Hair

Since raw hair is more expensive due to its quality, many vendors sell imitations to maximize profits. Some common types of fake raw hair include:

- Processed Remy Hair: Frequently silicone-coated and chemically treated to provide a smooth look, but after a few washings, it loses its quality. To make this kind of hair look smooth, it is usually acid-washed to eliminate cuticles and then covered with a synthetic layer. But when the layer is removed, the hair gets knotted and dry. 

- Synthetic Hair: Although it is made of plastic fibers and is intended to resemble real hair, it does not move naturally and does not respond well to heat treatment. Unlike actual human hair, synthetic hair frequently has an artificial sheen and is not as resistant to heat styling equipment.

- Mixed Hair: A blend of human and synthetic hair, often resulting in inconsistent textures and poor longevity. Although this kind of hair may initially seem silky, it rapidly becomes tangled, sheds, and loses its quality.

- Overly Coated Hair: To make hair look smooth and silky, some vendors put on a thick layer of silicone, but it soon comes off and exposes inferior hair below. Hair that is overly coated frequently has a slick texture and a temporary, false sheen.

Tests to Identify Real vs. Fake Raw Hair  

If you're unsure whether your raw hair is authentic, there are several simple tests you can perform:  

1. Cuticle Test

Touch the hair shaft with your fingertips. Because the cuticles are still intact, real raw hair should feel silky from root to tip and somewhat scratchy while traveling in the other way. This characteristic is frequently absent from processed or fake hair.

2. Water Test

A little piece of hair should be submerged in water. While synthetic or imitation hair may reject moisture because of chemical coats, real raw hair will naturally absorb moisture. This test aids in determining whether the hair has undergone extensive silicone processing.

3. Heat Test

Use a curling iron or flat iron to provide heat.  Whereas synthetic hair may melt, get sticky, or start to smell like burnt plastic, real hair reacts well to heat and keeps its structure and form.

4. Burn Test

Burn a small strand of hair. Real raw hair will burn into ash and have a scent similar to burning protein (like a feather), while synthetic hair will form a hard ball and smell like plastic.

5. Tangle Test

While artificial hair may tangle heavily, especially after washing, real raw hair should tangle very little since its cuticles are still intact.  It is probably not real raw hair if it gets matted or sticky after washing.

6. Shedding Test

Gently comb through the hair. Excessive shedding may indicate the presence of low-quality or mixed hair. High-quality raw hair should remain intact with minimal shedding.

Visual & Texture Differences

- Natural Variation: Raw hair should have slight variations in texture and color, as it has not been dyed or processed. If all bundles look unnaturally identical, they may be fake. Real raw hair maintains the donor’s natural shade, which may include subtle variations in tone.

- Shine & Feel: Real raw hair has a natural, healthy luster without being overly shiny. Fake hair, especially silicone-coated hair, may have an unnatural gloss. When you run your fingers through real raw hair, it should feel soft yet slightly coarse due to its natural cuticles.

- Reaction to Washing: After washing, raw hair should retain its natural softness and texture, while processed or fake hair may become stiff, tangled, or lose its artificial shine. This test is particularly useful in revealing silicone-coated hair, which may feel drastically different after a wash.

Buying Tips to Avoid Fake Raw Hair

To ensure you’re purchasing genuine raw hair, follow these essential tips:  

- Research Reputable Vendors: Buy from trusted vendors with a history of selling high-quality raw hair. Check reviews, social media pages, and customer feedback to ensure authenticity.

- Ask for Unprocessed Hair Videos: Request videos of the hair in its natural state, including how it moves and reacts to water. Vendors selling real raw hair should be able to provide proof that their hair is unprocessed.

- Look for Transparent Policies: Genuine hair vendors provide clear return and authenticity guarantees. Avoid vendors with vague descriptions and no refund policy. A lack of transparency is often a red flag for counterfeit hair.

- Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: If the price is significantly lower than market value, it’s likely fake or mixed hair. Authentic raw hair comes at a premium due to its quality. Cheap bundles are often an indication that the hair has been processed or mixed with synthetic fibers.

Conclusion

Making a wise investment requires understanding the difference between real and artificial raw hair. You can be sure you're obtaining 100% real raw hair by doing easy tests, examining texture and appearance, and purchasing from reliable vendors. Purchasing high-quality raw hair will provide you with gorgeous, long-lasting extensions that subtly improve your style. Make a secure purchase the next time you go shopping for raw hair by using these instructions to confirm its legitimacy!

Tag: Human hair extensions



Location: Nigeria

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