6A, 8A, 10A, 12A Hair Extensions Explained

When it comes to choosing hair extensions, the terms 6A, 8A, 10A, and 12A hair extensions often pop up, but what do they really mean? These grades can be confusing for first-time buyers and even seasoned extension users. The quality, durability, and overall feel of your hair extensions can vary depending on their grade, and knowing the difference can help you make the right choice for your style needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between these hair grades, so you can confidently choose the best hair extensions for your next transformation.

I. What Do Hair Extension Grades Mean?

Hair extension grades are a way to classify the quality of the hair. They give buyers an idea of the texture, lifespan, and price point of the product. The higher the grade number, the better the overall quality. These grades typically refer to:

Hair Quality: Whether it’s raw, virgin, remy, or non-remy hair.
Durability: How long the hair lasts before shedding, tangling, or breaking down.
Cuticle Alignment: Whether the cuticles are intact and facing the same direction.
Hair Processing: The level of chemical processing done to achieve the desired texture and color.

Let’s take a closer look at each grade to understand how they differ.

II. Understanding Hair Grades - 6A, 8A, 10A, 12A Hair Extensions

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your current extensions, knowing what sets these grades apart will empower you to choose the best option for your hair type and lifestyle.

6A Hair Extensions: Affordable and Reliable

6A hair extensions are the entry-level option for those seeking a blend of affordability and style. This grade is typically made of 100% human hair, but the quality is lower than higher-grade extensions. Often, 6A hair has undergone more processing, such as bleaching, dyeing, or texturizing, to achieve various looks.

Price: Budget-friendly, making it accessible for beginners.
Hair Type: Usually Remy hair
Lifespan: Lasts 2-4 months with proper care.
Texture: Soft but lacks the shine and durability of higher grades.

→ 6A hair is a good option if you’re experimenting with extensions or need a more affordable solution for special events. However, it not hold up as well to frequent styling, washing, or heat treatments.

8A Hair Extensions: The Mid-Tier Upgrade

8A hair extensions are an excellent choice for those seeking better quality without breaking the bank. This grade often comes from 100% Remy hair, meaning it hasn’t been chemically processed and retains its natural strength and softness.

Price: Mid-range, offering a balance between affordability and quality.
Hair Type: Typically made of virgin remy hair with cuticles intact and aligned.
Lifespan: Can last up to 12 months with proper care.
Texture: Smoother and shinier than 6A hair, with better resistance to tangling and shedding.

→ 8A hair extensions are versatile and can withstand more styling than 6A hair. They are ideal for those who want a natural look and longer-lasting extensions without the high price tag.

10A Hair Extensions: Premium Quality for a Luxurious Look

10A hair extensions are where luxury meets performance. If you’re looking for high-quality extensions that offer a natural feel, minimal maintenance, and long-lasting durability, this grade is for you. 10A hair is often made of 100% virgin human hair, ensuring minimal processing and excellent cuticle alignment.

Price: Higher price point but worth the investment for long-term use.
Hair Type: Virgin remy hair, typically single-donor hair, meaning all strands come from one person.
Lifespan: Can last 1-2 years with proper care.
Texture: Ultra-soft, smooth, and shiny with no tangling or shedding issues.

→ 10A hair extensions offer excellent versatility, allowing you to color, style, and heat-treat them without damaging the hair. These extensions maintain their texture and volume even with frequent use, making them a top choice for those who want a premium hair experience.

12A Hair Extensions: The Best of the Best

At the top of the grading scale, 12A hair extensions are the ultimate choice for those who want the best quality available. This grade consists of 100% virgin human hair, often collected from a single donor to ensure the cuticles are intact and aligned. 12A extensions are designed for those who prioritize durability, longevity, and a flawless appearance.

Price: The most expensive but a worthy investment for luxury seekers.
Hair Type: Raw, single-donor hair with perfect cuticle alignment.
Lifespan: Can last 2-3 years with proper maintenance.
Texture: Silky, soft, and shiny with zero tangling or shedding, even after extensive use.

→ 12A hair extensions are designed to withstand heavy styling, including bleaching and dyeing, without losing their natural texture or shine. If you’re looking for the highest quality hair that can last for years, 12A is the ultimate choice.

III. 6A, 8A, 10A, 12A Hair Extensions Compare To Vietnamese Hair Grades

When shopping for hair extensions, the grading system can be confusing. Terms like 6A, 8A, 10A, and 12A often pop up, these grades, commonly used by suppliers, represent the quality, durability, and overall structure of the extensions. On the other hand, Vietnamese hair – known for its natural strength and shine – follows its own grading system that reflects a different standard. In this section, we’ll break down how these two systems compare.

1. Single Drawn Hair vs 6A, 8A, 10A, 12A Hair Extensions

Single Drawn Hair includes strands of different lengths, which gives a more natural look with a subtle taper towards the ends because only about 50% of the hair strands are full-length. It’s less expensive and is commonly used by those who prefer a more natural, slightly uneven finish.
6A hair extensions are similar to single drawn in the sense that it offers an affordable option but might not be as full at the ends. While 8A hair extensions, though they are better than 6A and more suitable for frequent use, are still comparable to a single drawn in terms of volume at the ends.

2. Double Drawn Hair vs 6A, 8A, 10A, 12A Hair Extensions

Double Drawn Hair has most of the shorter strands removed, so about 70-80% of the hair is of equal length. This hair provides a voluminous, luxurious appearance that is perfect for those wanting thicker hair extensions.
10A Hair Extensions is compared to double drawn in terms of thickness and quality. The extensions have a more uniform thickness, which can achieve a full-bodied, luxurious look. The highest grade of extensions, 12A hair extensions offer uniform thickness from root to tip like double-drawn but with even better durability and shine.

3. Super Double Drawn Hair vs 6A, 8A, 10A, 12A Hair Extensions

Super Double Drawn Hair is the highest quality in terms of fullness, with nearly 90-95% of the strands being the same length. This means the hair looks thick, full, and luxurious all the way through. This hair creates a high-end, voluminous appearance ideal for those who want a dramatically full hairstyle.
12A Hair Extensions is comparable to super double drawn in terms of premium quality and fullness. Both offer the same thick and luxurious appearance but 12A hair may also provide more versatility in styling and durability.

IV. How to Choose the Right Hair Extension Grade for You?

Selecting the right grade depends on several factors, including your budget, how long you plan to wear the extensions, and how often you intend to style them.

If you’re on a budget and only need hair extensions for occasional use, 6A hair extensions may be your best option.
For everyday wear that requires more durability, consider 8A hair extensions.
If you want premium quality and plan to style your hair frequently, investing in 10A hair will give you the versatility you need.
For the ultimate luxury experience, with minimal maintenance and a long lifespan, choose 12A hair extensions.

V. Conclusion

Understanding the difference between 6A, 8A, 10A, and 12A hair extensions is key to choosing the right product for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious, long-lasting investment, knowing the pros and cons of each grade will guide you to make an informed decision.