What is Remy Hair & Why is it Important for Hair Extensions?

The term “Remy Hair” gets thrown around a lot.

Is it a brand? A style? Are they good hair extensions? Bad hair extensions? What are Remy hair extensions?

Many terms in the hair industry get mixed around and used for marketing, branding, and advertising. As a hair business owner, it is essential to understand the terms used in the industry. You will find some clients who will “test you” on your knowledge. Learning the specifics of commonly used hair terms like “Remy” is really important for your success.

I take the time to write about this because our mission at AZ Hair is to help create hair brands for clients and we want them to be ready for every question sent their way.

Before we go into what Remy Hair is, you will first want to understand the breakdown of the components of human hair.

I. Components of Human Hair

The three most essential parts of a human hair strand are the Medulla, Cortex, and Cuticle. Understanding these elements will help you better visualize the human hair strand.

1. Medulla

The innermost layer of the hair shaft is the Medulla. A Medulla’s shaft is nearly invisible and considered very fragile. Even today, scientists are not 100% certain of the Medulla’s role but just that it exists. This portion of the hair is something you would never see or be able to feel. Of course, you could possibly see it with a high-powered microscope.

2. Cortex

The area of the shaft between the Medulla and Cuticle is the Cortex. A hair’s Cortex is the thickest hair layer containing the pigment to give the hair its color.

3. Cuticle

The outside layer of a human hair strand is known as the cuticle. This term is used a lot in the hair extension business. Some people even name their brands with this term.

The cuticle is an integral part of determining if the human hair is “Remy” vs. “Non-Remy.”

Dead cells that are overlapping create the actual cuticle portion of the hair. Despite being the outside layer, the cuticle does not affect the color of the hair as that is within the cortex. These dead cells give the hair strand strength and protection.

II. What Is Remy Hair?

Now that you know the composition of a strand of hair, lets discuss how it plays a role in determining what remy hair is.

Your natural hair lays in a downward position, and so do the cuticles in your hair. If you hold the bottom of your hair, wet your fingers, and run them up the strands, you will feel slight friction. Those are the scales of cuticles on the strands of your hair. If your hair extensions have all the cuticles running in the same direction, you would have genuine Remy hair.

Here is an example I made to give you a basic idea of Remy hair:

So What About Non-Remy Hair?

Non-Remy is hair that does not have its roots aligned (Roots and tips not traveling in the same direction).

Since the cuticle runs in both directions it requires a higher concentration of acid. Eventually resulting in hair with very low moisture, leading to dry straw-like hair.

III. How Is Remy Hair Collected?

The collection process can take place in a salon, lab, etc. This process is also when the collection of single-donor hair is critical.

You must band the hair before cutting the human hair to ensure the hair cuticles are facing the downward position. This method is the best method for collecting hair. As long as the strands stay in the same position during the shackling and wefting process, then you should have Remy hair extensions once the creation process is complete. After the vendor cuts the hair, it is then taken to a factory to be cleaned, processed, and bundled.

IV. Why is Remy Important for Hair Extensions?

Have you ever worn hair extensions that would instantly matte up and tangle? That is the worst, right?

When you are working with “Non-Remy” hair extensions, you will have strands of hair with cuticles going in both directions. This non-consistent direction will quickly cause problems with your hair extensions. With NON-REMY the hair cuticles are stripped usually from over processing and the hair is thrown together which causes tangling. To mask this some manufacturers use heavy silicone to make the hair appear shiny and healthy but beware as soon as you wash it the silicone comes off, and the hair mattes into a huge mess.

Manufacturers of hair extensions are more educated now and understand the importance of the entire process and the need for quality Remy hair. Let’s see Why is Remy hair the best choice in hair extensions!

1. Provide The Natural Look

If you are looking to invest in hair extensions, you obviously want hair that looks as natural as your own. As mentioned, the method in which Remy hair is collected provides a smooth texture and a natural look and feel that is comparable to your own hair.

2. Remy Hair Has Cuticles Remain Intact

As Remy hair goes through little processing and the cuticles remain intact, Remy hair extensions are less prone to tangling and becoming matted. As Remy hair extensions are free of silicone, they remain naturally silky and soft.

3. Can Treat The Same Way Like Your Own Hair

You can treat Remy hair extensions the same way you would your own hair. The hair is far more versatile when it comes to styling – you can straighten and curl your hair however you wish, tie it up however you like, and can even color it if you so desire.

4. Blend Completely With Your Natural Locks

If you are searching for hair extensions that look realistic and blend completely with your natural locks, Remy hair is the best choice for you. Unlike other human hair extensions, it is long-lasting and easy to work with.

V. How to Avoid Non-Remy Hair?

1. Avoid non-reputable Alibaba

Alibaba is a popular B2B platform that helps connect suppliers with buyers. Alibaba makes it easy enough to find a wholesale supplier in every field, and hair extensions are not exceptional. In fact, there are many reports of scams on Alibaba, as well as other issues such as customer service, packaging, shipping times, and more. I would advise you to purchase hair extensions from a verified hair supplier such as AZ Hair Vietnam – the first Vietnamese hair company that has been verified by Alibaba.

2. Call/Email The Company

Contacting a hair company before a purchase is great because it allows you to become educated about that company’s processing practices. Ask questions like, “How is your hair processed?” “Are the cuticles kept aligned and intact?” or any other inquiries you may have. If the phone agent sounds unsure, I wouldn’t recommend making a purchase.

3. Check Out The Reviews

Because all the reviews on a company’s web page will be positive, check out their Trustpilot or Google reviews. These reviews are left by customers and are not managed by the company.

4. Purchase Extensions Sample

Many hair companies allow you to buy a sample, which is either going to be a small strip of a bundle, or they may allow you to purchase one bundle at wholesale price. Purchasing a sample will enable you to see and feel the hair quality when the hair is fresh out of the packaging. However, it will not give you the same results as having a full head of hair installed for a few weeks.

Have a question about Remy Hair? Please leave it in the comments below!