Things to Know - Beginner's Manual - Hair Types
Below you will find the most common questions and corresponding answers. Click on any of the below links and you'll be directed to that section. We have tried to be as thorough as possible with each answer by providing helpful links where appropriate.
HAIR TYPES
PROS CONS of Fiber Types
FIBER TYPE | PROS | CONS |
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PREMIUM & REMY HUMAN HAIR |
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HUMAN HAIR |
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SYNTHETIC |
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HIGH-RESISTANT (HEAT-FRIENDLY) SYNTHETIC |
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BROWSE FOR FIBER TYPE
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Blake
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Without Consequence
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Chelsea
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Millie
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Olympia
Remy & Premium Human Hair / Human Hair
Human hair that is sourced for alternative hair systems goes through extensive processing in the factory. It is first separated by quantity, length, hair type (origin), and color. It is then sorted by Remy and non-Remy hair; the two are then processed separately after that. It is important to consider certain things before chemically treating human hair. Human hair that is naturally growing on the head can react much differently to chemical processing than hair that is used in alternative hair systems (wigs, partial systems, and extensions). Since most of the hair collected is darker colored, it is gently lightened and then colored with textile-like dyes to produce all different colors. Due to the use of textile-like dyes in the processing of human hair, we recommend that a professional do any coloring, lightening (bleaching), or depositing color on any human hair system.
“Remy” and “Non-Remy” are terms that refer to one of the processing steps in sorting human hair.
Remy human hair is hair that is cut/collected uniformly from one source, with the root end and tip end always running in the same direction so the cuticle runs in the same order.
Non-Remy human hair is hair that is collected from multiple sources that cannot guarantee the root and tip ends are running in the same direction. Thus the hair must be treated to partially remove some of the cuticles. If the cuticle is not processed correctly, this can cause severe tangling, as the cuticles will get caught on one another running in opposite directions. Double-draw hair is a term used to describe hair that has been cut at both ends, (generally in a ponytail) so the whole bundle of hair measures the same length.
Human Hair Blend
Considering the high costs of real human hair wigs, human hair blend wigs are getting more and more popular nowadays. The human hair blend wigs make you can not only get a fashionable look but also enjoy minimal care and maximum styling options.
They can offer the best characteristics of both human hair and synthetic. You can get both the natural look of human hair and the easy styling features of synthetic. Human hair blend wigs have heat-friendly synthetic fiber that is mixed which closely resembles human hair and can withstand heat which means it can be curled and flat ironed.
Human hair and synthetic blend wigs create a medium in terms of cost and make those luscious locks also affordable for the general public. If you are currently deciding which wig to purchase, and do not want to invest too much money but get the utmost natural look, the human hair blend wig will definitely be a good choice.
Synthetic Hair
Wigs are made with a blend of Kanekalon fibers that are designed to hold their style and shape.
Synthetic wigs are a great choice for the following:
- Staying within a limited budget
- Have little time or capacity to provide home care and maintenance to a wig
- Are experiencing temporary hair loss (chemotherapy treatments, stress, etc.)
The major benefits of purchasing a synthetic wig are that they are reasonably priced, the color is permanent, and styling and maintenance are easy. Also, synthetic fiber will hold its style through washing, environment/weather, and being stored. If you wish to change the style of the fiber, a steamer can be used. You cannot apply any heat and it will not accept human hair dyes, as it does not absorb anything.
Heat-Resistant Synthetic Hair (Heat-Friendly/Head Defiant Fiber)
Heat Defiant Fiber is a second-generation fiber called “Futura ST.” HD fiber mimics human hair like no other synthetic fiber, giving the wearer benefit and flexibility of styling without the cost of human hair. HD fiber also has style memory, so it will hold better than human hair whatever style is put into it, even its exposure to the environment.
HD fiber can withstand temperatures up to a certain level that the manufacturers recommend. But due to its finer denier, using professional styling tools with digital settings is best for the fiber. We recommend testing a small portion of hair inside and using it at a lower temperature than the manufacturers recommend. It is important to use the right tools designated for HD fiber since the fact that other brushes, combs, and picks cause tension on the fiber, leading to stretching and retracting of the fiber (much like a ribbon). This will cause tangling and frizzing and will damage the fiber over time.
If you start to notice some frizzing on the ends from the normal wear (common in the areas that touch the body) you can simply mist with the care products for HD fiber and flat iron slowly in small sections to help remove frizz. If the fiber has extensive frizzing, a steamer can be used by a professional in those areas to help release the frizz.