Hair Glossary

The term Virgin Hair can refer to hair which has never been chemically altered with bleach, hair color or chemical texturizing services such as relaxers, chemical straighteners or Brazilian straighteners. Chemical hair services are so popular in many parts of the world that its rare to find people with completely virgin hair. The term Virgin Hair can also refer to human hair utilized in the hair extension industry. Virgin Hair is human hair which is still in its original state as it was when it was harvested from the person who grew the hair. This also means the hair has not been chemically altered or processed in any way. When Virgin Hair is harvested for the purposes of being sold for hair extensions it is very carefully cut with all of the cuticles going in the same direction. This is important for the best possible results. The hair, once it is cut, is preserved to maximize its special quality. Harvesting hair in this manner takes more time, which contributes to the premium price of this hair. Virgin hair can be of any ethnic origin. It used to be that the best quality hair used for hair extensions and wigs originated from Russia, the Ulkrain or Turkey. This was especially true many years ago, but may no longer be as true due to the introduction of chemical hair processing in those areas of the world and the scarcity of available hair donors. As of 2011 the best hair comes from a wide range of countries. The hair industry has changed drastically over the past ten years and the introduction of high quality synthetic hair which looks and feels like human hair has been changing the face of the hair extension and wig industries. While 100% virgin hair is still highly valued some experts in the industry believe that eventually hair that is of equal or better quality will be able to be manufactured rather than harvested from human heads.