Where Do Human Hair Extensions Come From? Revealed!
The Truth Revealed: Where Do Human Hair Extensions Come From
The ever-popular question today is where does the hair come from and whether it is ethically sourced? There is no governing body for human hair, therefore, the best we can do is work with factories that are part of "Fair Trade," which only purchase human hair from mass collection sites where men and women are paid a fair value for their hair. Mass collection sites exist worldwide, and working with a large factory helps to ensure the hair is not collected in a nefarious fashion. A large factory relies on dependability and consistent quantities, which a collection site can ensure. Still, the industry is wrought with unethical practices, and this ignorance surrounding sourcing methods exacerbates the problem on the internet. We do our level best to source fair trade hair and products.
Where Do Most Hair Extensions Come From?
Most hair comes from the continent of Asia, from Cambodia to India, and Malaysia. Most hair factories are located in China where the collected hair is processed and manufactured into wigs and a variety of hair extensions worth thousands of dollars. Actual Russian hair is pretty much non-existent! Most Russian women wear hair extensions and are unwilling to sell their hair. The closest country to sell Russian hair is Mongolia, situated between China and Russia. Russian hair is often a myth, it is not unusual to walk through a hair factory in China and see boxes being shipped to Russia! The 'gaf' is the hair that is then shipped to the United States and Europe.
Where do human hair extensions typically originate from?
Human hair extensions typically come from various sources, including India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia. These regions are known for their hair quality, which is often virgin hair that has not been chemically treated, offering a natural look and feel when used as extensions.
Hair Extensions from Brazil
There are some hair collection sites in Brazil, and we work with the country's largest hair supplier. Brazil offers all types of wavy, curly, and deep curly hair with the least amount of processing. Brazilian hair strands are stronger than other countries and are not easily destroyed when processed. If you have purchased curly hair from a company that only deals with Asian hair, you will find the curl loosens quickly, this is because they are working with straight hair.
Hair Extensions from Asia
Asian hair is not inferior hair, but it all starts with the collection process. If the hair is virgin (one-donor) hair, then it is collected from one person, which creates color consistency and resilience. Indian hair is generally not virgin (one-donor), but the better quality hair is "Remy," meaning the hair's cuticle is aligned in different directions as it grew from the donor. Additionally, hair brushes can play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of the hair collected. The strands of Indian hair are fine, whereas Cambodian, Malaysian, and Mongolian hair strands are thicker and more durable.
European Hair Extensions: The Premium Choice
European hair extensions are often regarded as the premium choice in the hair extension industry. Sourced primarily from Eastern European countries, including Ukraine and Russia, these extensions are known for their superior quality and durability. The majority of European hair is collected ethically, often from women who donate their hair in exchange for a small fee or for various reasons, including religious practices. This ensures that the hair is of high quality, often virgin and minimally processed, retaining its natural structure and luster.
European hair extensions typically last longer than their Asian counterparts, with many users reporting that they can maintain their quality for up to a year with proper care. The hair strands are thicker and more resilient, which makes them ideal for various styling options. Additionally, the texture of European hair tends to blend seamlessly with many hair types, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural look. It's important to note that while European hair may come with a higher price tag, the investment is often justified by the longevity and aesthetic appeal of the extensions.
Ethically Sourced Hair Extensions At Noelle Salon
As a responsible hair extension salon and vendor, we do our due diligence to work with ethically sourced hair from any country. It is important for us to ask our factory where the hair comes from and how it was collected in the supply chain. The factories we work with provide live videos to us and we literally watch the hair being auctioned off. In certain circumstances, we have videos of collection sites where men and women are willing to sell their hair and be paid for it, similar to practices of Dan Choi, founder of REMY NY.
Noelle Salon offers our exclusive brand of Veila Hair extensions, known for the pull-thru technique, which has made a fantastic mark in the hair extension industry, including in Vietnam, and has garnered attention from figures such as Dan Choi, offering no glue, tape, or sewing.
About Noelle Salon and Veila Hair Extensions
Noelle Spinosa, owner of Noelle Salon and Veila Hair Extensions, evaluates your natural hair, and listens to the client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. She's used human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and they have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, and Keratin enjoy using the Veila Pull-thru method with the Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or looking for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out and explore the possibilities.
The Pros and Cons of Different Hair Extension Types
When it comes to the hair trade and hair extensions, understanding the pros and cons of different types, including high-quality synthetic extensions, is crucial. The hair extension industry offers a variety of options, including synthetic extensions, which are often more affordable but lack the natural feel and longevity of human hair. Real human hair extensions, on the other hand, can be quite an investment but provide a more authentic look and durability.
However, not all human hair extensions are created equal. Types sourced from various regions, such as Asian or European countries, as well as North America, come with their unique advantages and disadvantages. For instance, while Asian hair extensions are generally more affordable, they often undergo significant chemical processing, which can affect their quality. Conversely, European hair extensions, while pricier, are often less processed and can last longer, making them a worthwhile consideration for anyone serious about their hair extension choices. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your budget, desired look, and the level of maintenance you're willing to commit to.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Asian Hair Extensions
Asian hair extensions, particularly those sourced from countries like Hong Kong, India, and China, offer a unique set of advantages and disadvantages, especially in terms of extension hair quality. One of the primary benefits is affordability; these extensions are often less expensive compared to their European counterparts. Additionally, the wide variety of textures and styles available from Asian sources makes them an appealing option for many consumers.
However, there are notable drawbacks. Many Asian hair extensions undergo extensive chemical processing, which can compromise their quality and longevity. This packaging processing often results in hair that may initially appear beautiful but can quickly become dry and tangled. Furthermore, the sourcing practices for some Asian hair can raise ethical concerns, particularly regarding the origin and treatment of the individuals selling their hair, including the potential for lice. It's essential to research and choose reputable suppliers to ensure that the extensions you purchase align with your values, particularly in an industry where transparency is often lacking.
The Unique Benefits and Challenges of Slavic Hair Extensions
Slavic hair extensions are becoming increasingly popular in the market due to their unique characteristics. Known for their high quality and durability, Slavic extensions often come from women in Eastern European countries, which means they are usually virgin hair, minimally processed, and retain their natural texture and sheen. This makes them a favorite among those seeking a premium product that blends seamlessly with various hair types.
However, sourcing Slavic hair can be challenging due to its limited availability and higher price point. As high demand increases, it may become harder to find reliable suppliers who offer genuine Slavic hair available today. Additionally, the cost of these extensions can be significantly higher than other options, which may deter some consumers. Despite these challenges, many find that the investment in Slavic hair extensions pays off in terms of longevity and overall appearance, making them a worthwhile consideration for anyone looking to elevate their hair game.
