What is Remy Hair & How is it Different from Non-Remy Hair?

Written by: Nancy Pinder

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Time to read 8 min

Remy hair and non-Remy hair are the most popular and sought-after types of human hair extensions. But what exactly does Remy mean? And why does everyone claim it’s better than non-Remy?


Just as with every product in the haircare and beauty industry, there are varying levels of quality, and you can usually tell the difference between the two. The same is true for human hair extensions. Remy hair is considered the highest quality and most luxurious type of human hair extensions, while non-Remy is a lower grade.


We only sell and always recommend opting for Remy to people looking to buy human hair extensions – you’ll get the most for your money, and it’s worth the extra spend. 

What is Remy Human Hair?

Remy human hair extensions are cuticles that have been preserved, meaning they haven’t been bleached or chemically treated in any way, and, for this reason, they're the highest quality and most popular type of hair extensions on the market. Sometimes, they might be referred to as virgin hair extensions.


Remy hair is the perfect choice for hair extensions! Not only does it have a natural look and last longer without tangling, but it also allows you to dye and style it just like your own hair.


If you want extensions that seamlessly blend with your natural hair and provide long-term value, Remy hair is definitely the way to go.

In this guide: 

 

What is Remy Human Hair?

Where Does Remy Human Hair Come From?

How Long Does Remy Hair Last?

Remy Human Hair Vs Non-Remy Hair

What’s the Difference Between Remy & Synthetic Hair?

How Do You Maintain Remy Hair?

Why We Only Use Remy Hair

Where Does Remy Human Hair Come From?

Originally, Remy hair came from one of four locations, but now it can be sourced from a range of regions. Those 4 original locations were:

  • India

  • Asia

  • Europe

  • Russia

A hair donor is paid for their hair, which is then sold to wig and extension makers. The careful collection method that we discussed earlier must be closely followed to make sure the hair is properly sorted and arranged in its natural direction.

 

Natural Remy hair extensions should always be collected from a single donor and never mixed with other hair types. This ensures that when you buy Remy hair, it will look and feel just like your own natural hair.

How Long Does Remy Hair Last?

The lifespan of Remy hair extensions can vary greatly depending on how well they're cared for and the method of installation.


With proper care and maintenance, Remy hair extensions can last up to a year. Regular brushing, using appropriate hair care products, and avoiding the overuse of heat styling tools can significantly prolong the life of your extensions.


It’s important to note that dying the extensions can also affect the lifespan of the hair, so opting for a good match for your natural hair is a great way to preserve the extensions.


It's also recommended to have them professionally installed and removed to prevent any damage to the hair (This doesn’t apply to clip-in Remy extensions).

Remy Human Hair vs Non-Remy Hair: What's the Difference?

Remy Hair

Non-Remy Hair

Collected with hair cuticles facing the same direction (From root to tip) Collected in piles, so cuticles aren’t aligned (Roots and tips mixed up)
Less likely to become tangled, matted, or shed More likely to become tangled, matted, or shed
Hair is smoother & shiner Hair appears less shiny
Higher quality = more expensive Lower quality = less expensive

Understanding the differences between Remy human hair extensions and non-Remy human hair extensions is crucial when deciding which ones to invest in. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine the right type for you.


So, we're going to break down the key differences between Remy and non-Remy hair to help.

As you have probably already gathered, there are several benefits to choosing Remy human hair extensions over non-Remy hair, the most important of which we’ve laid out for you below.

The Way the Hair is Collected

Remy hair is a hair industry term which describes the purity and quality of the human hair used for extensions. Remy hair is collected super carefully in order to make sure the hair cuticles are all properly aligned, with the root at the top of the bunch and tips (obviously) at the end. This means the strands are nearly identical in all aspects, including length.


In comparison, non-Remy hair strands are collected from piles or heaps, typically from hair salons or suppliers. The hair is all messed up, so there’s no telling the roots from the tips.


This means all the cuticles aren't aligned like they are with Remy hair, so the root and tip directions aren't facing all the same way. This makes the hair much more susceptible to matting and shedding, significantly reducing the lifespan and value of the hair.

Remy Hair is Less Likely to Become Tangled

As we’ve briefly mentioned, Remy human hair extensions are much less likely to tangle or mat than non-Remy extensions because of the uni-lateral cuticles. Because the strands all face the same direction, there is a natural smoothness to the hair, which discourages knots because there is no friction between the strands.


On the other hand, non-Remy hair extensions don’t have the same uniformity and are often matted or tangled, making them harder to manage and style. The more you have to de-tangle your extensions, the more likely they are to shed, reducing their lifespan significantly.

Remy Hair Appears Smoother & Shinier

Remy hair extensions have a beautiful shine and silky smooth texture that distinguishes them from non-Remy alternatives.


This exceptional quality is a result of the way Remy hair is collected, which preserves the natural alignment of the hair cuticles from root to tip. 


Not only does this alignment prevent tangling, but it also enhances light reflection, resulting in a glossy appearance. 


The high-quality processing of Remy hair also avoids harsh chemicals that can dull its natural shine, ensuring it maintains a pristine and healthy look.


A lot of non-Remy hair producers use a silicone-based product to make the hair appear shiny, but this wears off over time, leaving the hair looking patchy and tired.

The Difference in Price

Non-Remy hair extensions are a more affordable option compared to Remy extensions. If you have a limited budget and don't plan on wearing the extensions for an extended period of time, they can still be a suitable choice.


However, if you're looking for long-term value and the best possible quality, Remy hair extensions are worth the investment. Their durability, natural look, and versatility make them a favourite among stylists and customers alike.


If you take into account how long they’ll last you and how easy they are to take care of, suddenly, that price tag doesn’t seem so scary. In fact, when you look at the long-term picture, they’re actually an incredibly cost-effective solution.

What’s the Difference Between Remy & Synthetic Hair?

There are some crucial differences between Remy hair extensions and synthetic extensions. We’ve broken it down for you to help you understand which types of extensions are right for you.


Remy Hair

Synthetic Hair

Made from human hair with the cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction.

Synthetic hair extensions are made from artificial fibres designed to mimic human hair. 

They can also be styled and dyed just like your natural hair. 

Synthetic hair can't be dyed and is more susceptible to damage from heat styling. 

Remy hair extensions can last up to 6-8 months with proper maintenance. 

Synthetic hair extensions tend to last a good few months if they’re properly maintained.

Remy extensions are more expensive than synthetic options. 

Synthetic hair extensions are generally less expensive.

How Do You Maintain Remy Human Hair?

Remy hair extensions should be maintained properly to ensure that they’ll last as long as possible and minimise the potential for damage. Luckily, maintaining the extensions is pretty easy, and we’ve got all the expert tips!


Remy extensions are human hair, and therefore, anything that you can do to your hair, you can do to the extensions; this includes heat styling and beauty products—just caring for the extensions exactly the same way you do your natural hair.


They need to be brushed carefully before and after use. You should wash them regularly, although not as often as your real hair. Our Hair Extensions Full Care Set has all of the products you need to give your Remy extensions the love and care they need.


You can occasionally give them a conditioning treatment, too, if you think they need it.

Why We Only Use Remy Hair

At RiRi Hair Extensions, we're dedicated to offering our customers the finest quality products. That's why we exclusively use Remy Hair for our human hair extensions.


Remy Hair maintains its natural look and feel thanks to the intact and aligned cuticles. This ensures a seamless blend with your own hair. With its resistance to tangling and matting, our 22" Human Hair Tape Extensions, and our 8-piece 20" Human Hair Clip-in Hair Extensions are not only durable but also easy to manage.


The versatility of Remy Hair allows for various styling options, which means you can dye and heat-style your Bella Long 20” Wig, just like your natural hair. 


While Remy Hair extensions may have a higher upfront cost, their exceptional longevity and superior quality make them a cost-effective choice in the long run. By choosing RiRi Hair Extensions, you can trust that we are committed to enhancing your natural beauty and ensuring your complete satisfaction

Summary: Remy Hair is Totally Worth It

Remy hair extensions are definitely a smart investment. They offer unmatched quality, a natural look, and incredible versatility. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term advantages, such as easy maintenance and durability, make them well worth the price.


Opt for Remy hair extensions for a seamless blend with your natural hair and an exceptional styling experience.

FAQs

Is Remy Hair the Best For Extensions?

Yes, Remy Hair is considered the best choice for extensions due to its high quality and natural look. The cuticles are preserved and aligned in the same direction, which prevents tangling and matting. This type of hair can be dyed and styled just like natural hair, offering a seamless blend with your own hair. It is also longer-lasting, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

How Long Does Remy Human Hair Last?

Remy human hair extensions, when properly cared for, can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months or even longer. This involves regular gentle brushing, washing with recommended products, and minimising heat styling. However, the actual lifespan can depend on how frequently they are worn and your overall hair care routine.

Can You Heat-Style Remy Hair?

Remy hair is human hair, and as such, it can be treated exactly the same as you would your hair. This means you can use heated styling products on them; you should be using heat-protectant spray if you do.

How Can You Tell the Quality of Remy Human Hair?

Remy hair extensions are verified externally as Remy hair. Therefore, the quality is all but guaranteed. If you look for Remy hair in a store, you should be able to assess the quality for yourself. The hair should be perfectly uniform. This means that they should all be the same length and smoothness with an absence of split ends.

Nancy Pinder

Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions. 


Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!

Find Nancy on TikTok!

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