When it comes to purchasing raw Indian hair, ensuring that you get the best quality is key. High-quality raw Indian hair can make all the difference in your extensions or wigs, providing you with a natural look, durability, and long-lasting wear. However, with the growing demand for raw Indian hair and the increasing number of suppliers, identifying the best quality hair can be overwhelming.
In this blog, we will walk you through 6 simple tips that can help you identify high-quality raw Indian hair. Whether you’re new to purchasing hair extensions or a seasoned user, these tips will help you make an informed decision and get the best possible results for your style.
1. Check the Sourcing and Authenticity
One of the first things you need to check when buying raw Indian hair is where and how the hair is sourced. High-quality raw Indian hair should be ethically collected directly from the donors, often through temples or voluntary donors. This hair has not been processed, colored, or chemically treated.
Why Sourcing Matters:
- Ethical Sourcing: Raw Indian hair is usually collected during religious rituals or voluntary donations. This ensures the hair is natural, clean, and treated with respect.
- Authenticity: Genuine raw Indian hair is free from synthetic blends and chemicals. If the hair has been chemically treated or mixed with synthetic fibers, it will lose its natural qualities.
How to Check:
- Ask for Information About the Source: Reputable suppliers will share details about where the hair is sourced. They should explain whether the hair comes from single donors and if it is ethically collected.
- Check the Price: Be wary of prices that seem too low. High-quality raw Indian hair requires careful handling and ethical sourcing, which means it comes with a reasonable price tag.
2. Feel the Texture of the Hair
The texture of raw Indian hair is a clear indicator of its quality. High-quality hair should be soft, smooth, and natural to the touch. Raw Indian hair can come in different textures such as straight, wavy, or curly, but regardless of the texture, the hair should feel healthy and strong.
Why Texture Matters:
- Smooth and Soft: When raw Indian hair is of good quality, it should be smooth, soft, and have a natural feel. The texture should be consistent throughout the length of the hair.
- No Coarseness or Dryness: Coarse or dry hair often indicates that the hair has been processed or damaged.
How to Check:
- Run Your Fingers Through It: Gently run your fingers through the hair to assess its texture. High-quality raw Indian hair will feel soft, smooth, and easy to run your fingers through without tangling.
- Examine the Shine: Raw Indian hair typically has a healthy, natural shine. It shouldn’t appear dull or too shiny. If the hair looks overly shiny or greasy, it might be a sign that it has been coated with artificial products.
3. Check the Cuticle Alignment
One of the most important qualities of raw Indian hair is that the cuticles should be intact and aligned in the same direction. The cuticle refers to the outer layer of the hair shaft, and when the cuticles are aligned, the hair behaves naturally. This alignment prevents tangling, reduces shedding, and contributes to a smooth, glossy appearance.
Why Cuticle Alignment Matters:
- Prevents Tangles and Shedding: Proper cuticle alignment ensures that the hair doesn’t tangle easily. When the cuticles face in different directions, the hair will snag and knot more easily.
- Increases Durability: Hair with intact and aligned cuticles lasts longer, as it’s less likely to experience breakage or wear over time.
How to Check:
- Look at the Ends: The ends of the hair should be thick and full, not thin or frail. If the ends look thin or are split, it could indicate that the hair has been processed or poorly handled.
- Tug Gently: Gently tug on a small section of hair. If the hair resists and feels smooth, it’s likely that the cuticles are properly aligned. If the hair feels rough and tangles easily, it may have been improperly handled.
4. Examine the Shedding and Tangle Test
A high-quality raw Indian hair should not shed excessively or tangle easily. While some shedding is normal when washing or brushing hair, excessive shedding or tangling is a sign of poor quality or improper handling.
Why Shedding and Tangles Matter:
- Low Shedding: Quality raw Indian hair will shed minimally. Excessive shedding usually occurs when the hair is processed or the cuticles are damaged.
- No Excessive Tangles: Tangles can be frustrating and time-consuming to deal with. If raw Indian hair tangles too easily, it could be a sign that the hair isn’t of the best quality.
How to Check:
- Run a Comb Through It: Use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb through the hair. High-quality raw Indian hair should not get tangled easily, even when wet.
- Check for Shedding: Lightly tug at a small section of the hair and gently pull. If you notice a lot of shedding or the hair appears to break off, it may not be raw or may have been processed.
5. Look for Healthy Ends
The ends of raw Indian hair should be healthy, full, and thick. Split or thin ends can be an indication of hair that has been poorly handled or damaged. Healthy ends mean that the hair was properly collected, maintained, and stored.
Why Healthy Ends Matter:
- Indicates Proper Handling: Healthy, full ends suggest that the hair has been well taken care of and hasn’t been over-processed or subjected to harsh chemicals.
- Long-Lasting Hair: Full ends contribute to the overall durability of the hair. If the ends are thin or split, the hair will not last as long and may become frizzy or brittle.
How to Check:
- Examine the Ends Closely: Take a close look at the ends of the hair. They should be thick and not appear frail or split. High-quality raw Indian hair will have full, healthy ends that match the rest of the hair.
- Stretch the Hair: Lightly stretch a strand of hair. If the ends break or become thin, it could indicate poor quality.
6. Test for Color Consistency
High-quality raw Indian hair should have natural color consistency. Whether it’s natural black, brown, or even lighter shades, the color should be even throughout the hair. If the hair has been dyed or processed, there may be noticeable inconsistencies or color variations.
Why Color Consistency Matters:
- Natural Appearance: Consistent color ensures the hair looks natural and blends seamlessly with your own hair.
- No Signs of Bleaching or Dying: Raw Indian hair should not show signs of over-processed or over-dyed strands. If there are color inconsistencies, it could indicate the hair has been bleached or chemically treated.
How to Check:
- Look for Natural Variations: Raw Indian hair often has subtle natural color variations, which is normal. However, if you see obvious patches or uneven color distribution, it may indicate the hair has been treated or isn’t raw.
- Check for Shine and Luster: Healthy hair, including the color, should shine with a natural glow. If the hair looks dull or inconsistent in color, it may be an indication of poor quality or over-processing.
Conclusion
Identifying high-quality raw Indian hair is essential if you want to achieve a natural, flawless look with your extensions or wigs. By following these six simple tips—checking for authenticity and sourcing, feeling the texture, examining the cuticle alignment, testing for shedding and tangles, looking for healthy ends, and checking for color consistency—you can ensure that you’re purchasing the best quality hair available.
Taking the time to inspect the raw Indian hair before buying will give you the confidence that your hair extensions will not only look great but will also last longer and maintain their natural shine. Remember, investing in raw Indian hair is an investment in your overall beauty, so choose wisely!
