Human Hair 101: Everything You Need to Know About Its Care and Maintenance

Maintaining raw and virgin hair is an art that requires attention, patience, and the right techniques. While these hair types offer exceptional quality and longevity, misconceptions surrounding their care can often lead to confusion or damage. Whether you’re a long-time wearer of raw and virgin hair or just starting your journey, understanding how to care for them properly can make all the difference in ensuring your hair remains healthy, vibrant, and beautiful.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the essential care tips for raw and virgin hair, debunk common myths, and set the record straight. If you’re investing in premium-quality hair, you deserve to know how to keep it looking its best. So, let’s get started with the basics of caring for raw and virgin hair.

What Is Raw and Virgin Hair?

Before jumping into maintenance, it’s important to clarify what raw and virgin hair actually is.

Raw hair is hair that has not undergone any chemical processing. It is collected from a single donor, meaning that the texture and quality are uniform. Raw hair retains its natural texture and cuticles, giving it a natural shine and durability. Because of its authenticity, raw hair is often the highest quality available on the market.

Virgin hair refers to hair that has not been dyed, permed, or chemically treated. It can come from multiple donors but still retains its natural state. Virgin hair offers great versatility and can be styled, dyed, or treated to suit your personal needs.

Both types are highly sought after for their natural appearance and longevity, but this also means that proper maintenance is key to keeping them looking their best.

Proper Care for Raw and Virgin Hair

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve into how to properly care for your raw and virgin hair extensions, bundles, closures, or wigs.

1. Gentle Cleansing:

One of the most important steps in caring for raw and virgin hair is proper cleansing. Because this hair type retains its natural cuticles, using a gentle shampoo is essential to avoid stripping away its natural oils. Harsh shampoos, particularly those containing sulfates, can cause dryness and weaken the hair over time. Opt for sulfate-free and hydrating shampoos to ensure that the hair remains soft and moisturised.

After shampooing, follow up with a moisturising conditioner. Let the conditioner sit for several minutes to deeply nourish the hair. This helps lock in moisture, ensuring the hair stays smooth and tangle-free.

2. Minimal Heat Styling:

While raw and virgin hair can withstand heat better than synthetic alternatives, excessive use of hot tools can cause long-term damage. Heat weakens the hair’s structure and can make it more prone to breakage. If you do use heat styling tools, be sure to apply a heat protectant spray first to create a protective barrier.

Try to limit heat styling as much as possible, opting for alternative methods such as air drying or styling with flexi rods, twist-outs, or braids to achieve waves and curls without heat.

3. Hydration is Key:

Hydration plays a critical role in maintaining the longevity of your raw and virgin hair. Just like your natural hair, these extensions require regular moisturising to prevent them from becoming dry or brittle. Use a leave-in conditioner or lightweight natural oils such as argan or jojoba oil to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. Focus on the ends of the hair, as they tend to dry out faster.

Regular deep conditioning treatments can also go a long way in keeping the hair soft and manageable. Aim to deep condition once every two weeks or as needed based on the hair’s texture and condition.

4. Gentle Detangling:

When it comes to detangling, patience is essential. Avoid aggressive combing or brushing, especially when the hair is wet, as this can lead to breakage. Start by using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, and begin at the ends, working your way up to the roots. This method helps minimise tangles and breakage, ensuring that your hair stays full and luscious.

Using a detangling spray can make the process easier and provide additional moisture to the hair.

5. Protective Styling:

Protective styling is key to extending the life of your raw and virgin hair. Styles like braids, twists, buns, or updos reduce the hair’s exposure to environmental stressors such as heat, pollution, and humidity. Not only do these styles keep your hair safe, but they also help preserve your extensions and minimise tangling or shedding.

When you’re not wearing your extensions or wig, be sure to store them properly in a satin or silk bag to prevent friction and breakage.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Raw and Virgin Hair

Despite the high quality of raw and virgin hair, several misconceptions still exist about how to maintain it. Let’s address a few of the most common myths and provide clarity:

1. Myth: Raw and virgin hair doesn’t require maintenance.

Reality: While raw and virgin hair is known for its durability, it is by no means maintenance-free. Just like natural hair, it requires regular care to stay soft, healthy, and manageable. Without proper cleansing, moisturising, and styling, even the finest quality hair can become dry, tangled, or damaged over time.

2. Myth: Any shampoo and conditioner will work.

Reality: Using the right products is essential to maintaining the integrity of raw and virgin hair. Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are the best choice, as they cleanse without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can weaken the hair’s structure and cause long-term damage.

3. Myth: Daily washing is necessary to keep the hair clean.

Reality: Overwashing raw and virgin hair can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Instead, wash the hair only when necessary. Between washes, you can use dry shampoo or a lightweight refresher spray to maintain its freshness and volume.

4. Myth: Raw and virgin hair is indestructible and can withstand any styling.

Reality: While these hair types are more durable than synthetic options, they are still vulnerable to damage from excessive heat and harsh styling. It’s important to use heat protectants and avoid overusing styling tools to preserve the hair’s health and longevity.

Wrapping It All Up – Let’s Talk About Your Hair!

Taking care of raw and virgin hair doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right techniques and products, you can keep your extensions, wigs, or closures looking beautiful for the long haul. By understanding the proper maintenance steps and debunking common myths, you’re setting yourself up for a successful hair care journey.

At the end of the day, hair care is all about embracing and enhancing your unique beauty. And if you’re looking for premium-quality, double- and super-double drawn hair that’s customisable to fit your style, look no further than our collection. Don’t forget to explore our Maintenance Guide, where we offer even more tips to help you care for your hair, ensuring it looks fabulous every day.

Now, are you ready to start your hair journey with us? Browse our collection today and elevate your signature style!