If you’re a fan of hair color trends and color-treated strands, you may have heard this term before: virgin hair. But what is virgin hair? Here’s a hint: We’re all born with it! Whether you still have your natural hair, sans any color or chemical treatments, or you’re interested in virgin hair extensions, we have all the details on this hair type, including how you should take care of it. That’s right, hair care isn’t just for damaged tresses—even if you still have your natural, virgin strands, it’s still important to take care of them with a proper hair care routine.

WHAT IS VIRGIN HAIR?

Simply put, virgin hair is untouched hair, like what we start out on this world with. It refers to strands that have never been color-treated or chemically processed in any way. To get more specific, it’s hair that is completely and totally free from perms, bleaches, color treatments, and dyes—and yes, highlights and ombré hair also count. Once you have processed or color-treated hair, it can never go back to being virgin. That’s right, once you’ve dyed your hair, even just once, you lose your virgin strands forever. Virgin hair is a hair colorist’s dream because it’s also much easier to color hair that doesn’t already have dye on it. Colorists also get excited over virgin hair because of its strength, which is due to the fact that it’s never been damaged by chemicals. This is also the reason that many high-end hair extensions are made from virgin hair.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VIRGIN HAIR EXTENSIONS AND WEAVES

You may have heard the term virgin hair used in reference to hair extensions and weaves, and we’re here to clarify a few questions you may have.

What is considered virgin hair?

When it comes to extensions, the definition of virgin hair is the same as we listed above—hair that hasn’t been color-treated or chemically processed! That said, most extensions and weaves don’t fall under this category.

Is virgin hair good for hair extensions and weaves?

Yes and no. While virgin hair will generally last longer, as it’s in a healthier state thanks to never having been colored in any way, it likely won’t match your hair color as well as non-virgin hair options. That said, those with natural hair should seek out virgin hair extension and weave options, as these will be in better condition and be ideal for matching the texture of your curly mane.

What is the difference between virgin and human hair?

Like we mentioned, virgin hair is hair that hasn’t been chemically treated. With this in mind, virgin hair extensions will always be human hair, but not all human hair extensions and weaves are made with virgin hair. You can have human hair extensions and weaves that have been previously colored and processed.

How long does virgin hair last?

Like we mentioned, virgin hair tends to last longer than chemically processed extensions and weaves. Of course, the specifics are dependent on how well you care for them. Keep in mind that how you care for wigs and extensions is slightly different than how you would care for the virgin hair on your own head.

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