Are you searching for the perfect hair extensions but feeling overwhelmed by the endless options? Understanding the types of human hair is the crucial first step to ensuring you invest in a quality, long-lasting product that perfectly suits your needs. This comprehensive guide from Govihair will transform you into an expert on names of different types of human hair, helping you discern quality, source, and ultimately determine what is the best type of human hair to buy for your unique requirements.

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What Are the Different Types of Human Hair?

The different types of human hair are generally classified based on three primary factors: Quality, Origin, and Grades

For the purposes of hair extensions and wigs, the most crucial classifications are based on Quality (how the hair is processed) and Origin (where the hair comes from).

Here is a breakdown of the key categories:

Processing Quality

This is the most critical factor, determining hair longevity and manageability:

Remy Human Hair: The premium standard where all hair cuticles are intact and aligned (unidirectional). This offers the best tangle-free performance, smoothness, and durability.
Virgin Human Hair: Hair that is chemically unprocessed (no dye, bleach, or perm). It is the highest quality, most natural “raw” hair, often from a single donor.
Non-Remy Hair: Hair where the cuticle direction is mixed, making it prone to tangling and premature wear. It is typically stripped of its cuticles through chemical treatment.

Types of human hair are classified by quality, origin, grade

Origin (Geographic Source)

Human hair is often given types of human hair and their names based on its geographical origin:

Vietnamese Hair: Known for being exceptionally thick, strong, and durable. It is ideal for heavy coloring processes.
Brazilian Hair: Thick, naturally lustrous, and has high elasticity, offering great volume and body.
Indian Hair: Lightweight, airy, and very versatile in its natural texture range.
Peruvian Hair: Light, soft, and offers excellent bounce and volume, blending easily with many natural hair textures.

Malaysian Hair: Has a moderate shine, soft texture, and holds straight or light wavy styles exceptionally well.

Grades (Hair Grading System)

The grading system (like 8A, 10A) is how the industry determines the hair’s thickness and uniformity within a single bundle.

How it Works: The grade measures the ratio of long hairs compared to shorter hairs in the bundle.
Significance: The higher the grade (e.g., 10A or Luxury), the thicker and fuller the hair is from root to tip, signifying higher overall quality and longer lifespan.

>>Read more: The Different Types Of Human Hair Wigs For Beginners

The 3 Main Types of Human Hair Quality

Quality is the core factor that determines the durability, styling potential, and shine of hair extension products. When investing in human hair, distinguishing between the 3 types of human hair based on collection and processing methods is crucial. This directly dictates the lifespan of your purchase.

Remy Human Hair

Remy Human Hair is widely recognized as the gold standard in the hair industry.

Key Feature: All hair strands are meticulously collected, ensuring that human hair has which type of cuticle (the outermost layer) remains intact and is aligned to run in the same direction (unidirectional). Although Remy hair may have undergone light processing (e.g., coloring or heat styling) to achieve a desired look, the cuticle alignment rule is strictly maintained.
Benefit: This uniform alignment helps prevent tangling (tangle-free) to the maximum extent, keeping the hair smooth, shiny, and easy to manage. Remy hair provides an excellent balance of quality, good longevity (typically 10-18 months), and reasonable value compared to Virgin Hair.

Remy hair is smooth, shiny, tangle-free, long-lasting

Virgin Human Hair

Virgin Human Hair represents the most pristine and pure quality available.

Key Feature: This is human hair that has never undergone any chemical processing, including coloring, bleaching, perming, or straightening. Unlike Remy Hair (which may be pre-colored), Virgin hair retains its original, natural color and texture, and is often sourced from a single donor for maximum uniformity.
Benefit: Because it has not been treated with chemicals, Virgin hair offers the longest lifespan (over 18-24 months). It is the ideal choice if you require high Bleaching & Coloring Ability, as the unprocessed, raw state allows for easier and safer lift when lightening. Virgin Hair is the ultimate form, representing the pinnacle of quality when considering what is the best type of human hair bundles available on the market.

Virgin Human Hair is unprocessed, natural, durable, easy to color

Non-Remy Hair

Non-Remy Hair is the lowest quality and least durable option.

Key Feature: The hair is collected from various sources, resulting in cuticles that are mixed and run in opposite directions (Multi-directional).
Limitation: To minimize tangling, Non-Remy hair must be aggressively treated with a strong acid wash to strip the cuticles. While it is then coated with silicone for temporary shine, this coating washes away after a few shampoos, causing the hair to quickly become prone to tangling, dryness, and shedding. This is an inefficient choice with a very short lifespan (1-4 months).

Govihair Expert Advice

Choose Virgin Hair: Recommend for clients prioritizing maximum durability and the need for at-home bleaching/coloring. Virgin hair offers the perfect, untouched foundation.
Choose Remy Hair: Recommend for clients seeking high-quality hair that is pre-colored/pre-styled with good longevity, ready for immediate wear.

Popular Types of Human Hair by Origin

Brazilian Human Hair

Characteristics: Thick strands, high density, providing a full, healthy look. The hair possesses high elasticity.
Best for: Highly suitable for humid climates; it holds curls and waves for a very long time. It is the most globally popular choice when clients desire impressive volume and excellent body.

Peruvian Human Hair

Characteristics: Strands are thicker than Indian hair but lighter than Brazilian hair. It is soft and has medium porosity, allowing the hair to absorb moisture moderately.
Best for: Provides natural and lightweight bounce. It is particularly favored for creating curly or wavy styles because it offers volume without feeling heavy.

Malaysian Human Hair

Characteristics: Hair has medium thickness, initially high luster (though this reduces after washing), and is typically a natural dark brown color. It is slightly heavier and straighter than Indian or Brazilian hair.
Best for: Ideal for holding sleek straight styles or soft waves. The hair is less prone to excessive volume or frizzing in humid conditions.

Indian Human Hair

Characteristics: Fine, lightweight strands with high porosity, and the most versatile range of natural textures (straight, wavy, curly). Indian hair often has great movement.
Best for: People who want to dye and style their hair in many ways, but they need to be ready for deep moisturizing because its high porosity makes the hair lose moisture easily.

Vietnamese Human Hair

Characteristics: Strands have a very thick diameter, strong structure, and high density. It is nearly 100% naturally straight or slightly wavy, in black or deep dark brown.
Best for: The leading choice for clients demanding absolute durability and those who want to bleach or dye light colors (due to its superior resistance to heat and chemicals). This is the quality standard and strategic advantage that Govihair guarantees.

Human Hair Grades Explained

Beyond classification by processing quality (Remy, Virgin) and origin, human hair is also evaluated using a Grading System. While this system is not officially standardized and is commonly used in the retail industry, understanding these grades helps clients determine the quality and density of the hair they are purchasing.

How Hair Grading Works (8A, 9A, 10A, 12A, Luxury Grades)

The hair grading system uses the letter “A” coupled with a number (from 8A upwards) to denote quality. The key metric this system measures is the ratio of long hairs to short hairs within a single hair bundle:

Thickness: The higher the grade, the thicker and fuller the hair is from root to tip.
Short Hair Ratio: A higher grade indicates a lower ratio of shorter hairs mixed into the bundle, meaning the hair is more uniform in length.

Grade	Basic Quality Characteristic	Long Hair Ratio (Uniformity)	Estimated Lifespan
8A	100% Human Hair (usually Remy). Contains a significant amount of shorter hairs mixed in.	Approximately 50%	6 – 9 months
9A	Better Remy quality. More uniform density than 8A.	Approximately 60%	9 – 12 months
10A	Superior quality (High-grade Remy/Virgin). Hair is very thick and full from root to tip.	Approximately 70%	1 – 2 years
12A/Luxury Grades	The highest grade. Often sourced from a single donor (Virgin) with a very low short hair ratio.	Over 75%	Over 2 years

Which Hair Grade Is Best?

No single grade is universally “best,” as the choice depends on budget and intended use. However, Govihair offers the following advice:

For the Average Client: Grade 9A provides a solid balance between cost and longevity.
For the Highest Premium Quality: Clients should invest in Grade 10A or Luxury Grades (12A). Although the initial cost is higher, these grades ensure hair is consistently thick, minimizes shedding and tangling, and delivers the longest possible lifespan and best experience.
Govihair’s Standard: Govihair’s premium products, particularly our Vietnamese hair, often meet or exceed the 10A standard in terms of strand strength and consistency, making them the ideal choice for best type of human hair wigs.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Human Hair

Choosing the best type of human hair goes beyond just the grade or origin; it involves a combination of technical factors. Govihair advises considering the following points to ensure you purchase the optimal product.

Hair Texture & Density

Texture: Ensure the texture of the hair extension (straight, wavy, curly) perfectly aligns with your natural hair to create a seamless look that avoids detection.
Density: Higher density (thicker hair) comes with a higher price. Clients with naturally fine hair should select medium density to prevent a noticeable difference in thickness between their natural hair and the extensions.

Cuticle Alignment

This is the single most critical technical factor (as established in the Remy Human Hair section). Clients must always inquire about Cuticle Alignment as it is the only proof that guarantees long-term tangle-free and frizz-free performance. Choosing hair where human hair has which type of cuticle is absolutely aligned is non-negotiable.

Bleaching & Coloring Ability

If you intend to dye or bleach the hair, this ability must be a top priority.

Recommendation: You should only use Virgin Hair or hair from a strong origin like Vietnamese hair (especially in its natural color). These types possess a Keratin structure strong enough to withstand harsh chemicals without breakage or excessive dryness.

Longevity & Maintenance

Lifespan: High-quality hair (Virgin or Grade 10A+) represents a long-term investment, offering an impressive lifespan lasting from 1 to 2 years when properly maintained. Choosing quality hair upfront ensures clients maximize usage time and save on replacement costs.
Maintenance: When making a purchasing decision, you must factor in the accompanying time and cost of upkeep. For instance, curly hair requires a significantly more intensive regimen of deep conditioning and specialized care compared to straight hair, so calculate this upkeep expense into your overall budget.

Price vs Quality

What is best type of human hair extensions to buy is not always the most expensive type, but the one offering the best value. Never settle for cheap Non-Remy hair, as the cost of replacement and fixing damage will far exceed the initial investment in the best type of human hair.

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainable Human Hair Production

In a climate where consumers are increasingly concerned with product origins, Govihair is absolutely committed to transparency and ethical standards. We understand that Trustworthiness is the foundation of our brand’s reputation.

Ethical and Stable Supply: Govihair ensures hair is sourced through a transparent and ethical process where every donor receives fair compensation and provides full consent. We establish sustainable partnerships with our Vietnamese suppliers to guarantee continuous quality and a stable supply of hair.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Govihair prioritizes sustainable production methods and minimizes environmental impact during the processing and packaging stages. We are committed to using eco-friendly procedures. This commitment confirms Govihair’s position not only as a provider of the best type of human hair but also as a socially responsible enterprise.

Which Type of Human Hair Is the Best?

There is no single absolute best type of human hair, as the answer entirely depends on your specific purpose, budget, and maintenance habits. Below is Govihair’s expert breakdown to help you make the optimal decision:

Best Durability

Recommendation: Virgin Human Hair or Vietnamese Human Hair Grade 10A+.
Reason: Virgin hair is unprocessed, while Vietnamese hair possesses naturally strong Keratin structures. Both types offer the longest lifespan (typically 1.5 – 2 years), maximizing your initial investment value.

Best for Coloring

Recommendation: Virgin Human Hair (especially in its natural color).
Reason: Virgin hair is free from previous dyes, allowing colorists to safely and evenly lift (bleach) the color to lighter shades (like platinum blonde) without damaging the hair structure.

Best for Weaves & Wigs

Recommendation: Remy Human Hair (Grade 10A and above).
Reason: What is the best type of human hair wigs and weaves requires hair with absolute cuticle consistency to prevent tangling. Grade 10A+ Remy hair ensures thickness from root to tip, holds styles well, and is the reliable choice for creating flawless hairpieces.

Best Value Overall

Recommendation: Remy Human Hair (Grade 9A or 10A).
Reason: This type provides the perfect balance between high quality (cuticle aligned), reliable lifespan (1 year), and a more reasonable price point compared to Virgin Hair. This is the practical answer to the question what is the best type of human hair to buy for the majority of consumers.

Expert Recommendations: How to Choose the Right Human Hair Type

Now that you have grasped the different hair types, here is the practical advice from Govihair to help you choose the absolute best hair type for your specific needs.

For Sew-In Weaves

Advice: Prioritize Remy Human Hair (Grade 9A or 10A).
Explanation: Sew-in weaves require hair that can withstand significant tension and friction against the natural hair. Remy hair ensures cuticle consistency, which keeps the hair tangle-free and durable throughout the wear period and regular maintenance. Choose a texture that closely matches your natural hair for a seamless blend.

For Wigs

Advice: You should invest in Virgin Human Hair or premium Remy 10A+ hair for your best wigs.
Explanation: Full wigs are often washed and styled frequently. Choosing Virgin or Remy 10A+ hair ensures the hairpiece retains its shape, softness, and luster after multiple heat treatments and washes. If you are a stylist or intend to frequently change the style, Virgin hair is the best type of human hair wigs for customization.

For Daily Use vs Professional Use

Daily Use: Remy Hair Grade 8A-9A is a sufficiently good choice, offering reliable quality and a reasonable lifespan at a more affordable price point.
Professional/Salon Use: Stylists and salons should utilize Virgin Human Hair or Remy 10A+ to ensure maximum flexibility, the ability to withstand intensive bleaching and dyeing, and superior durability, meeting the highest client standards.

Remy Hair is Best For Daily And Professional Use

FAQs

Is hair type related to hair porosity, and why is porosity important?

Yes, they are related, but not the same. Porosity determines the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Curly and coily hair (Type 3 & 4) often has high porosity, meaning it loses moisture quickly. Understanding porosity helps you choose the right products (heavy sealants for high porosity, light liquids for low porosity) to ensure proper hydration.

What are the best general care tips for all human hair types?

The general rules for all hair types are: 1) Always use Sulfate-free shampoo. 2) Perform deep conditioning at least once a week. 3) Use a heat protectant product before any heat styling. 4) Use silk or satin pillowcases when sleeping to reduce friction and breakage.

How can I determine my specific human hair type (e.g., 2A, 3B, or 4C)?

You determine your type using the Andre Walker Classification System. Simply wash your hair and let it air dry completely (without any styling products). Then, observe the texture:

Type 1: Straight.
Type 2: Gentle S-shaped waves.
Type 3: Clearly defined curls/spirals.
Type 4: Tight coils or zigzag patterns.

What is the fundamental difference between Asian, Caucasian, and African hair types when considering hair extensions or wigs?

The difference lies in the physical structure and cross-section:

Asian Hair (e.g., Vietnamese Hair): Has the largest strand diameter and a round cross-section, giving it the highest strength and durability.
African Hair: Has the smallest diameter, a flat/elliptical cross-section, and the tightest curl pattern, making it prone to dryness and breakage.
Caucasian Hair: Varies widely, with round or oval cross-sections.

How to properly maintain and style virgin human hair extensions for longevity?

To maximize the 18–24 month lifespan of Virgin hair: 1) Wash and rinse the hair gently in a downward motion to prevent cuticle disturbance. 2) Apply a deep conditioning hair mask weekly. 3) Always use heat protectant before styling. 4) Carefully brush with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends.

Im Summary

Having a deep understanding of the types of human hair is empowering, allowing you to make informed decisions every time. We’ve established that the best type of human hair choice depends on your objective, whether you prioritize Best Durability or Best Value Overall.

At GoviHair, we’ve been crafting high-quality human hair products right from our factory in Vietnam. We specialize in 100% natural Vietnamese hair, known for its strength, softness, and natural luster. Whether you’re looking to add volume, cover thinning areas, or simply get creative, GoviHair gives you salon-grade hair at factory-direct prices.

With fast global shipping and flexible customization options, it’s easy to find the right curly base that blends naturally and wears comfortably all day.

>> Discover GoviHair’s Premium Collections

Understanding All Types of Human Hair: A Complete Guide