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With countless hair extension products flooding the market, how can you quickly assess their quality like a pro? Remember these five core indicators to steer clear of inferior hair and make a smart investment.
Cuticle Integrity (The Remy Standard)
This is the primary indicator for determining whether hair will tangle. Take a small strand of hair, pinch it between your thumb and forefinger, and gently slide your fingers from the tips to the roots. High-quality Remy hair will feel exceptionally smooth. Then, reverse the motion, sliding from the roots to the tips. You should feel noticeable resistance (the texture of the cuticles going against the grain). If it feels equally smooth in both directions, or feels rough in reverse but still tangles easily, it's likely not genuine Remy hair.
Root-to-Tip Consistency
Examine the same weft of hair, comparing the thickness and color consistency from the roots to the ends. Inferior extensions are often a blend from multiple donors, which can result in ends that are significantly thinner than the roots (indicating severe wear) or noticeable color banding.
Elasticity and Flexibility
Take a single strand of hair, gently stretch it, and then release it. High-quality human hair will quickly snap back to its original state, demonstrating good elasticity. Inferior or over-processed hair may break easily, have poor bounce-back, or feel dry and stiff.
Color and Sheen
Even without added oils, premium human hair should have a natural, soft luster with even color gradation. Be wary of hair that exhibits a dull, greasy "plastic shine" or an unnaturally jet-black, flat appearance. This can be a sign of heavy silicone coatings or low-quality dye.
Smell
Bring the hair close and take a sniff. Healthily processed human hair should have only a very faint, natural scent or no odor at all. If you detect a sharp chemical odor, sourness, or overpowering artificial fragrance, it suggests the use of harmful chemicals during processing or an attempt to mask poor quality with perfume.
Quick Self-Check Checklist
· Smooth when stroked from tips to roots, with distinct resistance in the reverse direction.
· Consistent color and thickness throughout the entire weft (roots to tips).
· A single strand shows good elasticity and snaps back when stretched.
· Sheen is natural and soft, not a greasy shine.
· No unpleasant odors; only a very faint natural scent, if any.
· The weft is neatly bundled with minimal loose or broken strands.
Bring this checklist with you on your next purchase, and you'll be able to judge with confidence.