What to Know About Curly Virgin Indian Hair

The first question you will be asked when you visit a boutique for buying a hair extension is whether you want natural or synthetic hair, and if you are a first time user, you are most likely to respond by asking, what’s the difference?

If you know the difference, it will be much easier for you to make a choice.

The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that both natural and synthetic hair extensions are available in different grades and qualities, and it is often difficult to distinguish one from another. Our comparison, however, is between top quality synthetic hair and superior natural hair such as curly virgin Indian hair.

There is a misconception that one can distinguish synthetic hair from natural hair just by looking at it. This is not true. Generally, synthetic hair is shinier and glossier than natural hair, but technology has made it possible to give a less shiny and natural look to synthetic hair. However, synthetic hair cannot match the bounce and natural movement of virgin Indian hair. This is of particular importance if you wear your hair long and loose and like the natural movement of human hair.

When you are shopping for hair extensions, you will naturally be worried about hair texture. Synthetic hair is not as soft and silky as natural hair. The texture of natural hair, however, depends on where it is sourced from. Most Asian hair is thick, straight, and coarse. However, Virgin Indian hair is curly, silky, and wavy. Moreover, Indian hair is versatile and lends well to all styles. It gets a body wave simply on getting damp or wet, and curly virgin Indian hair can be straightened with the aid of a flat iron. In fact, double drawn virgin Indian hair (hair lengths cut from the roots) with all cuticles flowing in the same direction is the highest quality hair available.    

Both synthetic and natural hair can be washed. However, natural hair can be washed either in cold or warm water, while synthetic hair can only be washed in cold water. Synthetic hair will return to its factory-set style when allowed to air dry and cannot be re-styled. Natural hair returns to its original natural style after washing and can be re-styled as per individual preferences with heat tools such as a blow drier, curling iron, flat iron, and heat rollers. In fact, natural hair can be styled just like your own hair.

Similarly, hair extensions made from natural hair can be colored just like your own hair. While you cannot color synthetic hair, it is available in a much wider range of colors and styles.

Hair extensions made from natural hair last longer, as synthetic hair, particularly longer hair extensions, are also prone to damage from friction frizz when it rubs against your back, neck, chair, or purse.  

Now that you understand the difference between the two, it should be easier for you to decide. If you want those dreamy curly locks and also want to retain the ability to restyle hair extensions according to current fashion trends or your mood, the best choice is natural hair, particularly virgin Indian hair.