Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• The History of the Hair Grading System
• Decoding the Hair Grading System
• Factors in Choosing Hair Extensions
• Raw and Virgin Hair
• Why Hair Extension Grades Can Be Misleading
• The Quality Behind the Grades
• Beyond the Hair Extension Grading System
• FAQs

When diving into the world of hair extensions, you're likely to be greeted with an array of terms and numbers – among them, the ever-present hair grades like 5A, 6A, all the way up to 10A and beyond! We actually stopped counting after this one.(LOL) But what do these grades actually signify, and how can they influence your purchasing decisions? From virgin to raw hair, let’s unfold the layers of the hair grading system and discover what truly matters in the quest for the perfect hair extensions.

Unraveling the History of the Hair Grading System

The hair grading system has its roots in the rapidly and always growing hair weave business, introduced by Chinese manufacturers seeking to simplify the evaluation of hair quality for consumers and hair vendors. This grading chart has evolved significantly, where once, the standard of excellence was set at 5A around 2012-2013. But as the hair extension market grew, so did the grades, to reflect better quality – but without a universal standard to back up these claims.

Decoding the Hair Grading System: A Matter of Authenticity

With no universal hair grading terms set in stone, the hair grading system remains subjective. This can be confusing and misleading for consumers who rely on these grades, hoping they are indicative of the hair extension quality they are investing in.

Essential Factors in Choosing Hair Extensions

To navigate through this confusion, it’s important to look beyond the grades and focus on factors that genuinely reflect the quality of hair extensions:

• Wefts: Opt for double stitch wefts, which help in reducing shedding and prolong the lifespan of the hair weave.
• Weight: Ensure you get the standard 100 grams per bundle to guarantee fullness.
• Human Hair vs. Synthetic: Human hair extensions offer the most natural look and are more durable than synthetic blends.
• Remy Hair: Remy hair extensions are premium, with cuticles aligned in one direction to minimize tangles.
• Raw vs. Virgin Hair: Raw hair is completely unprocessed, often coming from a single donor, while virgin hair might be processed for texture and color but has not been chemically treated.

The Real Deal: Raw and Virgin Hair

In the context of hair grades, it's vital to understand where raw and virgin hair stands. Raw hair (showcased in The Crown Collection)  is the purest form of hair you can purchase, unprocessed and cut directly from the donor’s head. This type of hair is typically more expensive due to its untouched, high-quality nature.

On the other hand, virgin hair (as found in the Growth Collection) has been steamed to achieve different textures and can be colored or lifted to various virgin hair colors. This processing should not affect the hair’s integrity if done correctly.

The Reality of Hair Grades from 5A to 10A

The hair grading chart might lead you to believe that the higher the number, the better the quality. But this isn't always a reliable measure. For example, Brazilian hair bundles are highly popular and can come in various grades, yet a 6A grade might sometimes outperform an 8A grade in terms of longevity and health if it's sourced and processed more carefully.

The same is true for Vietnamese hair and Indian hair, with raw Vietnamese hair and temple-sourced raw Indian hair often being of exceptional quality, irrespective of the supposed grade they are assigned.

The Illusion of Hair Extension Grades

Many shoppers in the hair extension market are drawn to the highest grade, often assuming that a 10A grade guarantees the best quality. However, without a standardized hair grading system, these numbers can be misleading. The key lies not in the grade itself but in understanding the attributes that define the quality of hair extensions.

Why Hair Extension Grades Can Be Misleading

The hair grading system was originally created as a marketing strategy to classify the quality of hair extensions. Over time, it became a tool for hair vendors to suggest a hierarchy in quality, with each additional 'A' suggesting a step up in excellence. However, this system is not regulated, meaning a hair extension labeled as 10A by one vendor could be vastly different from a 10A hair extension from another.

The Quality Behind the Grades

Instead of getting caught up in the hair grading numbers, focus on what really matters:

Texture and Source: Whether you're looking for Brazilian hair bundles or raw Vietnamese hair, the source and texture are crucial. The hair's origin often determines its inherent quality and characteristics.

Processing: Understand if the hair is virgin Remy hair or if it has been processed. Virgin Remy hair extensions have their cuticles intact and offer a more natural look and feel.

Durability: High-quality hair weaves should not only look good but also last long. The durability often depends on the weft construction, the quality of care given to the hair before it was cut, and the processes it has undergone after.

Ethical Sourcing: With the rise in demand for hair extensions, ethical sourcing is also a concern. Raw Indian hair, often cited for its quality, is typically sourced from temples where the hair is donated. Ethical sourcing ensures a responsible supply chain and better quality control.

Making the Right Choice for You

At the end of the day, the grade of hair extensions shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. Instead, look at the type of hair, whether it is virgin or raw hair, its weft construction, the reputation of the hair vendor, and the feedback from other customers. These are more accurate indicators of quality and will help you find hair extensions that meet your needs and expectations.

Beyond the Hair Extension Grading System

Emphasize the quality and source of your hair extensions, rather than the grade. Both the Growth Collection and The Crown Collection prioritize the authentic quality of the hair, whether it’s the untouched excellence of raw hair or the refined versatility of virgin hair, offering you an experience that hair grades alone cannot define.

Navigating the hair extension world doesn't have to be daunting. By understanding what lies beyond the hair grades, you can choose hair extensions that not only elevate your style but also provide value and authenticity. Remember, true quality in hair extensions is not just about a number – it’s about the entire story from the source to your hair.

For inquiries or guidance on hair extension grades and making an informed choice in the hair grading system, send us an email at support@hookedonbundles.net. Your journey to the perfect hair weave starts with knowledge and ends with stunning hair.


Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Extension Grades

Q1: What does the 'A' grading system mean for hair extensions?

A1: The 'A' grading system for hair extensions was created as a marketing strategy to indicate the quality of the hair, with more 'A's suggesting higher quality. It started with 5A as a high standard years ago, but as the market became more competitive, sellers began to add more 'A's, like 6A, 7A, and upward towards 12 and 13A. However, this grading system is not regulated or standardized, which means the quality indicated by these grades can vary significantly between different sellers.

Q2: Is 10A hair grade better than 5A or 6A?

A2: While 10A grade hair is marketed as being of higher quality than 5A or 6A, this is not always a reliable indicator of actual quality. Due to the lack of a standardized grading system, one vendor's 10A hair could theoretically be of similar or even lower quality than another vendor's 6A hair. It's important to assess hair extensions based on tangible factors like weft construction, weight, hair type (e.g., virgin or raw), and whether it is Remy or non-Remy, rather than the grade alone.

Q3: What is the difference between raw hair and virgin hair?

A3: Raw hair refers to hair that has not been processed in any way; it's cut directly from the donor's head and then cleaned and bundled. Virgin hair, on the other hand, while still not dyed, permed, or chemically treated, may have undergone a process to align the cuticles and ensure it's all going in the same direction. Both are high-quality options, but raw hair is considered the most natural form.

Q4: Can I color or bleach hair extensions of any grade?

A4: While most virgin hair extensions can be colored or bleached, the ability to do so effectively depends on the hair's quality and resilience, not the grade it has been assigned. 

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