This is a question we often get asked: what's the difference between unprocessed hair and processed hair used for wigs and extensions?
Unprocessed Hair
Unprocessed hair still has a complete cuticle; It's not chemically treated. The hair usually comes from a donor, too. Each hair is pointed in the same direction and does not cause tangles. This hair is also known as centaur hair, also known as "cuticle hair".
The advantage of unprocessed hair is that if you want to color your hair, you can get a great match with your own human hair extensions. For unprocessed hair, you can also get a better color application because the stylist can see the original tones in the hair and which tones it pulls.
At STRUT, we often add low lighting or roots to wigs so clients can seamlessly transition between their artificial and natural pieces.
Another advantage is that unprocessed hair outlives processed hair; In this way, you will get more value because it does not damage the hair. Hair is soft and easier to care for after you wash it because it is usually not coated with silicone.
Unprocessed hair is a greater investment than processed hair, but worth the cost.Remember, unprocessed hair is harder to source, so it is in limited quantities, and it is indubitably more expensive than processed hair.
What you need to look for is whether the colors are vibrant. Are there highlights or roots on the hair? Unprocessed hair usually has a single-tone, or sometimes dull, look. (That’s where the professionals come in and customize the look to match with your hair.) Thus, processed hair does show better on the shelf in a store or online; however, the naturalness of the hair is gone due to processing.
Processed Hair
Processed hair. Processed hair is chemically treated during production to present it in a certain way. The treated hair is soaked in a highly acidic bath to peel off its cuticle and essentially strip the hair of all its natural features.
Processed hair has advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of processed hair is that once the cuticle is removed, the hair can be colored and treated in any way that makes it look like the manufacturer wants. Typically, treated hair is treated with a layer of silicone to complement its appearance and enhance its luster.
The processed wigs are beautiful because they are often colored with metallic dyes and the hair feels silky. The downside is that hair is heavily processed, so it doesn't last as long as an unprocessed wig or a hair extender.
After the first shampoo, the hair starts to tangle. We've seen this happen on some wigs, where knots occur in the hairline behind the hair. Also, after washing, the silicone starts to wear out, and the silky hair you feel in the store now feels more like a brillo pad.
However, manufacturers of unprocessed and processed hair have begun to slow down processing and use a slow bleach method to reduce damage to hair.To find the hairstyle that best suits your lifestyle and budget, it's best to find a trained alternative hairstyle expert to guide you.
For more information on wigs and hair pieces, contact us freely, We look forward to serving you!