There are three main types of human hair used in hair replacement systems - Chinese, Indian and European.

Chinese hair

Chinese hair is the most common type of hair found in hair replacement systems on the market today. The reason for this is simple - it's readily available in large quantities and cheap to buy.

We do not use Chinese hair in our hair replacement systems because it has a round cross-section as opposed to the oval shape of European hair, making it too thick, rigid and coarse to be appropriate for people of European descent.

In order to reduce the thickness and give it a softer and finer texture, many hair replacment companies expose the hair to an aggresive acid treatment to strip the cuticle layer. This chemical treatment destroys the cuticle layer, leaving it opaque and fragile.

The hair is then coloured to match the clients hair samples and covered with a silcone layer which gives it a healthy look. But as many of you are aware, this protection has a short life. In the beginning the hair seems shiny and beautiful, but after a few washes the silicone layer starts to wash away and the colour fades leaving the hair with a dull matt appearance.

Regular Indian hair

We utilise the finest quality Indian hair in our hair replacmeent systems. The texture is very smooth and soft. Genetically, Indian hair is very similar to Caucasian hair in its basic structure.

The regular Indian hair is collected on mass, where the hair lies disorganised in all directions. At this stage the cuticle layer is still in place, but unless the cuticle layers are all facing in the same direction, the hair would tangle and you would not be able to use it.

In order to use this hair, it is necessary to submit it to a chemical treatment to strip the cuticle layer, which prevents it from tangling when used in hair replacment systems.

Although this hair is superior in texture when compared to Chinese hair, it still has the limitation of being exposed to a chemical treatment, which often results in premature colour fading and a limited life span (hair looks dull and matt after a few months).

Despite these limitations, the regular human hair is a great entry level option and represents excellent value for money.

It is also perfect for those clients who change their hair replacement systems frequently, switching to a new system before the signs of wear & tear begin to surface.

You can extend the life of the hair by using leave-in conditioning treatments that contain UV protectors, which prevents sun damage and retards colour fading.

Also, if you do experience colour loss, the hair can be re-coloured, which can also help to extend the life of the hair.

Indian Remy Hair

This is Indian hair in its virgin condition. It has an extraordinary silky and soft quality since it has never been exposed to harsh chemical treatments.

This Remy hair is specially processed to ensure all the cuticle layers are facing in the same direction from root to end, and therefore does not tangle. This ensures the hair behaves exactly like your own hair, blending in superbly and looking perfectly natural.

The cuticle layer protects the hair from harsh environmental conditions, which keeps the hair shiny and resilient to damage.

Remy hair is soft to touch and retains its vitality and elasticity, so the hair will never matt and always looks healthy and full of lustre.

European Hair

We also supply European hair which offers may of the benefits outlined above for the Remy hair (vitality, resilient to damage, good colour retention, natural sheen, etc...), but the main difference is the diameter of the individual hair shaft. European hair has a slightly thinner texture compared to Indian hair, so it's a popular choice if your own natural hair is finer at the sides and back.

One of the significant drawbacks of European hair is cost. There has been a huge surge in demand for European hair, resulting from the popularity of hair extensions. This has caused a shortage in supply, which consequently forces prices up.

Synthetic Hair

Synthetic hair is simply very fine plastic filaments made primarily of modacrylic fibres that have the look and feel of real hair. We stock a huge variety of the finest synthetic hair fibres available, and you can choose from shiny or matt, and soft or coarse.

Synthetic hair is very easy to wear, and requires little maintenance. Unlike human hair the synthetic fibres needs minimal or no styling after washing. Shorter synthetic hair styles are often referred to as "Shake & Go", meaning that all you do is shake them out and they look great. Longer styles may simply need to be combed or finger styled.

Generally, one important thing to remember is to avoid heat sources when wearing synthetic hair, i.e. hair dryers, curling or straightening irons, even an open oven may ruin the fibre. Also, synthetic hair can be easily damaged by friction. Constant friction from a pillowcase, or wearing hats and helmets can cause the hair to deteriorate and result in a frizzy appearance.

With proper care, the life of synthetic hair is good and can last between 1-2 years. Synthetic hair is much less prone to oxidation compared to human hair, so the colour will last longer as it's more resilient to the damaging effects of UV rays.

Synthetic hair is also a very popular option if you have a percentage of grey hair mixed with your natural colour because it will not absorb the hair dye if your system is coloured.