Raw Hair: Real vs Fake – Can You Tell the Difference in 10s?

Confused by the market? Master the art of Raw Hair identification. Learn to spot Real vs. Fake hair instantly with Lexhair’s simple professional tests.

Contents hide

1 1. Why You Must Distinguish Real vs. Fake Raw Hair

1.1 1.1 Value and Durability of Standard Quality Extensions

1.2 1.2 The Harm of Buying Fake vs. Authentic Raw Hair

2 2. How to Identify Raw Hair: Real vs. Fake in 10 Seconds

2.1 2.1 The Burn Test (Temperature Check)

2.2 2.2 Heat Resistance Experiment (Using Flat Iron)

2.3 2.3 Visual Inspection (Uniformity)

2.4 2.4 Tactile Check (Smoothness/Roughness)

3 3. Professional Raw Hair Inspection Process at Lexhair

3.1 3.1 Cuticle Check Method

3.2 3.2 Test Bleaching/Dyeing Ability

4 4. Where to Buy Standard Quality Raw Hair?

4.1 4.1 Commitment to Origin and Quality at Lexhair

4.2 4.2 Final Advice When Testing Extensions

4.3 Contact Information & Product Catalogue

1. Why You Must Distinguish Real vs. Fake Raw Hair

Original Hair (also known as unprocessed strands) is a coarse hair line, free from chemicals, holding the highest value in the market. However, many counterfeit or mixed products are sold under the label of this premium material, causing confusion for buyers.

Mastering the method to identify Raw hair not only protects your wallet but also directly impacts service quality if you are a salon owner. Only the real deal ensures color customizability and long-term durability.

1.1 Value and Durability of Standard Quality Extensions

Standard quality strands retain their cuticle structure, offering natural tangle resistance, health, and superior elasticity. This material can withstand intensive bleaching and dyeing processes to light tones such as platinum or smoky gray.

The durability of genuine Raw hair can last from 3-5 years if cared for properly. Understanding how to check the quality helps you ensure the longevity and economic value of the extension set.

*Standard quality Raw hair with intact cuticle structure and natural shine from Lexhair*

1.2 The Harm of Buying Fake vs. Authentic Raw Hair

If you buy fake bundles or hair treated with harsh chemicals, you face many risks. Counterfeit products are often prone to dryness and tangling after a few washes because the cuticle layer has been destroyed or coated with silicone.

Bleaching and dyeing fake strands is also very difficult; the color is uneven, and the fiber burns easily. Furthermore, mixed hair can cause allergies or scalp irritation. Therefore, distinguishing Real vs. Fake Raw Hair is a necessary investment step.

2. How to Identify Raw Hair: Real vs. Fake in 10 Seconds

These are quick real hair testing tips that you can apply immediately without complex tools.

2.1 The Burn Test (Temperature Check)

This is the fastest and most accurate method to distinguish authentic Raw Hair from synthetic mixes.

Method: Cut a small amount of hair from each bundle. Use a lighter to burn each sample.
Authentic Strands: Burn quickly, smells like burnt feathers or barbecue (due to keratin). After burning, it turns into fine ash that crumbles easily between fingers.
Fake/Mixed Hair: Melts down, smells like plastic or chemicals. After burning, it forms hard clumps and does not turn into ash.

2.2 Heat Resistance Experiment (Using Flat Iron)

This checks the structural durability of the hair fiber under high temperatures to ensure it is real Raw hair.

Method: Use a straightener/curler at about 180°C – 200°C on the sample.
The Real Deal: Reacts well to heat, holding the style after curling/straightening. The strands do not melt and have no plastic smell.
Fake/Mixed Hair: May melt or smell like burnt chemicals. The fiber gets damaged quickly and does not hold the style.

*Heat durability of real Raw hair using a flat iron at high temperature*
*without melting*

2.3 Visual Inspection (Uniformity)

Observing with the naked eye is also an effective way to identify Raw hair. Genuine products usually have high uniformity in color (from root to tip) and thickness (Single Donor). However, they are not 100% perfect.

Real Hair: Often has a bit of natural frizz or split ends at the tips. It does not have an artificial shine.
Fake/Mixed Hair: Has a glossy, unusually smooth appearance due to a silicone coating. The strands are very uniform with no signs of split ends.

*The virtual shine of silicone mixed hair*

2.4 Tactile Check (Smoothness/Roughness)

Use your sense of touch to test the quality quickly along the length of the strand.

Unprocessed Hair: When stroking downwards, it feels smooth. When stroking upwards from tip to root, you will feel slightly rough or resistant (due to the intact cuticles).
Fake/Mixed Hair: Artificially smooth when stroking down, but may tangle and stick when stroking upwards. It often feels heavier compared to the natural fiber.

3. Professional Raw Hair Inspection Process at Lexhair

To ensure standard quality for partners, Lexhair applies a professional inspection process, focusing on the internal structure of the fiber.

3.1 Cuticle Check Method

The cuticle is the protective scale layer on the outside. Our quality control always prioritizes checking if the cuticles are intact and aligned.

Standard Raw Hair: Cuticles must be intact and facing the same direction (Remy Hair). This prevents tangling when washed.
Non-Remy/Acid Treated: Cuticles have been removed or destroyed. Although initially smooth, it will quickly tangle after a few washes.

3.2 Test Bleaching/Dyeing Ability

The ability to lift color is the clearest evidence that the extensions have not been chemically processed.

Virgin Strands: Can be bleached to high light levels, such as from Level 2 to Level 9-10.
Mixed/Recycled: Will not lift to light colors, burns easily, breaks, or turns orange/red. This confirms that buying products from Lexhair is a safe choice.

*Ability to bleach and dye to light tones of Raw hair from Lexhair*

4. Where to Buy Standard Quality Raw Hair?

Finding a partner supplying real Raw hair is always a challenge. Lexhair Factory is a reputable brand you can trust.

4.1 Commitment to Origin and Quality at Lexhair

Lexhair commits that every bundle has a transparent origin and is chemically unprocessed. We supply bulk items with various grades (Single/Double/Triple Drawn) to meet all market needs.

Customers are guaranteed regarding the bleaching/dyeing ability and durability, helping salons feel more confident in providing high-end services.

*Production process of bulk Original Raw hair at Lexhair Factory committing to transparent origin*

4.2 Final Advice When Testing Extensions

When receiving goods, always apply the testing tips instructed above. Additionally, always request documents proving origin and a clear warranty policy from the supplier. Never evaluate standard quality Raw hair based solely on cheap prices. Prioritize quality and transparency in business.

Mastering the way to identify Real vs. Fake is the key to protecting your service quality and investment. Applying these tips will help you easily choose standard quality products from Lexhair.

>> Want to learn more about the best care for your hair? Visit LexHair / Why You Should Choose Lex Hair Factory for Your Hair? to learn more details.