MANETINI EDUCATION

An important part of the Manetini experience is knowledge. We believe everyone should be educated with the most up to date accurate information.

 

Hair extensions have become even more popular over the years and hair suppliers have made a hair grading system to determine the quality of the hair.  Not all hair is for the luxury market and of high quality. Some hair is lower in quality and comes with lower prices. 

GRADE 3A

This very low quality hair was not properly maintained by the donor and is very thin. Some suppliers add synthetic fibers or animal hair to the mix calling it human blend.

Grade 3A hair is chemically processed, could have an unpleasant chemical smell, has very thin, tapered ends that are often split. This hair WILL shed, tangle, mat and won’t last you more than few washes. Please be aware that even high-quality hair can have chemical smell right after opening.

GRADE 4A & 5A

Lower to medium grade that is great for hair stylist schools. Expect 100% human hair that is not Remy. (The cuticles are stripped or do not go in the same direction.)

Grade 4A and 5A hair is on a thin side. It has a probability of tangling, matting and will last up to a month if taken care properly. Lengths greater than 12 inches are not recommended. Otherwise, hair might fuse with your own locks and will hard to get them out of your head. Grade 4A and 5A hair is very high-maintenance.

GRADE 6A

A more financial friendly option that is suitable for the average women.

Grade 6A hair is Remy hair which means all the cuticles go in the same direction. This hair has medium thickness and can be dyed to a medium blond color. It’s recommended to let hair professional color your extensions. Grade 6A hair extensions work on straight hair up to 18 inches and lasts for up to 8 months.

If you properly care for these extensions, it will work just fine as high quality hair but keep in mind, if you want curly hair or hair that’s longer than 18 inches, a higher-grade hair is necessary.

GRADE 7A

To reach the wow factor on budget.

Grade 7A is a high-quality Remy hair that has all the cuticles intact, often referred as “Double Drawn”. Such extensions are thick, strong, and it will last for up to a year. Grade 7A hair will shed and tangle much less than the other types and can be dyed on your own. A detangling shampoo is still recommended at least once every three months. You can reach a color that is as light as platinum blonde without causing much damage or dryness.

GRADE 8A & 9A

Grade 8A and 9A is 100% pure Human Remy hair from a single donor with all cuticles intact and aligned. This hair is usually thicker and the price of 8A and 9A extensions is higher with a lifetime of 1.5 to 2 years.

Remember, if you dye or curl virgin hair, it will no longer be virgin. Any processing will decrease the life expectancy of your hair extensions and is only recommended with #1B (black) colour 8A and 9A grade hair. You can dye Grade 8A and 9A hair to platinum blonde. It is much thicker than lower grade hair and has fewer short hairs mixed in the hair bundles. Will not tangle as much and is easier to maintain.

GRADE 10A (VIRGIN)

A great choice for #1B colour, curly hair owners.

Grade 10A is the highest quality hair that you can buy. It’s 100% Unprocessed Virgin Remy Human Hair from one donor with thick ends, cuticle intact aligned and have a strong structure. You can dye hair up to platinum blonde without much damage. Grade 10A hair does not require much maintenance.

Grade 10A extensions will last you for a very long time unless you process them. Some companies might claim to sell 10A hair which is actually 6A or 7A hair. This hair is usually processed. Don't be fooled by this. Grade 10A hair is very thick and durable hair, the best you can find.

 

You should treat your extensions as you would your own hair. Also, avoid using excessive amounts of heat and products. A sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo & conditioner are always recommended. The great benefit of virgin hair is the ultimate freedom it can bring. This hair has NOT been chemically processed in any way. (Perming, dyeing or bleaching, & even blown dry.) It also must have all the cuticles intact and running in the same direction. Virgin hair can be from one single donor or multiple donors.  From one donor is highly sought for as its considered "pure".  Virgin hair is always and only dark in colour, but can vary from a jet black to a dark brown with some natural warm or cool highlights.  There are also many different varieties of Virgin from all over the world:

INDIAN - The most popular, this hair usually has a natural wave or curl to it. With warm highlights, and a smooth feel, the cuticle shafts of this hair is thin to medium.

BRAZILIAN - This hair is known to have a bit more body to it. Can come with deeper curls and hold curl for a short time. Will also feel smooth and can come with deep red highlights. The cuticle shaft of this hair is a medium thickness.

MALAYSIAN - The malaysian hair has many similarities to Brazilian but has the variety of straight or wavy as well as cool undertones. The cuticle shaft of this hair is also medium thickness.

CHINESE - This hair is strong and can take on harder stresses to it. Chinese hair is usually always straight and does not hold a curl or not for very long. This hair comes with a smooth feel with cool undertones.  The cuticle shaft on this hair is thick. 

PERUVIAN - Hair that is strong and can come in wavy and curly.  Holds a curl very well for long periods of time. Warm highlights and undertones, this hair can feel a little more wiry. The cuticle shaft on this hair is medium thickness.

MONGOLIAN - This hair has a very thick cuticle shaft giving off a thicker look. it is considered strong and also has a wiry feel to it. Has a slightly warm undertone and does not hold a curl for long.  This hair is a little harder to find.

KOREAN - Considered the one of the strongest, Korean hair is jet black with cool undertones and highlights. This hair is straight and will not hold a curl. Very smooth to the touch with a cuticle shaft that is thick.

Remember: When it comes to true 100% virgin hair, the colour will ALWAYS be black to darkest brown. Be leary of companies that showcase hair that they claim is 100% virgin and blonde, this is not virgin. Remember virgin hair (10A) is 100% unprocessed. These companies may have began with virgin, but through processing it, (bleaching, coating with silicones to keep it looking soft, smooth and natural) turns the hair into a 6A. To locate 100% true virgin blonde hair is almost impossible to locate, would be unethically sourced & would be very extremely expensive. 

 

Virgin hair is the best hair for dying. This hair has not been chemically processed in any way, they can be dyed with minimal damage to the hair. While it's best to avoid overly harsh chemicals, virgin hair extensions can be lightened or darkened as natural hair. It is always recommended to visit a hair specialist who can lighten the hair for you properly. Hair lightening is advised for hair grades 8A higher. If a lower grade is used, you will be left with dry hair and breakage.

 

REMY HAIR ($$$) 

The most common spelling: Remy also Remi hair, refers to human hair taken from the scalp of a donor.  The hair is cut by ponytail and stored in the same direction. The cuticles grow and pointed in the same direction as well as the hairs next to them. When the cuticles flow naturally together, this hair will stay soft and smooth longer, silkier.  Human hair only that is bundled so that the cuticle lays in the same direction from the time the hair was cut from a donor. This is the highest grade of hair for hair extensions.

MACHINE REMY ($$)

Machine Remy Human hair that has been donated and shaved from the scalp completely and sometimes be collected with multiple donors mixed together. This causes hairs to mix in the opposite direction. The hair is then fed through a machine that detects cuticles not in the Remy position and corrects it to become Remy.

NON REMY ($)

Synthetic or human hair collected from multiple donors. Collected and mixed together.  Cuticles do not flow in the same direction or cuticle is removed. When the hair is not in the correct direction, brushing causes more friction and the hair doesn't last as long as a result.