Understanding Human Hair Grades - What Are They And What Do They Mean?
From complete beginner or seasoned wig-wearer, hair grading on human hair extensions like bundles, wigs and pieces can leave you more confused than enlightened. To help you out, we've put together this quick-fire guide on human hair grades and what to look out for when you purchase your next set of extensions.
What Is It?
The hair grading system was created in the early 2010s by hair extension suppliers as a way to determine the quality of hair sold to buyers and to set their companies apart from those that might have been selling lower-quality hair.
Image | Hair Bundles via Unique Creations By Nat
What Are The Grades?
3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A 10A
Those are the human hair grades currently being used within the industry 3A being the lowest quality hair and 10A the highest. This article by Airy Hair provides a complete overview of the qualities to expect from each grade.
Has The Grading Always Been The Same?
No. Early on in the system, 5A hair was considered high quality but as technology evolved to produce better quality hair and customers have become shrewder, 5A hair is now considered to be medium quality hair.
Is The System Regulated?
No. There is no formal regulation for the hair grading system which means that unfortunately, a lot of sellers will advertise hair as being higher quality than it is. Considering most hair is sold to customers online, this makes it difficult to ascertain whether the hair is actually as high quality as advertised, until you get it into your hands.
Is There A Price Difference Between Grades?
Yes. As with most things in life, higher quality often translates to higher price and the grading system is no different. It is important to note, however, that because the system is unregulated, paying more for hair doesn't always mean you'll get the highest quality.
How Do I Know What Grade Look For?
What hair grade you should consider is completely up to what you need from your hair. The higher quality hair you want, the higher a grade you should look out for to start. If you're looking for a true budget option but still want some quality, you should start at 6A. If you're looking for 100% virgin hair, don't look for anything less than grades 8A or 9A.
But, and this is a big but, don't rely solely on the grades. As mentioned above, lack of regulation means that some suppliers bump their products up a few grades so if possible, also look for reviews either directly on the website, through google and/or YouTube.
Are There Any Other Qualities I Can Look For?
Absolutely and we recommend considering them alongside the hair grades and not just relying on one or the other. Other qualities to look out for when buying hair are:
-
Remy Or Non-Remy
Remy hair means all the cuticles in the hair remain intact and facing in the same direction. This means the hair is less likely to shed/tangle. -
Wefting Style
Double wefted hair is less prone to shedding and can, therefore, last longer. -
Hair Type
Look for 100% human hair. And if it's from a single donor (all the hair came from one person), it's more likely to be of higher quality -
Weight
The weight of a bundle of hair is indicative of how much hair you get within the bundle. Generally, one bundle should be between 95-100 grams. -
Chemical Treatments
This is especially important if you're looking for 100% virgin hair. If you see hair advertised as 100% virgin but also see mentions of it being chemically treated, you're being lied to so run, sis.
Image | Remy vs Non-Remy Hair via DSoarHair
We hope this has cleared up any confusion you might have had over hair grades and if not, head over to our social media pages and send us a message and we'll be happy to answer any questions you have. Seriously, we could talk hair for hours.
Now that you've got this hair grade thing on lock and are ready to make your next wig, make sure you check out our blog on How To Make Your Wigs Look Insta Ready.
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35 comments
Thank you. This article was really helpful. I appreciate you.
Sonia
Jeanine ash
Can you contact me on colleteoguinye@gmail.com
Oguinye Collete
Hello I have been looking to sell my hair for some time now. Would you be interested in a small sample of my hair. I haven’t colored it 12 years. I’m in need of cash for my 1 Great grand baby. I haven’t been able to work due to health issues & waiting for disability to be approved. I do not wash my hair everyday, I have at least 10 inches of hair I can cut off. Thank you
Jeannine Ash
Lease I want to learn about hairs I’m interested in in the wig industry
Nermosa
Hi I just wanted what grade should I look for cause a a hair last for more Than 4 years can do anything I want with the hair regarding styles
Motshidisi Mooko
Pls I really want to know more about human hair from the scratch.i dnt no anything about hair. I want to start hair business
Peace
Please email me I’m looking for highest quality hair last 3+ year can be bleached no tangles and no shedding
Tamara
I need to start my business but i don’t know much about hair quality
Cathy
I’m wanting sell my hair. I don’t do anything with my hair. Just wash and let dry. My hair is like 5 inches long but it’s not thick.
Marlene Foshee
I want to start an hair business,but ion know how to go about it,I don’t know much about the different kind of hair,and how to identify a hair with good quality
Oiza
Pls I want to start making wigs as business and I don’t really know much about the different types of hairs and their quality
Clemencia
I would like to start a hair business and I would like a factory that sells good quality hair and affordable prices in Vietnam
Jennifer Akukwata
This is very helpful information. I really want to know what is the best tape in hair extension seller. Years ago I used to get my extensions from hair art 88, but they went out of business
Lisa
I really want to know more about human hair, because I want to venture into human hair sales.I also need a direct supply plug.
Joan osinmen
What’s the best type of hair for a wig. I love deep wave or wet and wavy wigs. The best human hair for a wig and the hd frontal 13 by 4 or 4by 4.
Ginger
Please I really want to know more about hair from the scratch. Cause want to start a hair business
Blessing
Hello, I would like to start a hair business, any recommendations of a supplier for good quality hair
Sarah
Please what is the difference between 10A and 15A which one is more preferable and fuller. Thank you
Franca
I also want to go into that business,but I dnt kn how to go about it
Jumoke
I am looking for garade 8A, Mayvenn donot give grades on hair where can I purchase Remy hair grade 8A, 9A or 10A
shirley robinson
What website do you prefer to get bundles from that won’t break your pockets?
Amber
I really want to know more about hair.cus am thinking if starting the business
Maxi
Please I am a student I want to begin a hair business that is selling quality, please assist me with any hair supplier
Giselle Ngela
If you need a supplers WhatsApp me on 07066051803 thank you
Veronica
Please i want to starr a hair business, I’m a student and need something to cater for myself in school and also pay school fees, please can i get a vendors contact. Through which i can get supplies of hairs, human hairs only please,
This article was really helpful and insightful
Favour Patrick
Hi I’m also looking for hair suppliers to start my own line. Any recommendations?
Haley
Please I want to start a hair business. Am tired of the 9-5 job. Am a mother and I want to venture in to selling quality hair..please assist me with any supplier or vendor I can use.thank you
Naomi
I wanted to give my hair for money
P.Dharani
Good day,please I want to start a hair business,but what to know where and how to get good,quality and affordable packaged hair suppliers.
Can you recommend a truthful supplier.
Ekua
Thank you so much . This information was really helpful!
Angelia
Is curly hair graded the same as straight hair?
Maria
I am interested in starting to sell hair. Is there any advice you can give, regarding buying top-quality hair, and hair brands from specific places?
Sandra Reed-Senevey
Thanks for advising, noted with thanks
Mabel Moncho
How about when the site gives a ratio? Example: 4:4:2:2
DJ
plsss if the hair is 100% and it is treated with chemicals, meaning it is bad
Olofomi Ethel
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