Virgin hair is hair in its purest and most natural form: 100% human hair that has never been chemically treated or processed in any way before collection. Each strand keeps its natural cuticle layer intact, which protects the hair and gives it strength, smoothness and shine.

This makes Virgin hair very different from products simply described as “human hair,” which are often altered to look a certain way losing some of their natural quality (for instance, by chemically processing resulting in finer strands). With Phoenix Crown, our extensions are always made from pure Virgin hair - for true luxury that lasts.

The difference between Virgin and non-Virgin hair is all about treatment.

Virgin hair is completely natural, with natural cuticles preserved and aligned in the same direction and not processed artificially by machines. This means it stays smooth, resists tangling for longer and lasts. Non-Virgin hair has usually been chemically treated and that processing weakens hair quicker over time.

The main types of hair used in extensions are Virgin hair, Remy hair and non-Remy hair. Remy hair is collected with cuticles aligned but may still be chemically treated, while non-Remy hair has cuticles misaligned and is more prone to tangling or matting. Virgin hair sits above both, offering the strongest, smoothest and most natural foundation for long-lasting extensions.

"Remy" is actually a term given to describe the collection of hair from a donor versus other methods of collection which can include picking hair strands from hairbrushes and the floor of hair salons.

The Remy method is considered the elite method of collection due to the manner in which the cuticles all follow the same direction, thus ensuring the strands of hair keep their natural elasticity and shine. Sadly, the term Remy can be misused with some hair extensions described as Remy actually sourced from non-Remy collation methods and then processed by machines to re-align the hair cuticles following chemical treatments such as acid bathing.

Both Virgin and "Remy" hair are considered high quality, but Virgin hair is widely recognised as the gold standard.

Remy hair does have aligned cuticles, which helps it stay smoother than non-Remy alternatives, but it may still have been chemically processed or have its cuticles aligned by machines to achieve a smoother look, forsaking its natural strength. Virgin hair, by contrast, is completely untouched. It retains its natural strength, shine and resilience, which means it lasts longer, styles easily and keeps its original colour without fading.

This is why Phoenix Crown works exclusively with Virgin hair: the highest possible quality, ensuring every extension delivers beauty that lasts.

With proper care, Virgin hair extensions can last well over a year - limiting heated tools, storing correctly and conditioning appropriately all go a long way to ensuring longevity. Because Virgin hair is completely natural and unprocessed, it retains its resilience and quality for much longer.

Looking after your extensions is what makes the real difference, which is why our Phoenix Crown hair care and accessories range was created to nourish and protect Virgin hair. Used together, your extensions not only stay beautiful but remain an investment in long-lasting confidence.