Raw Hair Bundles: Why They Are the Best Choice for Hair Extensions
At this time, Private Label has sold approximately one million bundles of human hair extensions.
Wow, that’s wild!
I am sure you found this page because you have heard about “Raw Hair Bundles” and want to know if they stand up to the hype on social media.
You are probably more concerned about whether raw hair bundles are worth the additional cost compared to virgin hair bundles.
We built Private Label as an all-inclusive place to shop for everything from cheap human hair bundles to raw hair extensions, which may be a little pricy for some.💵
As someone who spends a month in China yearly working with suppliers and in manufacturing facilities, let me explain why I love Raw Human Hair Bundles.
The above is to give you some background information about me, so hopefully, you will feel confident about the information I am about to provide. Our goal is to make sure you get the best sew in bundles for your budget.
My ten years in the hair industry have taught me a lot and might differ slightly from someone on TikTok.
Just sayin!🤷🏿♀️
What Are Raw Hair Bundles?
First, you need to know more about raw hair bundles.
Good question. From the naked eye, it’s not easy to tell what is “Raw Hair” vs. “Virgin Hair.”
Now, what about Remy Hair?
Sure, both types of hair we sell on Private Label would be considered Remy Hair, which means the cuticles are aligned in one direction, down.
What Is Remy Hair?
Remy hair is essential so that it doesn’t matte and tangle.
But wait!
Yes, even remy hair can matte and tangle if you do not adequately care for it, use excessive color (chemicals), wash regularly, and a host of other reasons.
What Is Raw Hair?
But back to the definition of raw hair.
I love raw hair because it’s never been chemically treated or processed other than possibly steaming into a specific curl pattern. Raw hair is sourced by creating a ponytail and cutting it.
The key is to keep the hair in the bundle in the same direction so the cuticles stay aligned. Since this hair is in its perfect state to be sewn into wefts, it doesn’t need additional processing like Virgin Hair.
Some people will argue that genuine raw hair shouldn’t be steamed into a curl pattern. That’s up for discussion, as there is no true definition of hair bundles. The problem with not steaming raw hair into a curl pattern is that you will be stuck primarily with straight raw hair or something like Curly Indian Bundles, which are not as curly as most people initially think.
When we say “Curly hair,” most people think of something like a kinky curly hair that has been steamed into that specific curl pattern. There is no good source for a “Kinky Curly” style of raw hair in its natural state.
So, if you are a hair purist and want only raw hair in its natural state, you will be buying straight, wavy, and curly Indian curly raw hair, which may not be what you are expecting, especially if you are looking for a more “natural texture.”
I would love to know if you consider Raw Hair that’s steamed to be true raw hair. Let me know in the comments below.
Benefits of Raw Hair Bundles
What’s not to love about raw hair bundles?
The strands of hair are thick and strong and can easily hold a curl or about any professional color.
Doesn’t that sound nice?
Good raw hair should be able to be colored to a blonde, which some will call #613 and others a “Level 10.”
Great raw hair can reach a platinum color, which gives it an almost white appearance. Because of the healthy cuticles in raw hair, styling should also be easier.
The cuticles will help hold the hair in place when applying heat from a Private Label hot tool (shameless plug, I know - but you like it).
The minimum processing of raw hair also allows it to last longer. We have had clients wear our raw hair at Private Label for years!
One of our clients said about our Raw Vietnamese Straight Bundles: “This is the only hair I wear! When I received my first install with this hair, I knew I made the right choice. This hair doesn’t shed, holds a curl all day, smells good, and blends seamlessly with my hair.”
Who wouldn’t want that experience when wearing hair extensions?
From experience, there are times when clients prefer something other than raw hair.
Complaints About Raw Hair Extensions
The two main complaints are that the hair is less silky than the other hair they wear or it gets frizzy on humid days.
I understand, and here is why. Let’s tackle the “Silky” complaint first. This thought stems from women entering our Atlanta hair store and feeling our bundles displayed.
They always love the “feeling” of the “Brazilian” virgin hair collection because it feels silky. This silky touch is generally due to the realignment or stripping of the cuticles during processing.
Raw hair is in its natural state. People generally don’t have naturally silky hair unless a chemical is added to it to help it feel this way. What woman come to appreciate about the texture of raw hair is that it usually does a better job of mimicking their natural hair.
That’s often the point of wearing hair extensions other than adding additional length, volume, or color. The subsequent complaint is that it can frizz up on humid days.
This complaint is because hair naturally frizzes on humid days. But if you are accustomed to wearing virgin hair extensions, then you probably haven’t experienced this—or if you have, it's not as dramatic.
An easy way to cope with frizzy hair is to use a holding spray.
Okay. Problem solved.
Let’s keep learning about why I love raw hair.💖💖
How to Identify Genuine Raw Hair Bundles
Want to know if you are really getting raw hair?
I get it; you might not always want to purchase raw hair from a trusted source like Private Label. I know you are scrolling through social media and may have seen an eye-catching video that makes you purchase without thinking it through.
When you get it, you can do a few things to test raw hair authenticity.
The Cuticle Test
I would start with a cuticle test.
First, wet your pointing finger and your thumb. You can lick your fingers quickly (you freak!) or use water from the tap (okay, germaphobe!).
Hold the bottom of the bundle so the hair can’t move, and slowly slide your wet fingers up the shaft of the hair towards the weft. The hair should feel coarse and almost get stuck at some points.
This feeling is because the cuticles, which can’t be seen with the naked eye, are pointing down, and your finger is going up. If you try this with virgin hair, it will be smoother because the cuticles have been aligned and often removed.
Let me note that this is not a bad thing because it allows us to offer a more affordable human hair product.
The Color Test
When professionally coloring raw hair, it should be able to be dyed to blonde.
Virgin hair bundles will usually only color to a honey blonde because it’s been slightly processed. Sometimes, bundles for sale are recommended not to be colored.
This recommendation is often because the manufacturer has taken hair with multiple colors and permanently dyed it to one color. It’s a cost-effective way to sell hair that might have some “grays” in it within bundles.
Quick Note: All virgin hair sold on Private Label can be colored to honey blonde and the raw hair to at least a blonde.
The Burn Test
Honestly, if you are getting to the point where you are going to burn your hair to test it, you probably shouldn’t have bought it.
The cuticle test and color test should be enough. Although I have seen some videos on social media with hair burn tests, I don’t recommend it. In reality, it’s too difficult to tell what’s going on in the seconds the hair is burning.
Burn tests usually determine whether the hair is synthetic or real human hair, but I thought I would throw it in here anyway.
The Key to Buying Raw Hair
The best way to purchase raw hair is from a supplier you trust.
I understand that there are plenty of raw hair vendors out there, and I want to thank you ahead of time if you choose Private Label for your raw hair needs.
Okay, we have a lot more to cover. Let’s keep going!
How to Care for Raw Hair Bundles
I am not a hairstylist, do hair, or go to hair school.
Therefore, I will only cover the basics of hair care for your raw hair bundles today.
Gentle Washing
- Wash your raw hair bundles every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on usage.
- Over-washing can strip natural oils, while under-washing can lead to buildup.
- When washing, use lukewarm water and a sulfate-free shampoo.
- Apply the shampoo gently, stroking downwards from the weft to the ends to avoid tangling.
Deep Conditioning
- After washing, apply a moisturizing conditioner. Leave it on for a few minutes to penetrate deeply and replenish moisture.
- For extra-dry or processed hair, consider a deep conditioning treatment every 2 to 3 weeks. This conditioning can help restore hydration and elasticity.
Drying
- Whenever possible, let the hair air dry. Air drying reduces heat damage and helps preserve the natural texture.
- If you must use a blow dryer, use the lowest heat setting and hold the dryer at least 6 inches away from the hair. You treat your raw hair like you would your natural hair.
Okay, now that you know the basics, let’s get into the cost of raw hair.
Cost Analysis of Raw Hair Extensions
Okay, now let’s get into the pockets!
How much more expensive is raw hair than virgin hair?
If you are into “investing,” raw hair might be a good choice.
When properly cared for, raw hair bundles should last multiple installations. If you are not into taking great care of your hair, I might only suggest raw hair if you have money to throw around like that.
Investing in raw hair means that you can use it multiple times. I am not saying that you can’t install virgin hair numerous times, but it’s not the same.
Would it be fair to say raw hair lasts twice as long as virgin hair?
It’s hard to put an exact number on this because different people treat hair in various ways. But if we did, you could do the numbers and see if investing in raw hair is right for you.
At Private Label, we have the fairest-priced raw hair bundles in the United States. It’s our goal to offer the best quality extensions at an affordable price. I can show you other hair vendors that charge twice as much or more for less quality.
We don’t have time to “name names,” so let's keep learning about the benefits of wearing raw hair.
Raw Hair Bundles in Fashion and Celebrity Culture
Do celebrities wear raw hair?
Do we even care?
I wanted to add a little snippet for those who are into celebrity culture.
Yes, celebrities will often wear raw hair extensions.
But only sometimes!
I don’t boast about who some of our celebrity clients have been at Private Label, and I can’t think of many celebrities we haven’t supplied hair to either.
Okay, let me be honest! I have been unable to supply hair to one celeb on my list.
When I supply hair to a celebrity, it’s usually through their hairstylist, not directly to them.
And the hair I do supply is something the hairstylist can’t find elsewhere, and that’s my collection of raw hair bundles 50” - 80” in length.
So here it is… Rihanna is the celebrity with whom I have not worked and have wanted to for years.
For some reason, I have been unable to break down that door. If you are reading this and somehow have a connection with Riri, let her know Mikey has amazing hair for her!
Raw Hair Testimonials
Here are what some of our clients are saying about our raw hair:
- “Loveeeee - This is the best hair ever! 10/10. I prefer this over virgin hair for sure. The quality is top tier and dyes perfect.” ~ Vietnamese Bundles
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"Lifelong customer - This hair has never failed me, thick from the weft to the ends." ~ Vietnamese Bundles.
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“Best hair Ever - Lasts forever and colors well!” ~ Vietnamese Bundles
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“Awesome hair - I have been a customer with this company for over seven years this hair never disappoints the curl is amazing….I usually buy four separate bundles but this time I got the three bundle deal and was very satisfied..it was definitely enough for a full install.” ~ Indian Curly Bundles
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“The only hair I use - This is my favorite hair ever! The length I want is always in stock and great quality. I dye my hair blonde, and it still looks great. My hair stylist loves it as well.” ~ Indian Curly Bundles
- “Love raw hair! - I love PL’s raw hair much more than their virgin hair. Both are quality, but the raw is unmatched.” ~ Raw Brazilian Body Wave Bundles
Who doesn’t love a great review?
Of course, only some reviews we receive for raw hair are five stars.
And that’s okay! Clients will have different expectations regarding hair.
At Private Label, we always do our best to ensure that our clients are satisfied and purchasing the right hair for them.
Where to Buy Quality Raw Hair Bundles
Well…Well…Well…Now, it’s time to figure out where to buy quality raw hair bundles.
If you are in the Atlanta area, I would like to personally welcome you to visit a Private Label showroom. Check out our list of Hair Stores.
Of course, you are reading this online, and you can purchase raw hair on the website—like right now!
Here are some reasons you should choose Private Label as your source for raw hair bundles.
- We ship most orders the same day if placed before 2 pm ET.
- Our inventory is accurate and available on each product page.
- With over 100,000 customers, we are a trusted hair source.
- There are plenty of payment options online and in-store.
- We offer fair prices for fantastic products.
- With over ten years of experience supplying raw hair to hairstylists, celebrities, hair brands, and the consumers who find us, we have our pulse on the market of raw hair.
If you have any questions before purchasing, please contact our friendly customer support team!
Raw Hair Bundles Q&A
We know you are searching the web for the best information related to sew in bundles. Here are some of the popular questions answered.
How Many Bundles for a Sew In?
On average, you will need three bundles for a sew-in. If the hairstyle is 14" or less, you can often use two bundles. Over 24", we would recommend four bundles. The size of your head and the type of lace, closure, or frontal will also affect the number of bundles required.
How Many Bundles Do You Need for a Quick Weave?
The number of bundles needed for a quick weave can vary depending on several factors, such as the desired fullness, length, and head size.
However, a general guideline for achieving a complete and natural look typically involves using 2 to 3 bundles for hair lengths ranging from 8 to 14 inches. For lengths between 16 to 20 inches, three bundles are usually recommended. For hair that is 22 inches and longer, four bundles are often needed to achieve a voluminous appearance.
If you desire a very full and voluminous look, especially with longer lengths, you may need 3 bundles for hair lengths between 8 to 14 inches, 4 bundles for lengths between 16 to 20 inches, and 4 to 5 bundles for lengths beyond 22 inches. It's important to consider the size of your head, as larger heads may require additional bundles to ensure full coverage and volume.
Additionally, thinner hair textures might require more bundles to achieve the desired fullness compared to thicker textures. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your hair styling.
If you plan to have a lot of layers or a very thick, dramatic style, more bundles may be needed, while shorter or bob styles suffice with fewer bundles.
In summary, for a quick weave, using 3 to 4 bundles is recommended to achieve a full and natural look. However, for lengths beyond 22 inches or if you prefer a very voluminous style, consider using 4 to 5 bundles. Ultimately, the number of bundles needed can be adjusted based on personal preferences and specific hair goals.
How Much Are Bundles?
The price of bundles will vary depending on if you are purchasing virgin hair or raw hair. The length will also determine the price as longer hair will be more expensive.
Curl patterns also come at a premium cost.
Ready to Experience Raw Hair?
Today, we discussed most of what you need to know when purchasing raw hair bundles.
If you are willing to invest in raw hair, you should be rewarded with excellent quality and long-lasting extensions.
Is raw hair for everyone?
As we discussed, it’s honestly not. And that’s cool too! We are all different and have different preferences for hair.
We want you to purchase what’s best for you, and that’s why Private Label has so many other raw and virgin hair options.
What’s your take on raw hair? Leave me a comment below!👇🏿
4 comments
Absolutely informative read! I appreciate the detailed breakdown on raw hair versus virgin hair and the emphasis on quality and durability. Moran’s insights into caring for raw hair are practical and useful. This article has definitely helped me understand the differences better and will guide my future hair extension purchases. Great job!
Can raw hair bundles be dyed to achieve lighter colors like blonde or platinum, or are there limitations to coloring them?
Thank you for the education on this. I never knew the difference. The people at the hair store spoke broken English so really couldn’t fully describe it to me. Thanks..I will have to try your hair!
I love the raw hair from private label. I wish zi could purchase it it black. I have always bought the Vietnamese straight which is not totally black.