When choosing a non-surgical hair replacement system, one of the most common questions is: What’s the difference between Indian hair and Remy hair? Understanding these two hair types can help you make the best choice for a natural, long-lasting, and high-quality hairpiece.
Indian Hair
Pros:
✔ Naturally fine and soft, making it ideal for a realistic look and feel
✔ Holds curls well and blends easily with most hair types
✔ More affordable than Remy hair
✔ When Indian hair fades over time, it is more accepting of colouring and achieves a more even colour match, making it easier to refresh and maintain
Cons:
✖ Tends to be more delicate, meaning it may not last as long
✖ Often requires chemical processing to remove natural wave patterns
✖ Can tangle or shed more if not properly processed
Remy Hair
Pros:
✔ Cuticles remain intact and aligned, reducing tangling and increasing longevity
✔ Higher-quality processing retains the natural shine and strength of the hair
✔ Looks and feels more like natural, healthy hair
Cons:
✖ More expensive than Indian hair
✖ Requires extra care to maintain its premium quality
✖ When Remy hair fades over time, it can be difficult to achieve an even colour match
✖ When re-dyeing. This is why we often prefer Indian hair, which takes colour more predictably and evenly.
How is Indian / Remy Hair Used in Hair Systems?
In most hair replacement systems, Indian / Remy hair is folded in half and knotted in the middle, meaning one strand appears as two hairs when ventilated into the base. This technique:
✔ Increases density – One strand creates the appearance of two hairs, making the system look fuller.
✔ Enhances durability – The knotting method helps secure the hair to the base, preventing excessive shedding.
✔ Improves volume – Ideal for those who prefer a thicker look without adding excessive weight.
However, folding the hair in half creates a problem: cuticle misalignment. Natural hair has a cuticle layer (tiny overlapping scales that protect the strand), and when hair is folded, the cuticles on one half run in the opposite direction. If left intact, this would cause severe tangling and knotting in the hair system.
To prevent this, manufacturers use a process called acid bathing to remove the cuticle layer.
The Acid Bath Process & Its Effects
1. Hair is collected and sorted – Typically, non-Remy or lower-grade hair is used since its cuticles are already misaligned.
2. The hair is submerged in an acidic solution – This chemical bath strips away the outer cuticle layer.
3. The hair is neutralized and conditioned – After the acid bath, the hair is treated with conditioning agents or a silicone coating to restore softness and shine.
4. Processed hair is dyed and ventilated – Once treated, the hair can be coloured, ventilated into the base, and styled for the final hair system.
✔ Prevents tangling – Since the cuticles are removed, there’s no friction between strands.
✔ Creates a smooth, silky texture – The hair feels softer and more manageable.
✔ Allows for hair to be folded in half – This technique increases density in the system.
✖ Weakens the hair – The process strips away natural protection, making the hair more prone to dryness and breakage.
✖ Requires heavy silicone coatings – To maintain a natural appearance, silicone is applied, but this wears off over time.
✖ Does not hold colour well – Once the silicone coating fades, the hair may become dull and difficult to recolour evenly.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both options have their advantages. If you want affordable and naturally soft hair that is easier to recolour, Indian hair is a great choice. But if you prioritize durability, shine, and a more natural appearance, Remy hair is worth the investment.
At Cochrane & Co we carefully select the best hair for our systems to ensure natural-looking, long-lasting results—honestly and without hard sales. Want expert advice? Get in touch today! Love Grease and Hair Peace
