Raw Hair vs Virgin Hair: What You Are Actually Paying For

Hair labels can be confusing. Raw, virgin, Remy and human hair are often used as if they mean the same thing. They do not, and the difference shows up in how the hair wears and how long you can keep it.

What raw hair means

Raw hair has not been chemically processed. The cuticle is intact and runs in one direction, so the hair moves and behaves like natural hair. Virgin hair is a broader label that is sometimes used for hair that has been steamed or lightly processed to create a pattern.

Every Illusion Knot install uses 100% raw 9D micro feather hair in Natural Black.

Why the hair can be reinstalled

Because the hair is raw and the install uses hand tied knots instead of glue or heat, your hair is saved at takedown. The Illusion Knot Takedown includes shampoo and conditioning, and your hair can be reinstalled with an Illusion Knot Reinstall.

Textures and lengths

The hair comes in four textures: Straight, Kinky Straight, Body Wave and Burmese Curly. Lengths run from 16 to 30 inches in 100g bundles.

Straight starts at $175 for 16 inches and goes to $325 for 30 inches. Body Wave and Burmese Curly are $5 more per bundle, and Kinky Straight is $10 more. Most installs use 2 bundles, and 3 for maximum fullness.

How buying works

Hair is sold separately in the online shop and is never included in any install. Your hair is held at the studio for install day, so there is no shipping. Hair sales are final, which is one more reason to start with a free photo check before you buy.

Key Takeaways

• Raw hair is unprocessed with the cuticle intact.
• Illusion Knot hair is 100% raw 9D micro feather hair, Natural Black.
• Straight bundles run from $175 (16 inch) to $325 (30 inch); Body Wave and Burmese Curly add $5, Kinky Straight adds $10.
• Hair is held at the studio, never shipped, and sales are final.

Start with your free photo check, shop the hair or learn more about The Illusion Knot Method℠.