Buying human hair—especially for wigs, weaves, or extensions—is a significant investment. But how do you really know if you're getting premium quality hair before committing your money? With so many vendors and suppliers in the market claiming to sell “100% human hair,” “virgin hair,” or “Remy hair,” it's crucial to be informed.
Whether you're sourcing hair from an online shop, a beauty store, or a global supplier, testing hair quality before you buy is key to protecting your investment and building a reliable supply chain—especially if you're launching a hair business.
Here’s how to test hair quality like a pro, with practical, real-world tips you can use even before making a purchase.
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High-quality hair is not only more natural-looking, but it also:
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Lasts longer (up to a year or more with good care)
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Styles better with heat tools
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Tangles and sheds less
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Blends seamlessly with natural hair
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Helps you build a trustworthy brand if you're a reseller
Low-quality or fake hair might look good at first but will quickly become dry, stiff, and tangled—wasting your time and money.
1. Check the Cuticle Alignment
The first and most important quality marker in human hair is cuticle alignment.
What to look for:
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Hair with aligned cuticles means all strands run in the same direction—from root to tip.
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This prevents tangling and allows the hair to feel smooth and silky.
How to test:
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Run your fingers up and down the hair strand.
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It should feel smooth from top to bottom, and slightly rough in the opposite direction (bottom to top).
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If it feels smooth both ways, the cuticle may have been stripped (likely due to chemical processing).
???? High-quality hair like Remy or virgin hair has intact cuticles and is minimally processed.
2. Perform the Burn Test
This is an old-school but reliable test to confirm if hair is 100% human or mixed with synthetic fibers.
How to test:
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Take a small strand (just a few hairs).
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Use a lighter or match to burn the ends (do this safely in a controlled area).
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Human hair will burn slowly, smell like burning protein (like feathers), and turn to ash.
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Synthetic hair melts, smells like plastic, and forms hard beads.
???? Only perform this test on a small sample or testing bundle—do not damage your actual wig or bundle.
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3. Tangle & Shedding Test
Quality hair should be resistant to tangling and minimal in shedding.
How to test:
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Run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through the bundle several times.
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Tug gently at the weft area.
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If you notice strands falling out immediately or the hair bunching up and tangling—it’s likely low-quality or mixed.
???? Some minimal shedding is normal, but excessive shedding right out of the package is a red flag.
4. Water Test (For Processing Clues)
This test helps determine if the hair has been dyed or chemically treated—even if labeled "virgin".
How to test:
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Fill a glass with water.
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Drop a small bundle or a few strands into the water.
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Watch how the hair reacts:
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If it sinks slowly, it’s likely high-quality, untreated human hair.
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If it floats or releases color, it may have silicone coating or chemical treatment.
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???? Silicone-coated hair often floats and feels too silky at first but becomes rough after a few washes.
5. Smell the Hair
This is surprisingly revealing. Lower-grade hair often has chemical residues or has been stored improperly.
What to smell for:
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Strong chemical or acidic smells can indicate over-processing or the use of synthetic coatings.
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Musty or moldy odors could mean the hair wasn’t properly cleaned or stored.
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High-quality hair smells clean or neutral.
???? If the smell is strong, it may not disappear after washing—and that’s a dealbreaker.
6. Heat Styling Test
Only 100% human hair can handle curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers without melting or burning.
How to test:
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Use a flat iron or curling iron at a low to medium heat setting on a sample strand.
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The hair should style easily and return to normal texture when washed.
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If it melts, smells like plastic, or sticks to your iron—it’s not 100% human hair.
???? Always test with heat on a small piece, especially if you're unsure of the supplier’s authenticity.
7. Color/ Dye Test
High-quality virgin human hair can be dyed or bleached evenly. This is particularly important for brands offering custom color wigs or bundles.
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How to test:
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Take a small section of hair.
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Apply a lightening powder and 20-30 volume developer.
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Let it process for 15–30 minutes.
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Virgin human hair should lighten to a soft brown or blonde. If it doesn’t lift or turns brassy/patchy, it may be dyed or mixed.
???? This test is optional but highly recommended if you're sourcing in bulk for business.
8. Weft Construction Check
Good quality hair also means good weft stitching (how the hair is sewn at the top of the bundle).
What to look for:
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Tight, neat stitching
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No loose threads
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Minimal hair shedding from the weft
Poor weft construction leads to quick unraveling and excessive shedding—especially after washing.
9. Ask for a Sample or Trial Bundle
If you're sourcing hair from a new supplier or manufacturer, always:
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Request a sample bundle
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Test it yourself before placing a large or bulk order
???? Reputable vendors will gladly offer samples or allow you to test the quality before committing to full purchase.
10. Supplier Transparency
This isn’t a physical test, but it’s a huge indicator of quality:
Ask the supplier:
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Where is the hair sourced from? (e.g., Vietnam, India, Brazil)
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Is it virgin, Remy, or processed?
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Are factory videos, donor info, or reviews available?
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Can you see photos or videos of the actual bundles before shipping?
???? Trustworthy suppliers are open and honest—avoid vendors who dodge questions or overpromise with unrealistic claims.
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Final Thoughts
Testing hair quality before buying is more important than ever—especially in today’s saturated market. Whether you're a consumer looking for a long-lasting wig or a business owner sourcing bundles, these simple tests can protect you from wasting money and damaging your brand reputation.
By checking cuticle alignment, performing burn and water tests, examining the smell, and asking the right questions, you’ll be equipped to spot genuine human hair from low-grade imitations.
For high-quality Vietnamese human hair, trusted by salons and retailers worldwide, visit OrientalHairs.com. We offer transparency, consistent quality, and bulk order support for hairpreneurs and stylists alike.
Need help with quality control or sourcing reliable suppliers?
Reach out to us for guidance—we’re here to support your hair business journey from root to tip.