"In the 1800's, peasant women in France were lured into being shorn like sheep to make wigs. In the early 1900's, it was reported that hair sold in the states was coming from sewers and corpses in China. Hair dealers were thought to be shady." , according to a Refinery29 report.

The hair extensions market sources hair from some reliable and trustworthy sources, but there is also a huge risk of shady, poor quality, chemically processed hair suppliers which have flooded this multi-billion dollar market. 

The hair bundles industry has devolved into a fierce competition between suppliers trying to outdo their competitors in quality and authenticity.

Why Do Hair Extensions Have Exotic Names?

The terms Brazilian hair, Malaysian hair, Peruvian hair, Russian Hair, Cambodian Hair etc., evoke images of exotic looks, textures and curl patterns often associated with women of those ethnicities.

Some names were created out of thin air in order to stand out in an increasingly diverse and worldwide hair extensions market.  

These hair origins sound exotic and are often just fancy descriptors for hair textures that resemble the stereotypical hair quality of women from various tropical areas. (i.e.- Brazil)

Most of these countries do not have a thriving hair donor industry. Due to the poverty that often exists in these areas, there is a minimal chance that women will be fairly compensated for their virgin hair.

 Virgin Remy Hair is unprocessed, hair from a single donor with all cuticles intact and flowing in the same direction. It's the most sought after hair, but is rarely found in todays market.

Read More about Virgin vs Remy Hair

However, one place does have a multi-million dollar hair extensions industry; India... Specifically Hindu Temples of India where millions of women donate their hair as part of their ritual show of devotion and faith. 

So, Where Does Brazilian Hair Come From?

Brazilian hair is not sourced from Brazil.  It is most often sourced from either India or other manufacturing giants of the world, like China and certain countries in Asia. 

The names, Brazilian, Malaysian, Peruvian Hair etc., is most likely hair that is merely branded to satisfy consumer demand for a certain curl pattern, texture, durability, softness, luster and/or heat resistance.

"Brazilian hair" is characterized by a soft feel, medium luster and thickness with a natural durability that holds well under various temperatures and conditions. It is also a deep natural black color that approximates what is known as color (1B). 

Read More about Hair Types and Qualities

Regardless of where hair is sourced from or how it is processed, the fact remains that human hair textures do vary naturally and have unique qualities that are based on human genetics.  

Some virgin hair donors have hair that is naturally coarse or thick. Some hair is naturally thin, silky or shiny. Those traits, combined with unique processing techniques such as washing, conditioning and steam processing, keep the virgin hair intact and of high quality.

The hair extension industry is not regulated by any governing body, so the hair on the market today will often make claims that can't be easily verified. Hair grading systems (Grade 8A) and claims of Virgin Remy hair without any verification have put a grey cloud over the authenticity of the entire market. 

So Should I Buy Brazilian Hair?

There are many quality hair vendors whose products claim to be free from chemicals, dyes and synthetic fibers and they have hundreds of satisfied customers to vouch for their claims.

You often get what you pay for in this industry so don't be afraid to invest in good hair extensions regardless of the brand name or claimed origin. 

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Marketplaces such as Aliexpress or Amazon will offer the lowest cost bundles (typically from $15-$35 per bundle). The mostly Chinese suppliers can sell directly on these platforms, thereby cutting costs. This hair may vary in quality and may be processed in some cases. We have selected the best hair vendors with the highest ratings below.

Also Read - Best Brazilian Hair Bundles:  Our Amazon Picks

The most value for your investment are bundle deals that offer 3 or 4 bundles plus a Closure or Frontal as part of the package. Expect to pay anywhere between $65 - $95 per bundle deal on the low end. These bundles are typically found on Aliexpress or Amazon and can offer good value for the money.

Also Read - What Are The Best Brazilian Straight Hair Bundles?

The best Brazilian hair bundles will typically be affordable with higher quality hair texture and durability. These companies sell hair at approximately $45-$75 per bundle. These hair extensions are high quality, affordable and last up to 1 year with proper care. Some companies even offer money back guarantees or return policies as well. Here you will find the most value for your money. 

Within the $150 - $250 price range, there are several virgin hair vendors that offer 3 hair bundle deals with amazing quality. The best value for your money. Offering 100% unprocessed virgin hair, these hair bundles are machine weft and have not been dyed, permed, bleached, or treated with any chemicals. These virgin hair companies often have great customer service, large social media followings, great branding and quality assurance programs.  

The highest priced bundle deals will often offer 100% unprocessed virgin hair.  Some of these vendors are very popular and have large social media followings, several store locations & even celebrity endorsements, which may mean more expenses get passed onto the consumer. Expect high quality with a high price tag. 

Premium cost hair bundles will typically be Indian Temple Hair or Asian vendors that purchase and resell rare and high quality hair directly from manufacturers. The hair collection process is selective and rigorous and many companies may also employ savvy marketing techniques to increase the brand value. While these companies offer excellent quality, be aware that the selling price will also come at a premium. Expect to pay over $100 per bundle.

What Are The Best Virgin Hair Companies?

The hair extension market is flooded with low quality synthetic hair. We've curated the #1 list of the best virgin hair companies that offer top quality hair bundles at affordable prices. Our list includes reviews of top companies such as Mayvenn Hair, The Virgin Hair Fantasy, Queen Hair Bundles, Beauty Forever, Unice Hair, Princess Hair Shop, Baby Doll Luxury Hair and more.

Finding a stylist that can make high quality,  and gorgeous lace front wigs can be a gamble that comes at a high price. These stylists stand out among the rest and offer some unique styles and looks that celebrities love; and now you can too.