Every Woman’s Guide to Raw, Virgin & Processed Hair

Every woman who chooses extensions is really choosing a story — one of confidence, ease, and self-expression. At Ameni Hair, we’ve listened closely to the questions our community asks most, and we’ve turned them into this guide.

Here, you’ll find clear, transparent answers to help you care for your bundles and lace — so your hair tells the story you want it to, day after day.

Raw, Virgin, and Processed: What’s the Difference?

Every journey begins with knowing what you’re wearing.

• Raw Vietnamese hair is as close to untouched as it gets — cuticle-intact, donor-collected, and minimally handled. It keeps its natural texture, resists tangling, and offers the longest lifespan. Explore our Raw Vietnamese Hair extensions.
• Virgin hair sounds similar, but it’s a broader category. It may come from multiple donors and sometimes includes steam-textured strands. Quality varies — it’s softer entry-level luxury, but it won’t always match the consistency of raw. Compare in our Virgin & Super Double Drawn bundles.
• Processed hair is the most altered. Bleached, dyed, or heat-treated for uniformity, it looks polished at first but loses strength quickly — becoming prone to dryness and tangling.

The truth? If you want bundles that last, stay full, and style beautifully, raw Vietnamese hair remains the gold standard.

How Long Will It Last?

• Raw Vietnamese bundles: 3–5+ years with proper care.
• Virgin hair: typically a shorter lifespan.
• Processed hair: much less durable.

Daily habits matter:

• Rotate styles to reduce tension.
• Sleep on silk, braiding or wrapping loosely at night.
• Alternate moisture masks with light protein treatments monthly.
• Keep hot tools gentle — under 350°F for irons, under 300°F for wands.

These rituals are what transform good hair into hair that truly endures.

Can I Swim and Work Out?

Yes — with preparation.

• Mist your bundles with leave-in conditioner before swimming.
• Braid loosely and protect with a silk scarf or swim cap.
• Afterward, rinse with fresh water, cleanse with a sulfate-free shampoo, and condition.
• Within 48 hours of chlorine or salt exposure, treat hair with a deep-conditioning mask.

This rhythm keeps extensions safe, supple, and soft.

Heat, Color, and Going Blonde

Extensions are meant to be lived in — styled, curled, straightened, even colored. Always:

• Start with a thermal protectant.
• Work in small, even sections.
• Keep temperatures modest.

For blonde transformations, tones like beige, champagne, or ash give the cleanest blends. Always strand test before committing. After coloring, use a moisture mask, then add a light protein treatment within two weeks.

For more tips, read our guide on How to Dye Raw Vietnamese Hair Safely.

Storing Between Wears

The way you store your bundles is the way they’ll remember you.

• Use breathable, satin-lined boxes, hangers, or silk pouches.
• Braid curly/wavy textures before storage to hold pattern.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Choosing the Right Lace

Lace is what makes your extensions blend like your own hairline.

• HD lace → ultra-sheer and nearly invisible, but delicate.
• Swiss lace → best balance of durability and blend, especially for active lifestyles.
• Invisible Swiss lace → fine and discreet, with enough strength for daily wear.

Pairing the right lace with Super Double Drawn bundles creates a seamless, lasting finish.

See more in our Super Double Drawn Hair FAQ.

Daily Care, Simplified

• Wash with sulfate-free cleansers every 7–10 wears.
• Detangle damp hair gently with a wide-tooth comb or loop brush.
• Sleep on silk pillowcases or bonnets.
• Deep-moisture mask monthly; add light keratin quarterly.
• Keep oils away from lace for clean adhesion.

These simple rituals keep both hair and lace natural-looking.

The Final Word

Hair is more than an accessory — it’s part of how you move through the world. With raw Vietnamese bundles, clip-ins, and lace closures, you’re choosing hair that lasts, holds its beauty, and tells your story with quiet strength.

At Ameni Hair, we believe in authentic quality: cuticle-intact, long-lasting, and designed for women who know their value.

→ Explore Ameni’s Raw Vietnamese Hair Collection