Human Hair Grades Guide: What You Really Need to Know

Are you new to the world of wigs and hair extensions?

Maybe you’ve just learned that these bundles come in different hair grades, which can help you choose the right product. If the concept of “hair grades” sounds new to you, that’s exactly why I’m here.

I’ll be explaining what it means and the different hair grades available. So, sit tight as we go through everything you need to know to make the best human hair grade choice outside of the noise and marketing strategies.

What are Hair Grades?

Hair grades are simply a system of classification based on durability, texture, and quality. Typically, between 3A and 11A, it generally indicates the processing history and how well a particular human hair will style and handle.

This grading system informs you if the hair is of low grade, medium, or high. However, the classification system isn’t standardized and doesn’t follow a strict grading system. Since it is not regulated, it often changes depending on the manufacturers.

Factors that Affect the Human Hair Grades

There are a few factors that determine where a bundle will fall. Here are some of them;

1. Source of Hair

The hair source is one of the primary factors that determines the hair grade. This is because the source impacts other factors, such as the cuticle alignment and even longevity.

This source of hair is usually categorized into single donor and mixed donor. If the source is from a single donor, it means the hair comes from one scalp. And there’ll be a consistent texture and color. However, if it’s from mixed donors, this means it's from several donors, reducing the quality as it often has mixed textures and different colors.

2. Cuticle Alignment

Another factor that affects the human hair grade is the cuticle alignment.

Hair cuticles are the outermost layer that protects the cortex. When they are aligned, that is, all pointing in the same direction, the hair is usually smooth and shiny as everything lies flat.

However, when they are misaligned, with some pointing up and others pointing down, this causes tangles and breakage, making the hair of lower quality. Misaligned cuticles also cause dryness and frizz.

3. Processing History

Some hair types undergo processing to achieve a specific texture, feel, and color. However, some others do not. They maintain their shape, color, natural oils, and texture. This makes them superior in quality, as they often look natural and last longer. That's to say, the lesser the processing, the higher the grade.

- Virgin hair isn't chemically treated or processed, so it maintains its natural oils and strength.

- Processed hair is treated with chemicals to remove the original color and texture in order to make the hair uniform. However, this results in a shorter lifespan due to the damaged cuticles.

Related Read: Raw Hair VS Virgin Hair VS Remy Hair VS Non-Remy Hair, What's The Difference

4. Thickness, Density, and Texture

Higher-grade hair has a more consistent natural texture, volume, and thickness from root to tip than lower-grade hair. Their strands haven’t been chemically treated or processed like low-grade hair extensions, so they feel full, coarse, and strong. Also, the strands can withstand heat styling. But lower grades are more fragile.

5. Durability and Lifespan

With proper care, a hair bundle tends to last long. Still, while higher hair grades can last for years, even when styled with heat, lower hair grades do not really last that long.

Do Hair Grades Really Matter?

Of course, they do. The grades simply suggest the quality level. They can serve as a guide when purchasing hair extensions and wigs. To an extent, you can say that they actually help. You can see it as a rough guide that tells you about the quality and durability of the hair.

While it is also a marketing tactic from manufacturers to justify the amount of certain products and sell them at higher prices, the truth is that they can be used as a way to compare quality.

Understanding Each Human Hair Grade

The human hair grade has been the indicator of longevity, lifespan, and quality. These grades generally tell which hair has better cuticle alignment, thickness, and quality. So, the higher the number, the higher the grade. However, this grading keeps changing drastically since it was first created in the early 2010s.

For example, 3A was the best hair quality available when the system was made; it's not anymore, with many manufacturers adding a new grade daily.

The general human hair grades now include 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A+.

Let’s check out each of these hair grades.

🅰️🅰️🅰️3A Grade Human Hair (Low Grade)

This hair was top-notch in the early 2010s. While it was the best quality available at that moment, it no longer is. It is a low-grade, budget-friendly option that is typically known for its thin strands. Also, the hair cuticles of the 3A grade are not all intact since it usually comes from many donors. 3A grade hair also tangles and doesn’t last for so long.

🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️4A Grade Human Hair (Low Grade)

This is a low-grade human hair that lasts between three and six months. It was marketed as the new top grade back in 2012 and is more improved than the 3A grade. However, it is also from many donors and has been chemically processed.

🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️5A Grade Human Hair (Middle Grade)

The next human hair grade is 5A. This hair quality is much better than the 4A. While it was also once considered the best, there are better hair qualities now. The 5A is an affordable Remy human hair option. It is slightly processed, but most of its cuticles are still intact. 5A air grade can be styled with heat and can last up to eight months.

🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️6A Grade Human Hair (Middle Grade)

6A grade human hair is another affordable Remy quality option. It debuted in 2014 and has paved the way for better hair quality and options. The hair has all its cuticles aligned, and it offers moderate thickness, allowing you to dye the hair. This hair is also quite durable, lasting up to a year with proper care.

🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️7A Grade Human Hair (Mid-Range Remy Hair)

This is a mid-range, 100% Virgin Remy human hair option that was launched in 2015. It is an affordable human hair that lasts up to a year, depending on how well it is cared for. This hair has all its cuticles aligned, and it is often double-drawn. 7A hair can withstand heat styling, doesn’t tangle, and is often considered higher in quality than 3A-6A.

🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️8A Grade Human Hair (Mid-Range Remy Hair)

Grade 8A is a high-quality, Remy or virgin human hair that was sold as premium in 2016 and 2017. It features aligned cuticles and is more versatile than 7A. The 8A hair doesn’t tangle easily and is very soft. It also allows dyeing, bleaching, and heat styling.

🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️9A Grade Human Hair (High End)

9A is a high-quality human hair that immediately follows the grade 8A. It is a high-end human hair extension with thicker strands and aligned cuticles. It has superior color retention, doesn't tangle, and is popular for being soft. This hair grade is more durable and can be styled, bleached, and dyed.

🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️10A Grade Human Hair (Premium)

10A grade hair features aligned cuticles and thicker strands. The hair doesn't shed or tangle and can last for more than two years with proper care. 10A grade are often seen as premium, luxury hair since they have smooth textures. They are known to be from single donors, with all of their cuticles facing the same direction.

🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️🅰️11A+ Grade Human Hair

Lastly, 11A grade. This is a high-quality human hair product that has all its cuticles aligned. It is often considered extra soft with little to no shedding. 11A grades and above are usually top-tier, as they can last for many years and retain their luster for a very long time.

How to Choose Between the Hair Grades?

Choosing the right human hair grade means fewer tangles, better durability, and lasting luster. But you must first consider factors like price, maintenance, texture, and longevity.

1. Price

For a budget-friendly option, you can go for low grades between 3A and 4A. 5A to 7A are also quite affordable. However, 8A to 11A and above are considered investments.

2. Maintenance

Higher grades of human hair require more maintenance than the lower grades. While you can style premium hair frequently by using heat tools, it is not the same for lower grades.

3. Texture

9A to 11A+ have more body and volume. Lower grades, on the other hand, do not have as much volume as the higher grades.

4. Longevity

3A to 5A lasts up to eight months. 6A to 8A can last up to a year or even more with proper maintenance. 9A to 11A+ can last for many years.

5. Check the Hair Material

In addition to hair grade, check the hair material also, see if it labels raw hair, virgin hair, remy hair, and non-remy hair. A hair bundle labeled 10a grade remy hair is not as good as a labeled 7a raw hair.

Conclusion

Using the grading system doesn't always reflect standardization as expected. It is also a marketing tactic some manufacturers use to sell products at a high rate.

So, don’t fall for fake human hair or a lesser grade at the cost of a higher one. Always check if the cuticles are aligned, if the hair is unprocessed, if it labels raw hair, virgin hair, remy hair, or non-remy hair, if the hair is full, and look out for reviews on the site you're buying from.

At Hermosa Hair, we sell authentic, 100% human virgin hair at affordable prices. We have real, high-quality virgin human hair extensions, bundles, and wigs that stay luscious for a long time. Want to check them out? Visit the 9a grade wigs and virgin human hair bundles today to confirm for yourself.