Raw Hair 101 with Our Founder

At Bella Mensa Hair, it’s no secret that our raw hair extensions are among the finest in the industry. Our mission is to provide clients with a luxury hair experience that is seamless, long-lasting, and undeniably flawless.
We sat down with our Founder and Award-Winning Hair Extensions Technician, Grace Ishaku, to break down everything you need to know about raw hair, what it is, where it comes from, and why it’s become the gold standard for discerning hair lovers worldwide.

What is Raw Hair?

Raw hair is 100% unprocessed human hair, collected directly from a single donor. It hasn’t been chemically altered, steamed, or mixed with synthetic fibers. Once collected, the hair is gently cleansed, sorted, and wefted, keeping the cuticles intact and aligned in one direction to minimize tangling and preserve its natural pattern.
This makes raw hair the most natural, durable, and premium hair type available today.

Where is Raw Hair Sourced From?

Our raw hair is ethically sourced from regions known for their hair quality, including Vietnam, India, and Southeast Asia. Each texture reflects the natural patterns and characteristics of the donor’s hair, from straight and wavy to deep curly, ensuring authenticity and uniqueness in every bundle.

Why is Raw Hair So Popular?

Clients are increasingly tired of spending money on extensions that shed, tangle, or lose their lustre after a few wears. Raw hair changes the game! It offers unmatched longevity, a natural look and feel, and can be reused for up to 3-5 years with proper care.

It's a true investment in beauty and confidence.

Raw Hair vs. Virgin Hair: What’s the difference?

While the terms were once interchangeable, the industry has evolved. Here’s the key difference:

• Raw Hair: 100% pure, unprocessed human hair from a single donor. No chemicals, no steam processing. Cuticles aligned and intact.
• Virgin Hair: Often chemically altered or steam-processed to achieve uniform curl patterns or colors. It may also be mixed from multiple donors, impacting consistency and longevity.

Grace’s Advice to Aspiring Hair Business Owners

We often get asked about vendors and how to find high-quality raw hair suppliers. While vendor lists are popular, my honest advice? Test before you trust.

Start small:

1. Order one bundle per texture.
2. Check quality, shedding, longevity, and how it blends.
3. If satisfied, order a full set and install it yourself or on a client.
4. Only commit after at least three test orders.