South Indian Raw vs North Indian Virgin Double Drawn Hair: Key Differences and Benefits

Hair extensions come in various qualities and origins, and two premium categories often discussed are South Indian “Raw” single-drawn hair and North Indian Remy/Virgin double-drawn hair. Both originate from India but differ in how they’re collected and processed, impacting their look, lifespan, and ideal use. Below, we dive into what sets South Indian raw single-donor hair apart from North Indian Remy double-drawn hair, so salon professionals and hairstylists (especially in the USA) can choose the best option for their clients.

Understanding Key Terms

Before comparing the two, it’s important to clarify some terminology:

• Raw Hair: Refers to hair that is 100% unprocessed – no chemical treatments or steam-texturing. Raw hair is typically cut directly from a donor (often as a ponytail) and simply cleaned. It retains its natural texture (wavy, curly, or straight) and cuticle alignment. Because it’s unaltered, raw hair is usually virgin (never dyed or chemically treated) and of very high quality.
• Virgin Hair: Hair that has never been chemically processed (no dye, bleach, perms, etc.). Virgin hair can be Remy (if cuticles are aligned) and in raw form or it can be lightly processed for texture. In our context, both South Indian raw and North Indian hair are considered virgin (North Indian Remy hair is often marketed as “virgin” since it’s not heavily processed beyond cleaning).
• Single Drawn vs Double Drawn: These terms describe how uniform the hair lengths in a bundle are. Single-drawn hair contains a natural gradation of lengths – in a bundle, not every strand is the full length, so the ends are thinner (tapered) for a very natural look. This is how hair grows from a single person’s scalp; you’ll have shorter strands mixed with longer ones. Double-drawn hair is a luxury refinement where shorter strands are removed (or additional long strands added) so that almost all hairs are the same length, resulting in thick, blunt ends. Double-drawn bundles look very full from root to tip. Achieving this requires extra labor (sorting and trimming), and often multiple donors’ hair may be combined to get enough strands of equal length.

Single-drawn hair (left) has varied strand lengths from one donor, giving a natural taper at the ends. Double-drawn hair (right) has uniform length strands, yielding full, thick ends.

With these definitions in mind, let’s explore each hair type in detail.

South Indian RAW Hair (Single Donor, Single Drawn)

South Indian raw hair is considered the gold standard for human hair extensions. It is typically sourced from temple donations in South India, where individuals voluntarily have their hair shaved for religious reasons. Each bundle comes from a single donor, meaning the hair in one bundle all originated from one person’s head. This hair is single-drawn, so it maintains the donor’s natural hair growth pattern – thicker at the roots, tapering toward the ends. Here’s what sets South Indian raw hair apart:

• Unprocessed Purity: Raw South Indian hair is 100% unprocessed – no chemical baths or factory texturizing. The natural texture (be it straight, wavy, or curly) is retained exactly as it grew. Because it’s pure, you might even find subtle variations in wave or slight color undertones, which is a sign of authenticity. This purity makes the hair extremely resilient and versatile.
• Cuticle-Intact in one direction: Since the hair is cut off in one ponytail from the donor, all cuticles remain aligned. This alignment means the hair will have minimal tangling and matting, even with long-term use. Essentially, you’re getting hair in its most natural, healthy state – often called “temple hair” in the industry.
• Exceptional Longevity: One of the biggest selling points of South Indian raw hair is its lifespan. Because the hair is high quality and unprocessed, it can last 3–5 years or even longer with proper care. Many luxury extensions collectors find that these bundles can be reinstalled multiple times over several years and still maintain their integrity. It’s truly an investment piece for clients who want hair that stands the test of time.
• High Versatility (Can Bleach to #613): Raw Indian hair is prized for its strength and ability to withstand significant chemical processing. Top-grade South Indian raw bundles can be bleached to a very light blonde (level #613, platinum) while still remaining soft and healthy. This is a critical advantage for stylists whose clients want to color the extensions – you can confidently lift this hair to pale blonde or fashion colors. By contrast, lower-quality hair might get damaged or break when bleaching that far. The ability to take platinum blonde color is a mark of superior quality.
• Natural Look and Feel: Because it’s single-drawn from one donor, the hair has a natural gradient – replicating how real hair grows. When installed, South Indian raw hair gives a very natural look (not overly “wiggy” or uniformly thick at the ends). Clients often remark that it blends seamlessly with their own hair. The movement and texture are very realistic, making it ideal for high-end installs where quality is visible.
• Rarity and Limited Supply: True single-donor raw hair is relatively scarce. One person’s hair only yields a few bundles at most, and not every donor’s hair meets the highest quality standards. Additionally, temple hair is a limited resource – the supply is finite and prized. Many suppliers note that they have only a limited supply of raw single-donor bundles because of how rare it is to get hair that long and healthy from one person. This rarity does drive the price up, but also makes it exclusive. In the luxury hair market, South Indian raw is often seen as a premium product akin to a “luxury item.”
• Ideal Clients: Given its qualities, South Indian raw hair is best suited for discerning, luxury clients and special uses. Brides, celebrities, or anyone who wants the absolute best for their sew-in or wig will love this hair. It’s perfect for high-end salons catering to clients that demand top quality. It’s also great for long-term wear – for example, a client who plans to reuse the hair for multiple installs or even resell it later (yes, top-quality raw hair has resale value!). If a client wants extensions that maintain their beauty for years, this is the go-to. However, one should note: because it’s unprocessed, raw hair requires proper care and maintenance. Stylists should educate clients on gentle washing, deep conditioning, and limited use of high heat to maximize lifespan. When well cared for, these extensions can truly be a long-term investment piece.

Key Features of South Indian Raw Hair:

• ✔️ Single Donor Authenticity: Sourced from one donor’s head, providing a cohesive, natural look (each bundle comes from one ponytail). No mixing of hair means consistency in texture and behavior.
• ✔️ Unprocessed & Virgin: 100% raw and virgin – no chemical processing. Natural textures (straight, wavy, curly) with cuticles intact for tangle-free longevity.
• ✔️ Ultra Durable (3–5+ Year Lifespan): With good care, raw Indian bundles last for years (often 3-5 years or more) without significant shedding or matting. This far exceeds the lifespan of most other extension types.
• ✔️ High Bleachability: Can be safely bleached up to the lightest blonde (#613 platinum) and colored, giving stylists full freedom to customize color. Despite aggressive chemical treatments, the hair remains strong – a testament to its quality.
• ✔️ Exclusive & Luxurious: Because of limited supply and superior quality, this hair commands a higher price. It’s considered luxury hair, ideal for clients who want the very best and are willing to invest. The rarity also means wearing it is somewhat of a status symbol in the extensions world.

Ideal Clients/Uses:

• High-End Salons & Stylists: Professionals who offer premium services use raw Indian hair to ensure their clients get the top-tier results. It reflects well on a salon to have extensions that still look flawless after a year or two of wear.
• Brides and Special Occasions: For once-in-a-lifetime events or photo shoots, the longevity and luster of raw hair ensure the style looks impeccable. Brides, for example, love raw hair for its natural look in photographs and durability for honeymoon styling.
• Luxury Consumers: Clients who view their hair as an investment – they’d rather buy one amazing set of extensions and reuse it for years than keep buying cheaper hair that needs frequent replacement. These are often clients who want long-term wear & even resale value from their hair (raw Indian hair, if maintained, can be resold because it remains in good condition).
• Hair Connoisseurs: Just like some people insist on designer handbags, some extension wearers insist on raw single-donor hair. These clients are knowledgeable and won’t settle for less than the best. They appreciate the nuance (like a bit of natural tapering or slight color variation) as signs that the hair is authentic and unprocessed.

In summary, South Indian raw single-drawn hair is the ultimate choice for quality and longevity. It delivers a naturally beautiful look and can endure years of use – making it perfect for a clientele that expects their extensions to perform at the highest level.

North Indian Remy/Virgin Double Drawn Hair (Mixed Donors)

By contrast, North Indian Virgin double-drawn hair is positioned as a high-quality yet more affordable alternative to the ultra-premium raw hair. North Indian hair generally refers to hair collected from donors in the northern regions of India (and sometimes neighboring areas). Unlike the temple-shorn South Indian bundles, North Indian hair is often collected via other means – it could include multiple donors whose hair is blended. Importantly, it’s still Remy and often virgin, meaning the cuticles are aligned and the hair isn’t heavily processed beyond cleansing. What truly defines this category is that it’s double-drawn: the hair has been sorted so that all bundles have a uniform length from top to tip, giving a thick, voluminous appearance. Let’s break down the characteristics of North Indian Remy double-drawn hair:

• Multiple Donor Sourcing (Remy/Virgin Hair): To achieve the double-drawn effect (full thickness ends), hair from several donors is typically combined. As a saying goes, “No single donor naturally has double-drawn hair on their head,” since everyone’s hair tapers. So, factories collect hair (often cut ponytails or hair from brushes) from many people and then sort it by length. The shorter strands are removed, and bundles of similar length strands are created. The key is that despite mixing, the hair remains Remy – all cuticles are aligned in the same direction, often by painstaking hand-sorting techniques. It’s also kept virgin (no chemical treatments) or only minimally processed (for cleanliness or sometimes a steam texture). The result is smooth, silky hair with aligned cuticles, but comprised of “mixed donors” to create a uniformly thick bundle.
• Double-Drawn Fullness (Thick from Root to Tip): The hallmark of this hair is its uniform thickness. A double-drawn bundle will be almost as thick at the bottom as it is at the top. All those wispy short hairs that give a natural taper in single-drawn hair are gone. This gives an impressively full look – even a relatively small amount of hair can provide a lot of volume. The ends look blunt and healthy, often described as having “Russian hair” appearance because true Russian/Slavic virgin hair also tends to be naturally full at the ends. For clients who want that thick, Instagram-worthy hair from root to tip, double-drawn delivers. It’s especially useful if the client’s natural hair is thick – the extensions won’t thin out at the ends, so they blend better with thick hair types. Many users compare the look to Vietnamese or East Asian hair which is often thicker-stranded – double-drawn Indian hair can mimic that density.
• Silky Texture and Styling Ease: North Indian Remy hair typically has a smooth, silky texture. Many North Indian donors have slightly finer hair strands compared to South Indian (though this can vary), and when the hair is sorted and hackled (combed) for double drawing, the resulting bundle often feels very uniform and sleek. It takes heat styling well – you can curl or straighten it with ease. The hair often comes in naturally straight or body-wave styles, which are very easy to work with for daily styling. Because it’s virgin (no silicone coating that quickly washes off), the silkiness you feel is the hair’s own, not an artificial coating – meaning it stays nice wash after wash.
• Coloring and Lift Potential: North Indian Remy/virgin hair can be bleached and dyed, but generally not as extremely as raw South Indian hair. Typically, it can safely lift to about a medium blonde (#27, honey/caramel blonde). This is quite good – #27 is a light golden blonde – sufficient for most balayage or highlight needs. However, it’s usually not recommended to attempt a #613 platinum lift on standard North Indian hair, as it may not lighten that far without damage. (Some higher-grade North Indian hair or “premium virgin” might lift lighter, but on average #27 is the safe target.) For clients wanting platinum shades, South Indian raw or other special hair might be better; but for those wanting brown to medium-blonde range, North Indian Remy hair colors beautifully. It also holds a rich dark dye well, so it’s great if you need to deposit color (e.g., jet black or fashion colors) – the hair’s virgin quality means no previous chemical interference.
• Lifespan and Durability: While not as ultra-long-lived as raw single-donor hair, good quality North Indian Remy double-drawn hair is still quite durable – typically lasting around 1 to 2 years with proper care.Many users report getting a solid year or more of wear out of these extensions, which is impressive given the price point. The reason the lifespan is a bit shorter is partly due to the fact that the hair may have come from multiple heads (introducing slight differences along the bundle), and the double-draw process itself is an extra handling step. However, because it’s virgin Remy, it will still outlast non-Remy or heavily processed “cheap” hair by a wide margin. 1-2 years of regular use is excellent for extensions that are more moderately priced. For clients who replace their extensions annually, this fits perfectly. And if they take great care (minimal heat, gentle products), pushing towards the 2-year mark is achievable.
• Affordability & Availability: One of the strongest advantages of North Indian double-drawn hair is its value for money. It offers many qualities of luxury hair (Remy, virgin, full ends) but at a more accessible price than single-donor raw hair. Because hair from many donors can contribute to the bundles, there is a larger supply and it’s easier for vendors to source in bulk. This makes it ideal for wholesale buyers or salons that need a lot of hair. In fact, North Indian hair has become hugely popular in the market due to this balance of quality and cost – some vendors reported it “sold the most bundles” because clients get good results and businesses get better profit margins. It is often marketed as the best affordable alternative to more expensive hair from places like Russia or Southeast Asia. Indian hair extensions are indeed known as a cost-effective alternative to European/Russian hair for those on a budget, since you can achieve a similarly full, luxurious look without paying a premium for rarer hair types.
• Suitable for Frequent Style Change: Because the initial investment is lower (compared to raw hair) and it’s readily available, this hair is great for clients who like to change their look often. If someone replaces their extensions every year or likes to have multiple sets (different lengths or textures), the North Indian double-drawn is a pragmatic choice. They still get very good quality, but they won’t feel as financially committed to keeping the hair for many years. For example, a fashion-forward client in the U.S. who switches between long mermaid waves in summer and a shorter bob with extensions in winter would find this category of hair very suitable.
• Ideal Clients and Markets: North Indian Remy double-drawn hair caters to a broad range of customers:
  • It’s perfect for “everyday” extension wearers – the clients who want their hair to look fabulous but also need it to be reasonably priced and low-fuss. This hair is often a go-to for regular salon clients who get extensions installed regularly for added length or volume in their routine style.
  • Installers and hairstylists who service a volume of clients often prefer this hair for the bulk of their customers, reserving raw hair for only the few who specifically request it. The reason is it offers reliability and consistency without breaking the bank, both for the stylist’s stock and the client’s wallet.
  • Wig makers love double-drawn hair when creating wigs that require thickness at the ends. For instance, a wig that is 24 inches long will look luxuriously full with this hair. And since wigs can use a lot of hair, the cost savings matter. The hair’s smooth texture also makes ventilating (tying hair to wig lace) a bit easier.
  • It’s popular in markets where clients demand full-bodied hair – for example, many African and African-American clients who prefer very thick extension ends find this hair satisfying. It’s noted that markets in Africa, Israel, and parts of Europe have high demand for Indian double-drawn hair – likely because it provides the thickness akin to more expensive hair types, at a competitive price point. Additionally, European clients (with typically finer hair) appreciate Indian Remy hair for its balance of thickness and softness, and Israeli or Mediterranean markets often seek durable hair that can handle frequent styling.
  • Essentially, it’s great for clients who change hairstyles often or who want a good mix of quality and value. They get that glamorous fullness and a silky feel without having to invest in the ultra-premium tier.

Key Features of North Indian Remy Double-Drawn Hair:

• ✔️ Double Drawn Fullness: Achieves a uniform length and thickness from top to bottom, giving full ends that rival the look of Russian or Vietnamese hair. No thin or scraggly tips – every strand contributes to volume, creating a thick, glamorous finish.
• ✔️ Smooth, Silky Texture: The hair has a naturally smooth cuticle and soft feel, making it easy to style. It often comes in straight or softly waved textures that flatiron or curl readily. The consistency of strands means the hair behaves predictably (less tangling when properly maintained) and feels luxurious.
• ✔️ Coloring Capability: Safe to lift up to a #27 honey blonde shade. This covers a wide range of blonde and brown coloring needs (from jet black up to caramel blonde). It holds darker dyes well too. While it doesn’t typically go platinum, it offers plenty of versatility for most color trends aside from the very lightest blondes.
• ✔️ Durable (1–2 Year Lifespan): Offers a solid 1-2 years of use with good care. This means clients can get multiple install cycles out of the hair, making it a cost-effective choice. It’s built to withstand daily wear, regular washing, and heat styling over its lifespan, staying beautiful when cared for.
• ✔️ High Quality at Friendly Price: North Indian Remy hair provides great quality without the ultra-premium cost. Because it’s more abundant (mixed donors) and involves efficient processing, the price per bundle is considerably lower than single-donor raw hair. Yet you still get virgin Remy hair that outperforms generic “Brazilian” beauty supply hair. It’s a best-of-both-worlds for those seeking luxury on a budget – often touted as “the best affordable alternative” to pricey hair from Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, or Russia. You get quantity and profit without sacrificing reliability.

Ideal Clients/Uses:

• Regular Extension Wearers: Clients who treat extensions as part of their routine beauty regimen (much like lashes or nails) will benefit from the balance of quality and cost. They can replace or update their hair annually without too much strain on their budget, all while enjoying hair that looks high-end.
• Salon Owners & Wholesalers: Those who need to buy hair in bulk (for instance, to stock a hair extension bar or supply other stylists) often choose Indian Remy double-drawn. It allows them to maintain consistent quality for all clients and still have a healthy profit margin. The quantity is readily available, and clients leave satisfied with the look. It’s essentially a workhorse hair for the industry – high quality, versatile, and scalable.
• Wig Makers & Custom Unit Designers: For creating wigs or clip-ins that require fullness, double-drawn is ideal. It ensures the ends of the unit are as thick as the roots, which is especially important for longer wigs that might otherwise look straggly at the bottom. Since it’s Remy, the wigs will also last through many wears and restyling.
• Markets Wanting Volume: As mentioned, client bases that culturally or aesthetically favor very full hair (for example, many in West African communities or those inspired by certain celebrity looks) will appreciate what double-drawn offers. It delivers on volume and drama.
• Style Chameleons: Individuals who frequently alter their hairstyle, length, or color (e.g., going from long hair one month to a short bob the next, or trying new colors seasonally) will find this hair to be a reliable companion. It’s good quality but not so rare that they feel they must hoard or preserve it indefinitely. They can enjoy it, change it, and come back for more when they want a fresh look.

In summary, North Indian Remy/virgin double-drawn hair is the “best of both worlds” budget-friendly luxury. It offers a lot of the benefits of high-end hair – cuticle aligned, soft virgin quality, thick ends – but at a price and availability that make it practical for widespread use. It’s an excellent choice for clients who want great hair without committing to the rarified (and expensive) single-donor tier.

Indian Hair Comparison Table

Category	South Indian Raw Hair	North Indian Virgin Hair
Thickness	Natural thicker strands = more volume	Finer strands, giving a sleek look
Wave / Curl Pattern	More defined waves/curls, great for styling body	Looser waves, often straighter with subtle bends
Longevity	Cuticle aligned, lasts longer with proper care	Shorter lifespan, but instantly gives a polished look
Coloring & Styling	Handles coloring & heat styling really well	Better for sleek, straight styles with minimal effort
Texture	Coarse yet soft, with a natural strong feel	Silkier & smoother to the touch
Best Use Cases	Perfect for bold curls, thick ponytails, long-lasting installs	Great for red carpet sleek looks, everyday straight glam

Which One Should You Choose?

Both South Indian raw single-drawn hair and North Indian Remy double-drawn hair are excellent choices, but they serve slightly different needs and clientele. Here’s a quick comparison to help decide:

• Longevity vs. Turnover: If your client (or you, as a stylist) prioritizes maximum longevity and reuse, South Indian raw hair is unbeatable. For someone who wants extensions that still look amazing after 3+ years, the raw hair is worth the investment. On the other hand, if a client is okay replacing extensions after a year or so and would rather save money upfront, the North Indian double-drawn is very sensible – they’ll still get a year or more of wear, which is plenty for many users who like to refresh periodically.
• Natural Aesthetic vs. Full Glam: For the most natural blend and realism, single-drawn raw hair has that tapered look that mimics real hair growth. Clients who want people to absolutely not detect that they have extensions (e.g., brides wanting a totally natural bridal hairdo) may lean toward raw hair for that reason. Conversely, if a client says “I want my hair to look thick and fabulous, like a magazine cover,” the double-drawn’s fullness might actually be preferable. Some clients love that blunt, full look at the ends – it can be a style statement in itself (think of super thick voluminous curls or a sharply cut blunt extension look). It really depends on the desired style.
• Color Ambitions: Stylists should consider the color goals. If a client dreams of icy platinum or ashy super-light balayage, raw hair’s ability to go 613 is a big plus You can confidently lift it to very light shades. If the client’s color needs are more modest (staying in the brunette to dark-blonde range), North Indian hair will perform just fine – and in fact many find its natural dark color has a beautiful richness that can be used as-is for a deep brunette look.
• Budget and Quantity: For clients on a budget or needing multiple bundles (for very thick installs or multiple heads, in the case of salons), the North Indian double-drawn will be the economical choice. It allows salons to offer a high-quality service at a mid-range price point, making extensions accessible to more people. For clients who have the budget and simply want the creme de la creme, the raw hair will deliver that exclusive quality – they’re paying for rarity and longevity, which some are happy to do.
• Maintenance: It’s worth noting to clients: Raw hair, because it’s unprocessed, might require a bit more nurturing (regular deep conditioning, gentle handling) to keep it moisturized and looking its best over years. North Indian Remy hair, being slightly more processed in terms of sorting and possibly having a uniformly smooth texture, can be a tad easier to manage day-to-day (it often remains uniformly smooth). However, both types are human virgin hair, so neither should be treated with harsh high-sulfate products or neglect. From a stylist’s perspective, ensure the client knows how to care for whichever hair they choose to maximize its life.
• Potential Drawbacks: With raw single-donor hair, the only real “drawback” is cost and availability – you must be sure you’re sourcing from a reputable vendor due to limited supply and copies in the market. With multi-donor double-drawn hair, one consideration is to ensure it is truly Remy. High-quality Indian double-drawn hair, like we’ve described, is cuticle aligned and will behave well. But very cheap “super double-drawn” hair in the market might mix non-Remy strands, leading to tangling. Reputable suppliers will mention that their double-drawn is Remy and even if it’s mixed donors, they are similar in characteristics. For example, one company warns that overly “super” double-drawn bundles from unknown sources can be prone to tangling and not last as long precisely because they might contain mixed, processed hair.The North Indian hair we described here is virgin and unprocessed except for drawing, so it remains high quality. The takeaway: buy from trusted sources for either type.

In essence, South Indian Raw vs North Indian Virgin Double-Drawn is not about which hair is “better” universally – it’s about what is better for a given client or purpose. If a salon in the USA caters to an upscale clientele that expects to reuse hair for years and demands the most natural look and highest bleachability, having South Indian raw hair on hand is a must. If the salon serves a broad client base where many want great hair at a great price, North Indian Remy double-drawn will likely be the backbone of your extension offerings (with raw hair as an upgrade option).

Many top stylists actually keep both types in their arsenal. They might recommend raw single-donor hair for brides or VIP clients who want that extra mile of quality. They might use Virgin double-drawn hair for everyday transformations, makeovers, and even photoshoots where fullness is the goal. There is even the possibility of mixing them in one install – for example, using raw hair around the client’s part for ultimate realism, but adding a few tracks of double-drawn underneath for volume. The possibilities are endless when you understand the properties of each.

Conclusion: Both South Indian raw single-drawn hair and North Indian Remy/virgin double-drawn hair offer excellent, salon-worthy results. South Indian raw hair is the luxury choice: rare, long-lasting (3-5 years), ultra-versatile (even to platinum blonde), and ideal for clients who demand the best and most natural look. North Indian Virgin double-drawn hair is the practical high-quality choice: it delivers beautiful thick extensions with silky texture, a respectable 1-2 year lifespan, and easier availability – making it a favorite for many stylists and clients who want a balance of luxury and value.