Hair Origin Analysis: Asian vs. European Specs

For professional B2B buyers, the global hair market is cluttered with geographical labels like “Brazilian” or “Peruvian.” However, a professional Hair Origin Analysis reveals that biology does not follow marketing maps.

Human hair varies primarily by Cross-Sectional Shape and Cortical Diameter (measured in Microns). At Linwen Hair, we categorize raw materials based on physical specs. This Hair Origin Analysis report breaks down the biological reality of the world’s major hair sources to help you stock the right inventory.

1. The “Big Three” Commercial Pillars (Real Supply Chains)

Over 90% of the world’s commercial hair supply comes from three distinct regions in Asia. These are physically verifiable origins.

A. Chinese Hair (The Structural Giant)

• Biological Spec:
  • Diameter: 80 – 120 $\mu m$ (Thickest)
  • Shape: Almost perfectly round.
• Factory Analysis: Chinese hair is the strongest fiber in the world. Its thick cortex contains more keratin layers, allowing it to withstand extreme chemical processing.
• Best Application: This is the only safe option for lifting to #60 Platinum Blonde. Thinner hair types will disintegrate under the bleach required to reach this level.

B. Indian Hair (The Versatile Standard)

• Biological Spec:
  • Diameter: 70 – 90 $\mu m$ (Medium)
  • Shape: Slightly oval (creates a natural wave).
• Factory Analysis: Sourced largely from temples, Indian hair is finer and softer than Chinese hair. It moves naturally but is more fragile. It holds darker colors (#1B to #27) beautifully but tends to frizz if over-bleached to white blonde.

C. Burmese Hair (The Texture Bridge)

• Biological Spec:
  • Diameter: 90 – 100 $\mu m$ (Medium-Coarse)
  • Texture: Naturally coarse with a low luster.
• Factory Analysis: Raw Burmese hair is unique. It is not as silky as Indian hair nor as straight as Chinese hair. It is highly sought after for blending with textured/relaxed African-American hair because of its coarseness and durability.

2. The “Ghost” Origins (Marketing Codes)

As a professional buyer, you will see lists for “Brazilian,” “Peruvian,” and “Malaysian” hair. In the factory world, these are Production Codes, not origins.

There is no commercial supply chain collecting tons of hair from the Amazon or the Andes.

Note: Buying these is fine, provided you understand you are buying Processed Asian Hair engineered to a specific texture, not a raw product from South America.

3. The Rare Tiers: European & Slavic

True European hair exists, but it represents less than 2% of the global market.

• Slavic / Russian Hair:
  • Diameter: 40 – 60 $\mu m$ (Very Fine).
  • The Risk: Because true Slavic hair is scarce and expensive ($2000+/kg), many suppliers fake it by acid-washing fine Chinese hair to strip the cuticle.
  • Verification: True Slavic hair often has varied colors (dark blonde to light brown) naturally, whereas fakes are dyed.

4. B2B Sourcing Strategy: Matching Diameter to Client

The biggest mistake salons make is matching the Color but ignoring the Diameter.

If you put thick Chinese extensions (120 $\mu m$) on a client with fine Scandinavian hair (50 $\mu m$), the extensions will look like “rope” and slide out due to weight.

Use this guide to recommend products to your salon clients:

Scenario A: The “Fine Hair” Client

• Client Profile: Caucasian or fine-haired Asian. Hair is flat, lacks volume, breaks easily.
• Target Diameter: < 70 $\mu m$.
• Recommended Sourcing:
  • Premium: True Slavic/European (if budget allows).
  • Standard: High-Quality Indian Remy. Its medium diameter blends naturally without weighing down the client’s biological root.
  • Avoid: Coarse “Brazilian” style textures.

Scenario B: The “Thick/Coarse” Client

• Client Profile: Thick Asian, Hispanic, or African-American textures. Hair strands feel like thread.
• Target Diameter: > 90 $\mu m$.
• Recommended Sourcing:
  • Best: Chinese Virgin-Base or Burmese Hair.
  • Why: You need the volume. Fine hair will disappear into their head. You need the structural strength of Chinese hair to match the “bounce” of their natural hair.

Scenario C: The “Platinum Blonde” Client

• Client Profile: Wants #60, #613, or Ice Blonde.
• Recommended Sourcing: Chinese Virgin-Base (Processed).
• The Physics: Only the thick medulla and cortex of Chinese hair can survive the heavy oxidation required to turn black hair white while keeping elasticity. Indian hair often turns “cotton-like” at this level.

Conclusion

At Linwen Hair, we provide the raw data so you can make educated sourcing decisions. Whether you need the robust durability of Chinese hair for your Blonde Series or the natural flow of Indian hair for your Brunette Series, we specify the origin based on performance, not geography.

Ready to build a balanced inventory? Contact our team to request a Texture Ring, allowing you to feel the diameter difference between our Chinese, Indian, and Burmese options.