In your search for the best extensions, you may stumble upon codes you don't understand, such as 5A, 7A, and 12A. These codes are what the hair extension market calls hair grades. In theory, you can tell if the hair is of good quality.

Hair grading makes it easier to choose wigs, extensions and pieces, but because the system is unregulated, sometimes you just don't know what you're getting, which can be frustrating and confusing.

In this article, you'll learn what a hair grade is and what else to watch out for before you spend your hard-earned cash.

What is the level of human hair?

The business of human hair extensions has changed dramatically over the past decade. Today, there are many different types of human hair extensions and marketing terms to quantify hair quality.

Chinese manufacturers and Chinese trading companies have created 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A and 12A grading systems in order to explain the quality of hair to customers.

Hair grades started in 2010, and new improvements are made every year, so the higher the grade on the hair grade scale, the better the quality. However, different hair extension companies have their own versions of hair grades.

3A (2010)

This hair is typically low-cost, thin, low-quality hair that has been chemically treated and you may smell it. This type of hair is usually prone to shedding and tangling.

4A (2012)

This grade of hair is rather thin and prone to tangles if not properly maintained. 4A is a low to medium grade. Hairdressing education and frequently uses this type of hair. In addition, 4A or 5A hair extensions are usually available at local beauty supply stores.

5A (2013)

5A Hair is a medium grade hair extension that has a thinner hair shaft. It is made by chemically treating a mixture of multi-textured hair with S-shaped curls and using relaxants to relax or reshape the curls. It can be dyed a medium brown and still be healthy. If done right, these hair bundles can last up to six months.

6A (2014)

It is a medium-thick hair of decent quality made from human hair that is suited for anyone on a budget. This hair extension may be re-used and is suitable for 12 to 18 inches, with a lifespan of six to one year if taken care of properly.

7A (2015)

The extensions are thick, high-quality Remy hair, with cuticles that extend in the same direction and are less prone to tangling. It's still a great budget-friendly option for ladies who want to be gorgeous again.

8A (2016)

These hair-grade extensions are thick and made of virgin human hair. It is also perfect for 18 inches.. Fewer shedding and tangles are associated with higher grades of hair. If you prefer frizzy hair, such as frizzy or tight curls, choose hair rated 8A or higher.

9A (2017)

It has 100% human virgin hair, which means the hair has not been chemically treated. This type of hair won't tangle as much as other hair grades, and you'll find it easier to manage. Also, you'll notice that the higher quality is reflected in the higher price tag.

10A (2018)

It uses 100% dense and firm virgin hair, which can last longer if properly cared for. Grade 10A hair is made entirely from natural human hair. Because no short hair was mixed into the bundles, all the bundles were the same length. It's durable enough even for white, which requires a lot of bleach.

11A (2019)

With the exception of Remy, it uses only one donor for consistent quality and a more realistic look. The thickness of the hair is full from top to bottom. It can be used for 12 months with proper care.

12A (2020)

This extension is the most expensive and most premium hair of all the hair grades. It can be bleached into 613#, which can be used for more than 12 months with careful care and better quality.

Does hair grade matter when shopping for extensions?

You don't need a hair grade when looking for extensions, but it's crucial if you want the best hair grade. The hair grade means that the hair extension is high quality. However, having high quality also means higher costs.

What kind of hair should I buy?

The 12A is by far the best hair extensions on the market. However, if you have a small budget, the 5A or 6A is not expensive and the quality is good enough. If you want long, tight curls, the 8A will be perfect for you.

What else should I be aware of?

When you buy wigs, extensions, or hair pieces, don't make your decision based on hair grade alone, because unfortunately, some companies aren't 100% truthful. You also need to see the following:

（1） Whether the hair is Remy or Non-Remy

With Remy hair, the cuticles are all intact and oriented the same way, resulting in much less tangling and shedding than non-Remy hair. It’s also 100% human hair which has been processed, and will last a long time if you take care of it.

（2）Hair type

100% human hair may be of higher quality, but it tends not to last as long as 100% virgin or Remy hair. If you see any mention of chemical treatment or processing on hair that’s advertised as 100% virgin hair, don’t buy it, because virgin hair is never processed. 100% virgin hair is the best quality hair you can buy, and usually this is reflected in a much higher price.

Synthetic hair is poor quality hair that doesn't last very long.