As temperatures drop and winter air takes its toll, protecting your hair from dryness and heat damage becomes more important than ever especially for Black women who often rely on extensions, wigs, or protective styles during the colder months. Understanding the difference between raw and virgin hair is key before turning up the heat with your flat irons or blow dryers. The right knowledge not only helps you maintain a polished look all season long but also ensures your investment in quality hair lasts well beyond winter.
To break it all down, we sat down with Jalena Renae, the 29-year-old Detroit-based founder of Amora Renae Collection, a luxury hair brand known for its commitment to quality, education, and community. Jalena is passionate about helping women make confident, informed choices about their hair. From understanding the sourcing of each bundle to mastering maintenance, she’s redefining what it means to shop smart and style safely this season.
Scroll ahead to discover the gems the 29-year-old founder shared with GU.
ESSENCE GU: Can you explain the difference between virgin hair and raw hair in simple terms?
Jalena Renae: At Amora Renae Collection, we often tell clients that both raw and virgin hair come from a single donor, that’s what makes them authentic and high quality. The key difference is in the finish. Raw hair is left completely untouched and unprocessed, so you’re getting hair in its most natural state, texture and all. Virgin hair, on the other hand, is lightly refined to make it more convenient — it handles humidity, has less frizz, and gives you a polished look with easier styling.
GU : Who would benefit more from raw hair, and who might be better off choosing virgin hair?
Jalena Renae: Raw hair is ideal for the natural girly who wants to embrace every coil and wave exactly as it comes, and doesn’t mind the extra TLC that comes with volume and frizz.
GU: What are some common myths you’ve encountered about raw vs. virgin hair?
A: The biggest myths we see are:
- That virgin hair is somehow “lower quality.” At Amora Renae Collection, our virgin hair is luxury, single-donor hair not blends, not filler.
- Not all hair is mixed. Every bundle at ARC is 100% authentic, and we’ve built our reputation on that.
- That virgin hair doesn’t last. We’ve had clients wear our bundles for well over a year with the right maintenance.
GU: Do you think terms like “100% virgin” or “raw unprocessed” are sometimes misused in the market? How can customers protect themselves?
Jalena Renae: Definitely. That’s why we always encourage clients to shop with brands that are transparent about sourcing. At Amora Renae Collection, we make it clear — our hair is single-donor, never synthetic, and tested for quality before it ever reaches you. To protect yourself, always ask: Is it single donor? How do you ensure consistency?
GU: At Amora Renae, how do you source your virgin and raw hair, and how do you ensure quality control?
Jalena Renae: Everything we sell is carefully sourced from trusted suppliers, and each bundle goes through our Amora Renae quality check. We look for cuticle alignment, texture consistency, and durability. Our goal is to ensure our AR Babes never question the quality when installing their extensions..
GU: What makes your brand’s raw or virgin hair different from others on the market?
A: Our difference is purity and honesty. We don’t just throw around terms like “raw” or “virgin” — we educate our clients on what they mean and back it up with quality. Amora Renae Collection virgin hair is refined for convenience and longevity, while our raw hair is untouched for authenticity. Both carry the ARC standard pure, single donor: no blends, no shortcuts.
GU: What are the top three things a buyer should ask or look for before purchasing either virgin or raw hair?
A:
- Is it single donor? (At ARC, it always is.)
- Does the texture match your lifestyle? We guide every client to choose hair they can actually maintain.
- How many bundles do I need? We educate clients on fullness — for example, anything over 24” will always need 4+ bundles.
GU: How can someone new to extensions or wigs know if they’re investing in high-quality hair?
Jalena Renae: Do your research and connect with brands that genuinely educate, not just sell. At Amora Renae Collection, we use our platforms to help women make confident, informed choices. On TikTok, we break down everything from hair textures and price points to product recommendations and maintenance tips, it’s all about helping you understand luxury hair from the inside out. Our Pinterest serves as a visual mood board filled with hairstyle inspiration for every occasion from holidays to special events. Whether online or in person, we’re committed to beauty, connection, and community, making sure every woman feels empowered to choose the right texture for her lifestyle.
GU: Where can readers learn more about your products, see real customer installs, or get in touch?
Jalena Renae: You can shop directly on our website or follow @AmoraRenaeCollection on Instagram to see real client results, transformations, and styling tips. We also host in-person community events where we connect with women face-to-face through live demos, Q&A sessions, and hands-on education about proper hair care. Our brand was built on beauty, connection, and community, and every platform we use, from Instagram to TikTok to Pinterest, reflects that. Whether you’re shopping, learning, or getting inspired, we’re here to guide you in finding the perfect match for your look and lifestyle.