If you’ve ever looked at an extension brand’s website, you’ve probably noticed that most of them have the same claims:

"Ethically sourced."
"Premium quality hair."
"Carefully selected donors."

But what does any of that actually mean?

And more importantly - why does it matter where extension hair comes from in the first place?

Hair Origin Affects Quality

Not all hair is created equal. Hair from different regions has different characteristics:

Texture and structure
Hair from South/Southeast Asia (like Loxys uses) tends to be finer and straighter. Hair from Eastern Europe is often coarser and has more natural wave. These differences affect how the hair holds colour, how it responds to heat styling, and how long it lasts.

Cuticle integrity
Hair that's been collected and processed carefully retains its cuticle. Hair that's been mixed from multiple sources or processed aggressively often has damaged or stripped cuticles - which leads to tangling, dullness, and shorter lifespan.

Consistency
When a brand sources from a single, reliable region with consistent collection practices, the hair performs predictably. 

This is why origin matters. It's not just about ethics (though that's important too) - it's about whether the hair will actually perform the way you need it to.

If hair sourcing is so important, why don't more brands talk about it openly?

Reason 1: They don't actually know
Many extension brands buy from wholesalers who source from multiple factories. The brand genuinely may not know exactly where the hair came from or how it was collected.

Reason 2: They're mixing sources
To keep costs down or meet high demand, some brands blend hair from multiple origins. This makes it impossible to guarantee consistency.

Reason 3: Their sourcing practices don't hold up to scrutiny
Not all hair collection is ethical. Some is collected from temple donations (which can be ethical if done transparently), some is purchased from individuals in economically vulnerable situations, and some comes from sources no one wants to talk about openly.

If a brand can't (or won't) tell you where their hair comes from, that's a red flag.

What "Ethical Sourcing" Actually Means 

"Ethical sourcing" is one of those phrases that sounds reassuring but means almost nothing without context.

There is no global standard for ethical hair sourcing. No certifications, no regulatory body, no universally agreed-upon definition.

So when a brand says their hair is "ethically sourced," what are they actually claiming?

It could mean:

• Hair was donated voluntarily.
• Donors were compensated fairly for their hair.
• The hair wasn't obtained through exploitative practices.

Or it could mean:

• The brand assumes their supplier is ethical but hasn't verified it.
• The hair came from a "reputable" source, which may or may not align with your definition of ethical.
• It's a marketing term with no substance behind it.

At Loxys, we define ethical sourcing as: working with the same trusted manufacturer for over a decade, ensuring traceability, fair compensation, and transparent practices at every stage. We know where our hair comes from, how it's collected, and who's involved in the process (read more about this here).

That's not something every brand can say.

This is what transparency looks like. And it's why we're willing to talk openly about our sourcing when so many other brands aren't.

Why This Matters for Your Business

As a stylist, you're not just selling extensions - you're recommending a product your clients will wear for months. They trust you.

If your supplier can't tell you where their hair comes from, how can you confidently tell your clients it's ethical, high-quality, and worth the investment?

At Loxys, we believe transparency isn't optional. We know where our hair comes from. We know how it's sourced. And we're willing to talk about it openly.

Questions about sourcing, quality, or setting up a wholesale account? Get in touch.