What is the difference between processed and unprocessed human hair?

"Processed hair" has undergone one or more chemical processes in an attempt to change its outward appearance. Most processed hair used in the manufacturing of hairpieces is of Indian, Indonesian or Chinese origin, because of its availability and affordable cost. This hair is naturally black, coarse and straight and must be chemically processed in order to make it look like natural, unprocessed hair. Chemical processing typically involves lifting of color (bleach), depositing of new color (dye), permanent curling (perm), and finally, stripping the hair of its outside cuticle layer (decuticulized). "Unprocessed Hair" (European-quality) is the finest quality hair available because it requires no chemical processing. This hair is gathered in ponytails which are blended and matched according to color, length, texture and curl pattern. It takes up to 12 unprocessed ponytails to manufacture one hairpiece! Because of its quality, unprocessed hair is the most expensive. It also has a much ...