How to Source Remy Hair Extensions from China — A Step-by-Step Guide

To source Remy hair from China safely: buy from a factory-direct manufacturer (not a trading company), test samples with the boil and burn test before any bulk order, verify the hair is non-acid-washed and cuticle-aligned, lock down MOQ, lead time, HS code and Incoterms in writing, then start with a small trial order before scaling into private label. Here is the full process.

Step 1 — Identify a real factory, not a middleman

Most "suppliers" on open marketplaces are trading companies that resell from a factory and add their own margin. A genuine manufacturer can show you the production line, discuss process detail (cuticle alignment, bleaching method, weft construction), and offers OEM. Ask direct technical questions; a trader can't answer them and a factory can.

Step 2 — Get samples and test them

Never place a bulk order on photos. Request samples and run two tests:

• Boil test — boil a strand; silicone-coated hair turns sticky and matts, real virgin hair stays smooth.
• Burn test — burn a strand; genuine hair smells of keratin and leaves ash, synthetic melts into beads.

Step 3 — Verify processing and origin

Ask how the hair is lightened and processed. Acid washing strips the cuticle and is masked with silicone — it fails after a few washes. A quality factory keeps the cuticle intact and aligned instead of stripping it, works with hair that is ethnicity-sorted and processed to type, and can document how the raw material is sourced rather than offering a single-origin story. Confirm this in writing.

Step 4 — Lock the commercial terms

Get these on paper before paying:

• MOQ — factory-direct custom production typically starts around 50 packs per SKU.
• Payment — custom production usually requires prepayment; use traceable methods (T/T, PayPal, Trade Assurance).
• HS code — human hair is commonly classified under HS 6704.20; confirm the import duty for your country with your customs broker, and check your Incoterms (under EXW/FOB, duty is the buyer's responsibility).
• Lead time & shipping — DHL/FedEx with tracking; ask for a written transit estimate to your region.

Step 5 — Run a trial order

Place a small first order, install on real clients, and watch performance over 2–4 weeks (matting, shedding, color hold). This de-risks the relationship before committing volume.

Step 6 — Scale and add private label

Once quality is proven, negotiate volume pricing and move into private label — custom logo, boxes, hangtags and specs — to build your own brand and margin.

FAQ

Is sourcing from China cheaper than India or Vietnam?

China offers the widest range and strong OEM at mid pricing; India has authentic raw material but slower lead times and weaker OEM. Raw hair is collected from dispersed sources — Indian temple hair is one of them — but converges on China for trading and processing, so the best value is often a Chinese factory that sits at that hub and can document its raw material.

What's a normal MOQ?

Around 50 packs per SKU for factory-direct custom production.

How do I avoid getting acid-washed hair?

Always sample-test (boil + burn) and require written confirmation of a non-acid process, cuticle-aligned hair, and documented sourcing.

Do I need FDA registration to import?

Human hair extensions are not FDA-regulated as a product class; focus on material-safety compliance such as EU REACH and on batch traceability.

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For factory-direct samples, technical answers and live batch videos, contact Hopeshair on WhatsApp.