Why Raw Hair Extensions Look Different Out of the Package — And How to Unlock Their True Beauty

When you invest in raw hair extensions, you expect to open your Yummy satin bag and be instantly wowed. But sometimes, the hair might look a little… underwhelming at first glance — maybe slightly disheveled, not as defined as you imagined, or lacking the bounce you’ve seen in photos.

This is completely normal.

It’s not a reflection of the quality of your hair. In fact, the way raw hair extensions look when you first receive them is part of what makes them so authentic and long-lasting. With just one simple step — an initial co-wash — you can reveal their full, luxurious beauty and see the texture come alive.

In this blog, we’ll break down why your hair looks the way it does out of the package, why this is a sign of quality, and how to transform your bundles into their picture-perfect state before installation.

Why Raw Hair Extensions May Look “Different” When You Receive Them 

At Yummy Extensions, every bundle is 100% raw, unprocessed human hair sourced directly from a single donor. That means the hair you’re receiving hasn’t been chemically altered, coated in synthetic shine, or overly processed to look “ready-to-wear” straight out of the bag. 

Instead, it’s kept in its purest state to preserve the cuticle, natural luster, and longevity — giving you hair that can last 3–5 years or more with proper care.

So, why does it sometimes look less than glamorous upon arrival?

Transit & Packaging – Your bundles travel from our warehouse to your home wrapped neatly to fit inside your Yummy satin bag. During that journey, the hair is compacted and may lose its natural shape.

Natural Texture Memory – Raw hair retains its true texture best when hydrated. Without moisture, the pattern may look looser or less defined.

No Synthetic Coatings – Many processed extensions are coated in silicone to make them appear sleek and shiny out of the package. Raw hair skips that step — so what you see is 100% real, unaltered hair.

This is actually a good thing — it means you’re starting with the highest quality foundation possible, and the beauty will reveal itself during your first co-wash. 

The Co-Wash: Your Secret to Unlocking the True Beauty of Raw Hair Extensions

Whether you’ve ordered Raw Cambodian Natural Wave, Raw Burma Curly, LAO Blow Out Straight, or any other Yummy texture, co-washing is essential to unlock the true beauty of your bundles. The exact process will vary slightly—curly textures benefit from more hydration and defined detangling, while wavy and straight textures require a lighter touch—but every texture needs that first co-wash to reveal softness, shine, and natural movement.

What You’ll Need:

• A spray bottle filled with water + Tresemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner mixture 
• Wide-tooth comb 
• Denman brush (for thorough detangling and styling)
• Cotton or microfiber towel (or a T-shirt) to gently dry and reduce frizz
• KOSA Triple Threat Blow Dryer with diffuser attachment 

Step 1: Saturate Your Bundles with Water 

Start by fully wetting the hair from weft to tip. You can hold the bundle under lukewarm running water. Raw hair responds beautifully to moisture, and this step is key to waking up its natural pattern.

Pro tip: If you’re co-washing curly textures like Raw Burma Curly or Raw Cambodian Curly Wave, be gentle during saturation to disrupting the curl pattern.

Step 2: Apply Conditioner and Brush Through

Generously apply TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner to the hair. Don’t be shy — raw hair extensions love conditioner, and you can’t really overdo it. 

Start at the bottom and work your way up toward the weft when brushing or combing. This minimizes tension on the hair and prevents unnecessary shedding. Your goal is to evenly distribute the conditioner so every strand is coated and hydrated. 

If you’re working with a curly or wavy texture like Raw LAO Lush Curly or Raw AnJelic Indian WavyCurls, gently scrunch the hair from the ends up toward the weft as you work in the conditioner. This encourages the natural pattern to “spring” back into place.

Step 3: Let It Soak

Once the hair is fully saturated and brushed through, lay it flat on a clean towel. Leave the conditioner on for 15–30 minutes. This deep hydration allows the hair’s cuticle to absorb maximum moisture, restoring softness, shine, and bounce. 

Step 4: Rinse & Define

Rinse the conditioner out thoroughly with lukewarm water. As you rinse, continue to brush the hair from bottom to root to keep it detangled. 

For curly textures, scrunch the hair again while rinsing to help those waves or curls form beautifully. For straight textures, simply smooth the strands downward for a silky finish.

Lay the bundle on a towel to air dry. You’ll immediately notice a difference — the pattern will be more defined, the hair will feel softer, and the luster will be richer.

Why This Step Matters for All Textures

Even though curly, wavy, and straight textures all look different, they share one thing in common: raw hair needs moisture to show its best self. 

Curly textures (like Raw Burma Curly or Raw Cambodian Curly Wave) will see their ringlets pop and bounce back with definition after co-washing. 

Wavy textures (like Raw Cambodian Natural Wave, Raw LAO Wavy, or SEA Wavy Opulence) will develop that luxurious “S” pattern that blends beautifully with natural hair.

Straight textures (like Raw Cambodian Natural Straight) will feel smoother, silkier, and shinier after the cuticle is hydrated. 

This one step ensures you’re starting with hair that looks its absolute best before installation, giving you a flawless finish and the confidence that comes with luxury-quality extensions.

Common Concerns — Answered