
When investing in hair bundles, ensuring that the hair is real 100% human hair is crucial for quality and longevity. One reliable method to verify this is the burning test. This simple yet effective test can help differentiate genuine human hair from synthetic fibers. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to conduct a real 100% human hair burning test safely and accurately.
What You’ll Need
- A small sample of the Ebony hair bundle
- A lighter or match
- A fireproof surface or a metal tray
- Tweezers
- A glass of water (for safety purposes)
Safety Precautions
Before starting the test, it's essential to take safety precautions:
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes.
- Use Fireproof Equipment: Conduct the test on a fireproof surface or use a metal tray to catch any falling ashes.
- Keep Water Nearby: Have a glass of water ready to extinguish the flame if necessary.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Burning Test
1. Prepare the Hair Sample
Cut a small strand of hair from the bundle you wish to test. The sample should be about 1-2 inches long. Using a smaller sample minimizes waste and makes the test more manageable.
2. Hold the Hair with Tweezers
Use tweezers to hold the hair sample at one end. This will keep your fingers safe from the flame and allow you to observe the burning process closely.
3. Ignite the Hair Sample
Carefully bring the lighter or match to the end of the hair sample. Light it on fire and observe how the hair reacts. Pay close attention to the behavior of the hair as it burns.
4. Observe the Burning Characteristics
Watch for the following signs to determine if the hair is real human hair:
- Flame Behavior: Real human hair will catch fire quickly and burn steadily. Synthetic hair tends to melt and bubble when exposed to a flame.
- Smell: Human hair produces a distinct odor similar to burning feathers or keratin when burned. Synthetic hair usually emits a chemical or plastic-like smell.
- Ash Residue: After burning, real human hair will leave behind a light, powdery ash that can be easily crumbled. Synthetic hair, on the other hand, will form a hard, bead-like residue that cannot be crushed.
5. Extinguish the Flame
Once you have observed the burning characteristics, extinguish the remaining flame by dropping the hair sample into the glass of water. Ensure the sample is completely extinguished before disposing of it.
Interpreting the Results
Based on the observations made during the burning test, you can determine the authenticity of the hair:
- Real Human Hair: Burns steadily, smells like burning feathers or keratin, and leaves a powdery ash residue.
- Synthetic Hair: Melts and bubbles, emits a chemical or plastic-like odor, and leaves a hard, bead-like residue.
Additional Considerations
While the burning test is a reliable method for identifying real human hair, it should be used alongside other tests for comprehensive verification. Other tests include the cuticle test, moisture retention test, and visual inspection for consistency in color and texture. Combining these methods will give you a more accurate assessment of the hair quality.
Conducting a burning test is an effective way to verify if hair bundles are made from real 100% human hair. By carefully following the steps outlined above and taking necessary safety precautions, you can confidently determine the authenticity of your hair bundles. Remember to complement this test with other evaluation methods to ensure you are investing in high-quality human hair products.