There are many different attributes of Remy hair, but there is just one essential feature: The cuticle. Remy hair retains its original cuticle, which runs throughout in the same downward position from root to tip, just as it does when it grows out of your head. When cuticles are misaligned (non-Remy), they act like microscopic fishhooks, catching on each other and causing the hair to mat and tangle almost immediately after the first wash. To test if your hair is Remy, run your fingers up and down the hair shaft; it should feel smooth going down and have a slight resistance going up. Furthermore, high-quality Remy hair should have a natural luster—not a plastic-looking shine, which often indicates a silicone coating used to mask poor-quality hair. Over time, Remy hair remains manageable and soft, whereas "fake" Remy hair will become dry and unmanageable after the silicone washes off. While it is more expensive than "hair blends," the longevity and ease of styling make Remy hair the most cost-effective choice for long-term installs.