In hair coloring, what does the term 'virgin' refer to?

In the context of hair coloring, the term 'virgin' specifically refers to hair that has not been chemically treated. This means that the hair has not undergone any prior applications of hair dye, bleach, or chemical services such as perming or relaxing. Virgin hair is often sought after for coloration because it typically has a more uniform texture and is less compromised compared to hair that has been previously processed. This allows for better color absorption and a more vibrant result.

Hair that has been dyed or chemically altered would not fall under the definition of virgin hair. Additionally, hair described as damaged or highlighted indicates that some form of alteration has occurred, which also disqualifies it from being categorized as virgin. Overall, virgin hair represents a clean slate for colorists, making it an important term in the field of cosmetology.