1 | Why Processing Levels Matter
Every treatment a bundle receives after collection affects three essentials: strength, shine, and ease of maintenance. Gentler methods keep the cuticle nearly intact; stronger chemistry can create dramatic colour or texture but requires extra care. Understanding both the trade-offs and the benefits helps you choose with confidence.
2 | The Processing Spectrum at a Glance
|
Level |
What’s Done |
Cuticle Impact |
|
Raw / Unprocessed e.g., SERIE Indian Raw Hair Bundle – Curly • Indian Raw Hair Bundle – Wavy • Vietnam Raw Hair Bundle – Straight |
Cleansed, sorted, bundled—nothing else |
Cuticle fully intact and aligned |
|
Steam-Set Texture e.g., SERIE Steam-Set Body Wave |
Wrapped on rods, shaped with pressurised steam; no chemicals |
Minimal—cuticle remains sealed |
|
Tone or Low-Volume Colour Bath |
Soft, pH-balanced dye or toner for subtle shade shifts |
Slight edge lift; natural lipids reduced |
|
High-Lift Bleach to #613 e.g., SERIE Indian Raw #613 Blonde |
Controlled multi-stage lightening, followed by bond builders |
Significant cuticle lift; some protein loss |
|
Chemical Texturising (Perm / Relaxer) |
Bonds softened with alkaline lotion, reshaped, neutralised |
Partial cuticle loss; protein fractures |
|
Acid Wash + Heavy Silicone Coat |
Cuticle dissolved for uniform thickness, then silicone-dipped |
Cuticle removed; gloss is cosmetic |
3 | Advantages of Thoughtful Pre-Processing
|
Advantage |
Who It Helps |
Why It Matters |
|
Ready-to-wear colour |
Anyone seeking platinum, ash, or fashion shades |
Skips double-bleaching in the salon, reducing time and scalp exposure |
|
Consistent texture |
Clients wanting uniform waves, curls, or coils |
Steam-set or expertly permed hair keeps installs cohesive across bundles |
|
Creative versatility |
Stylists mixing custom hues |
Pre-lifted #613 serves as a blank canvas for toners or vivid pigments |
|
Salon-grade chemistry |
Wearers wary of DIY bleaching |
Multi-stage professional lifting preserves more cuticle than one aggressive session at home |
|
Predictable upkeep |
Busy schedules |
Knowing the processing level gives a clear care routine—no surprises after the first wash |
4 | Where SERIE Hair Fits
-
Pure Raw Textures – Indian Raw Curly, Indian Raw Wavy, and Vietnam Raw Straight (no chemical alteration).
-
Steam-Set Body Wave – Shaped with water vapour only; cuticle stays intact.
-
Indian Raw #613 Blonde – Carefully lightened in stages, then fortified with bond-building and moisture treatments. The cuticle is partially opened yet present, maintaining integrity for custom toning.
5 | Key Takeaways
-
Cuticle integrity underpins performance. Raw and steam-set options preserve the most cuticle; high-lift blondes trade some cuticle tightness for striking colour flexibility.
-
Pre-processing can be strategic. When executed professionally, it delivers ready-made shades and textures while sparing you time, cost, and unnecessary chemical exposure.
-
Ask for the method. A transparent supplier will specify whether a wave is steam-set or permed, and whether blonde hair is single- or multi-stage lifted—so you know exactly how to care for it.