Synthetic Hair vs. Human Hair Wigs (2024)

When selecting a wig it is often difficult to know where to begin. With oodles of styles, colors, brands and wig types, picking out a wig for the first time can seem, to say the least, overwhelming. Understanding the differences between human hair wigs and synthetic wigs is a good starting point for selecting the perfect wig. Choosing between synthetic hair vs. human hair is one of the most important decisions you will make when selecting a wig.

Natural hair wigs are created from harvested human hair, so they look, feel and act just like your own hair. Synthetic wigs are created from man-made fibers using specialized technology to give the overall appearance and feel of real hair. There is a misconception among first-time wig buyers that human hair wigs are “better” or of higher quality than synthetic wigs because they are made of real hair; this is not the case. If a synthetic hair wig is of high quality, it is often difficult to discern the difference between the two hair fibers. There are, of course, differences, but they lie beneath the surface. To determine which fiber is right for you, let's dig into the pros and cons of synthetic vs. human hair wigs.

Human Hair Wigs

Pros of Human Hair Wigs:

• Styling Versatility. Many human hair wigs can be colored, permed and styled just like your own hair. Keep in mind that it is important to take your wig to a stylist who is experienced in dealing with human hair wigs if you wish to alter the style.
• Texture. Human hair wigs come in a variety of textures, so you can match your own hair texture very closely.
• Longevity. With proper care, human hair wigs can last a year or more when worn daily.
• Natural Look. Human hair wigs feel great and can look incredibly natural.

Cons of Human Hair Wigs:

• High Maintenance. Just like real hair, human hair wigs need to be washed, deep-conditioned and re-styled frequently.
• Cost. Because they are harvested from human hair, they are typically more expensive.
• Color Variation. It is difficult to replicate an exact color when you replace a human hair wig or wish to purchase a back up of the same style. Human hair wigs of the same color will vary slightly from wig to wig because each wig contains hair harvested from multiple people.
• Reacts to Weather. Like your own hair would, human hair wigs react to the weather and can become frizzy, limp or dry depending on the weather.
• Color Fading. The color of a human hair wig will oxidize or fade with exposure to light.
• Fragile. The hair will incur damage if subjected to harsh brushing, back-combing or overuse of heated styling tools.
• Weight. Human hair wigs can feel heavier than synthetic wigs of a similar length and style.
• Styling. Human hair wigs are more labor intensive and require more effort and skill to style. They often need to be trimmed or cut by a stylist before they can be worn.

Synthetic Wigs

Pros of Synthetic Wigs:

• Easy Care. Synthetic wigs are easy to take care of. Because synthetic wigs have something called “style retention,” they never have to be styled. You simply wash, dry and then shake them out, and the wig will return to its initial style.
• Style Memory. Synthetic wigs hold their style regardless of the weather.
• Versatile. You can try out various colors and styles without the need to see a hair stylist by purchasing multiple synthetic wigs.
• Large Color Selection. The sky is the limit where colors are concerned. You can choose from an array of natural colors, as well as several fantasy colors.
• Cost. Synthetic wigs are relatively inexpensive. It is more affordable to have multiple wigs or to replace your style when you get tired of your current look.
• Low Maintenance. They require very little maintenance. This is important to consider if you are experiencing health issues and not feeling well.
• Natural Looking. If purchasing a high quality synthetic wig, it is very difficult to tell the difference between a synthetic wig and one made from real human hair.
• Ready to Wear. Synthetic wigs come pre-styled and "ready to wear."

Cons of Synthetic Wigs:

• Shine. Some economy or budget synthetic wigs (typically those under $100) may have an unnatural shine.
• Longevity. Synthetic wigs and toppers do not last as long as human hair wigs. They typically last about 4-6 months with daily wear.
• Less Versatility. Synthetic wigs cannot be straightened or curled with heated styling tools unless it is a specifically designed "heat friendly" synthetic wig.
• Cannot Change Color. Recoloring is not recommended for synthetic wigs and traditional hair color will not adhere to the fibers.

Heat Resistant Synthetic Wigs

Pros of Heat Resistant Synthetic Wigs:

• Style Versatility. Heat Friendly Synthetic Wigs can be styled and restyled to allow for versatility.
• Style Retention. Like traditional synthetic wigs, heat friendly synthetic wigs have style retention; after they become wet and air dry, they will return to their most recent heat-styled look without having to be styled again.
• Realistic Looking. They are typically less shiny than other synthetic wigs.
• Consistent. They will not react to weather.
• Cost. If you must have a wig that can be heat-styled, heat-friendly synthetic wigs are typically more cost-effective than human hair wigs.

Cons of Heat Resistant Synthetic Wigs:

• Texture. Heat friendly synthetic wigs can become nappy if they are restyled excessively or exposed to abrasive actions (such as your head against a pillow or seat back).
• Longevity. With a lifespan of only a few months, they do not last as long as human hair wigs or traditional synthetic wigs.
• Cannot Be Colored. Like traditional synthetic wigs, recoloring is not recommended.
• Advanced Syling Skills Required. They can be more difficult to style than human hair, so they can be a challenge for some individuals to manage.

While there are pros and cons to each type of wig, considering the following questions when deciding between a Human Hair and Synthetic Wig can help to determine which type if hair fiber to go with.

Human hair wigs offer the versatility of changing your style from day to day. You can take human hair wigs from straight to curly and back again using heated styling tools. Many human hair wigs can also be colored by a stylist experienced in customizing human hair wigs.Synthetic wigs can be trimmed by experienced stylists to your liking, but cannot be heat styled to change the texture and cannot be re-colored. What you see is what you get when it comes to the texture, style and color of a synthetic wig, which attributes to the ease of wearing a synthetic wig.

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