Synthetic Wig vs Human Hair Wig
When you’re new to the world of wigs there are a lot of unfamiliar terms to get used to. If you’re unsure what the best wigs are made of, baffled by the benefits of heat friendly synthetic hair, or clueless as to why European hair would be more expensive than Chinese hair or Indian hair, you’re in the right place!
We sell thousands of wigs every year and work hard to make sure every customer feels informed and confident and their ability to make the right choice for them.
Whether you become one of our customers or ultimately prefer to shop from a different brand, we’re here to provide you with helpful advice and guidance and this article will help you learn the differences between human hair wigs and synthetic wigs.
What Are Synthetic and Human Hair wigs Made Of?
Let’s take a close look at synthetic hair wigs. These wigs are made from a variety of man-made synthetic fibers like modacrylic, acrylic, and PVC that are melted and spun into strands that are designed to feel and move like natural hair. The strands are then treated with heat for strength and durability, cooled and dried and finally cut and dyed to give the appearance of natural hair.
Are some wigs made from real hair? Yes, it might sound strange initially, but human hair wigs really are made from real human hair. This has either been sold or donated and made into wigs. Human hair originates from all over the world and different ethnicities have their own beautiful characteristics that make them unique.
Asian hair, specifically Chinese hair, Indonesian hair, or hair from other Southeast Asian countries is characterized by strong, straight, shiny strands that have volume and texture because each strand is thicker than other hair types. Like hair from China, Indian hair also has a beautiful natural shine and is thick and coarse which gives it volume and holds a style well.
European hair is very fine, silky, and soft, with each strand being much thinner than Asian hair. This hair type is very rare and difficult to source, which is why wigs made from European hair are very expensive.
Most hair used to make human hair wigs comes from Asia. There is a plentiful supply of this hair type which makes it easy to source and the wigs, affordable.
Synthetic Hair Wigs: What to Expect
As with any type of wig, synthetic hair wigs have their advantages and disadvantages and familiarizing yourself with them will help you decide whether a synthetic wig is the right choice for you.
Advantages of synthetic wigs
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Synthetic wigs generally come with a low cost price tag, which makes them an affordable option for anyone on a budget
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Synthetic wigs come with a preset shape and style which is great if you like the convenience of not having to spend time styling your hair
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Synthetic wigs are low maintenance and are ready to wear out of the box
Disadvantages of synthetic wigs
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Synthetic hair is not very durable, breaks down over time, and is prone to fraying, tangling, and frizz. Because of this, even good quality synthetic wigs will last only a few months before needing to be replaced. What seems like a low cost option initially, can turn into something more pricey when you account for the cost of frequent replacements
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It’s very difficult to personalize a synthetic wig. You can typically cut them into a new style, they cannot be dyed, and unless it’s heat resistant synthetic hair, cannot be styled with heat tools like a curling iron or straightener
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Most people want their wig to have a natural look, but synthetic ones, even quality synthetic, don’t truly replicate the appearance, texture, or movement of natural hair. The hair fibers are plasticky, have an unnatural shine, and are quite stiff, compared to high quality human hair. Synthetic hair is more advanced that ever, but there is definitely a difference between it and human hair
Heat-Friendly Synthetic Hair: Styling and Limits
Heat resistant synthetic fibers can be styled with heat tools on low temperatures. This is often a versatile option for people who prefer to style their hair with light waves or curls for special occasions. However, the trade-off with frequent use of heat is reduced durability and regular replacements.
Human Hair Wigs: What to Expect
Just like synthetic hair, human hair wigs have their own drawbacks and disadvantages. It’s important to realize that not all human hair wigs are created equal. Within the human hair wig category, there will always be variations in quality and craftsmanship. We recommend getting to know a brand, reading real customer reviews, testimonials, and seeing what people are saying on social media, to get a true idea of how long a brand’s products last and stand up to wear over time.
The type of hair a human hair wig is made of, plays a significant role in determining the quality of a human hair wig. The most premium, best quality hair is collected as a ponytail cut straight from the donor with the strands of hair flowing in the same direction. Ponytail hair is smooth, has natural movement, and requires minimal processing which maintains the integrity of the hair.
Lower quality hair is a different matter. It’s collected from hair brushes, salon floors, or drains and made into wigs. These strands of hair flow in different directions, need heavy chemical treatments and processing before being made into wigs. Wigs made from this hair type are prone to tangling and shedding as the strands rub against each other in an unnatural way.
Advantages of human hair wigs
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High-quality human hair wigs with minimally processed hair have the most natural look and texture, and they move and feel just like real hair
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With proper care and maintenance, human hair wigs have impressive durability and often last for several years before they need to be replaced
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Human hair wigs have outstanding versatility. They can be cut, dyed, and styled to suit your style and personal preferences. You have the ability to create light, bouncy curls and they can be worn in styles like high ponytails, braids, or buns. You can trim bangs, add layers, or cut face framing features for the most customized look
Disadvantages of human hair wigs
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There’s no denying that human hair comes with a high price tag, and high-quality wigs made with premium, ponytail human hair are pricier still. While there’s a significant initial outlay, the longevity of a human hair piece means you’re not paying for regular replacement pieces
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Unlike synthetics which have a preset style, human hair wigs should be maintained and styled for a natural look. Just like real hair, the color will fade over time from exposure to sunlight and will need to be retouched by a professional used to working on quality wigs. While the process isn’t long or complicated, washing a human hair wig should be performed every seven to ten wears to help maintain the longevity of the piece
Real Customer Experience: Quality Synthetic Vs Natural Look
Daniel Alain customer, Mirna Wilson, wears both human hair and synthetic wigs. We’ve asked her to share her experience of wearing both, how they hold up over time, and how they fit in with her daily life as a busy mom of two small boys.
“Honestly, both synthetic and human hair wigs have their place, it just depends on what you need day to day,” says Mirna. “Synthetic wigs are much more affordable and incredibly convenient. I love wearing mine in the summer because the style is already set. If it gets wet or splashed, I can just let it air dry and it goes right back to how it was. There’s no effort, which makes it easy to just enjoy the moment. But they don’t last very long, and sometimes the shine or texture can look less natural over time.
With human hair, it’s completely different. It looks and feels the most like natural hair, and you can style it however you want with heat tools, which gives you a lot more flexibility. That said, it does require more time and maintenance, and the cost is higher. So it really comes down to your lifestyle. If you want something quick and low-maintenance, synthetic can be a great option. If you’re looking for the most natural look and styling freedom, human hair is usually the better fit.”
Watch Mirna's video interview to hear her take.
Which Wig is Right for You?
The choice between a synthetic and human hair wig can seem confusing or overwhelming at first. With so many options and unfamiliarity it can be hard to understand differences between the hair used and how that fits in with your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
If you’re interested in learning more about the human hair wigs we make and sell at Daniel Alain, reach out to us to make an appointment for a consultation. We would be happy to talk through your options and have the opportunity to show you what makes our pieces so special.
