Synthetic Wigs vs Human Hair Wigs
- Posted on 02 November, 2021
- Hair Knowledge
- By Emma & Stuart
Wigs come in all different styles, types and brands, so choosing a wig can be overwhelming and exciting. Understanding the basics of synthetic wigs vs human hair wigs is key to selecting the right wig for you. Let's take a look at the difference between synthetic hair and human hair. This should help you to look out for the right things whilst wig shopping, helping you to make the best decision for you.
Human hair wigs
A key difference between synthetic hair and human hair is that human hair wigs offer the most natural look and feel. The hair is soft and has a shine and movement that is hard to replicate synthetically.
Advantages of Human Hair Wigs
Styling versatility – Many human hair wigs can be styled, permed and coloured just like your own hair. If you wish to alter the colour of your wig, we recommend taking it to a stylist who is experienced in dealing with human hair wigs.
Texture – Due to the different types of human hair wigs, you have the choice of choosing a texture that resembles your own hair.
Longevity – With proper care, human hair wigs can last a year or more when worn daily.
Natural look – human hair wigs can look and feel incredibly natural.
Limitations of Human Hair Wigs
High maintenance – just like real hair, human hair wigs need to be washed and re-styled frequently. For tips on how to wash a human hair wig, please check out our blog post.
Cost – human hair wigs are typically more expensive as they are made from real hair.
Colour variation – each human hair wig contains hair from multiple people and it's difficult to replicate exact colours.
Colour fading – human hair wig colours can oxidise and fade as a result of exposure to light.
Reacts to weather – just like natural hair, human hair wigs react to the weather. Yes, that means that the frizz can come out in wet weather!
Fragile – if styled repeatedly by heated styling tools or subjected to hard brushing, the hair will become damaged.
Synthetic Hair Wigs
Although a main difference between synthetic and human hair is the natural appearance of human hair wigs, synthetic hair wigs have come leaps and bounds in recent years. In some cases, the texture and denier almost feels like human hair itself!
Advantages of Synthetic Hair Wigs
Easy to care for – synthetic hair wigs have a handy ‘style retention'. You can even the wig and it will to return to its initial style, like magic!
Weather-proof – one of the key advantages when looking at the synthetic vs human hair wigs debate, is a synthetic wig's ability to retain its style, regardless of the weather. No unwanted frizz!
Versatility – there are endless colours options with synthetic wigs, ranging from natural to abstract, wild to wonderful colours!
Cost – depending on the quality, synthetic hair wigs are less expensive than human hair wigs. If you purchase a good quality, heat-friendly synthetic wig, it can be more cost-effective than human hair wigs.
Low maintenance – as the hairs are synthetic they require less care than human hair. Generally, synthetic wigs require a wash after every 6-8 wears.
Natural looking – a high quality synthetic hair wig can look just as natural as a human hair wig. Heat-friendly synthetic wigs tend to be less shiny than other synthetic wigs so can look more realistic.
Limitations of Synthetic Hair Wigs
Shine – some synthetic wigs can have an unnatural shine, but don't worry, you can check out our blog post on how to remove the shine on a synthetic wig.
Lifespan – synthetic wigs actually don't last as long as human hair wigs, so you might find yourself needing to replace your wig more frequently with synthetic wigs.
Less versatile – unless specifically heat-friendly, synthetic wigs cannot be styled using heated styling tools. For these wigs, you can only fashion the style it already possesses.
Cannot change colour – recolouring is not recommended for synthetic wigs, so make sure you choose a colour you will want to stick to.
Texture – particularly with heat-friendly synthetic wigs, the hair can become fuzzy over time and as a result of styling.
Now that you know the basic differences in the synthetic hair vs human hair debate, you can make a better informed decision about which one is right for you. To find the right wig on your wig-buying journey, and ensure you have considered every difference between synthetic hair and human hair, we recommend that you ask yourself the following questions:
– How often will I wear my wig?
If the answer is every day, think about purchasing a human hair wig as they last longer and have a more natural finish.
– Where will I wear my wig?
If you're planning on wearing your wig in warmer weather, steer towards choosing a synthetic hair wig as it will keep its style and not go frizzy in the heat.
– Why am I wearing this wig?
If you're wearing a wig due to temporary hair loss, and your hair is likely to grow back, perhaps consider a synthetic wig that is cheaper and better for the short term. Similarly, opt for a synthetic wig if you are wearing a wig for cosmetic reasons such as fancying a change of hairstyle for the day. Alternatively, if you are suffering from long term hair loss then consider a human hair wig as they last longer when properly cared for and are more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They're also beautifully natural!
With these pointers in mind, you should be fully equipped to make a well-informed wig decision. It's time to browse our fabulous range of wigs! Similarly, if you have any questions regarding synthetic hair vs human hair, do not hesitate to get in contact and one of our team members will be happy to help!
