Synthetic Wigs VS Human Hair Wigs: Whats The Difference?
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Time to read 7 min
Table of content
What is a human hair wig? Advantages of human hair wigs Disavantages of human hair wigs What is a synthetic wig? Advantages of synthetic wigs Disavantages of synthetic wigs Key differences between human hair wigs and synthetic wigs Cost & affordability: Texture, movement & overall appearance: Styling options and heat resistance: Maintenance & upkeep requirements Things to consider before deciding between the two Budget: Look and feel: Lifestyle and maintenance: Purpose of the wig: Conclusion
You may or may not know that there is more than one type of wig on the market! Choosing the right wig can be quite stressful if you're new to all of this, and its really important to understand the differences between synthetic wigs and human hair wigs. In this guide we're going deep dive into the pros and cons as well as key differences as we look at synthetic hair vs human hair wigs. Keep reading, we've got you covered.
What is a human hair wig?
Human hair wigs (without stating the obvious), are crafted from real human hair. These wigs offer the most natural appearance and feel due to their natural texture and movement. Human hair wigs are sourced from various origins like Indian, European, and Asian hair - each offering distinct characteristics in terms of texture and colour.
One of the main advantages of choosing a human hair wig is their unrivalled realism. Unlike their synthetic counter-part, human hair wigs can be styled using heat tools like straighteners and curling irons, making them much easier to style with endless possibilities. Human hair wigs are exceptionally durable, and with proper care and maintenance they can last for years - meaning you get more for your investment.
Advantages of human hair wigs
Human hair wigs come with loads of benefits for the wearer, making them the preferred wig choice for many individuals like yourself who are seeking natural-looking hair. One of the main benefits to owning a real hair wig is their seamlessly realistic appearance. Human hair wigs closely mimic the texture and movement of natural hair, resulting in seamless blending and an overall more authentic look. Real hair wigs can be styled just like your natural hair can, they can be cut, coloured and heat-styled with your straighteners/curling irons making them much more versatile than their synthetic rival.
Human hair wigs tend to be much more durable and longer-lasting providing they're treated with the proper care and maintenance required. Whilst human hair is more expensive to buy, their longevity makes for a better financial investment in the long-term. Overall, human hair wigs provide a perfect blend of aesthetics, flexibility, and comfort, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their appearance or cope with hair loss.
Disavantages of human hair wigs
Despite their many advantages, human hair wigs also come with certain disadvantages that you should know about before making a decision. One of the most obvious drawbacks is their cost; human hair wigs are typically much more expensive than synthetic alternatives due to the quality of materials used and the labour-intensive process involved in making them.
They also require more maintenance to keep them looking their best, this means regular washing/conditioning and styling - just like natural hair. Real hair wigs are also susceptible to weather conditions, like humidity and rain, this can affect their style and texture. They can also be a little heavier on your head and overall less-breathable than synthetic options.
What is a synthetic wig?
Synthetic wigs are carefully crafted from artificial and synthetic fibres like acrylic, polyester or a mixed blend of various fibres. These wigs are purposely manufactured to mimic the appearance and texture of natural hair - and they come in a wide range of styles and colours to choose from. One of the biggest driving forces behind choosing a synthetic wig is the affordability of them. In comparison to human hair wigs, synthetic options are generally cheaper and more budget-friendly, making them more accessible to a wider range of people.
Ease of maintenance is another motvation behind choosing a synthetic wig for many people. Unlike human hair wigs, synthetics retain their style even after a wash - requiring minimal upkeep to keep them looking flawless. Synthetic wigs come in a huge range of styles straight out of the box, which means the wearer doesn't need styling tools or to know any fancy techniques.
Advantages of synthetic wigs
Synthetic wigs are a first-choice for many wig-wearers and they do offer a lot of benefits. One of the most obvious benefits is their affordability; synthetic wigs are generally much cheaper to buy opposed to human hair wigs, making them more accessible to a broader demographic. Synthetic hair options are also a lot easier and less time-consuming to maintain, retaining their style even after being washed - this makes them a popular choice for people on the go with busy lives as they simply require less time and effort to look great.
Synthetic wigs come in a huge variety of styles and colours, meaning you've got a better chance of finding the exact aesthetic you're looking for and giving you much more options to change your look quickly and easily. These wigs are typically lighter and more breathable, perfect for those who are wearing their wig for a long period of time and need a little extra comfort. Lastly synthetic fibres are rarely affected by weather conditions, which means they can maintain their intended style even in humidity and rain.
Disavantages of synthetic wigs
Whilst synthetic wigs undeniably come with a whole list of advantages, there are a few disadvtanges that could be a deal-breaker for some wig-wearers. One of the main issues with syntebtic wigs is their lack of customisation options. Most of these wigs are unsuitable for heat styling, which means you can't curl them or straighten them with heated tools. They do tend to have a shorter life-span than real hair wigs too, especially with regular use: synthetic fibres are more prone to tangling and fraying over time.
You may also find that your synthetic wig's texture and shine appears a little artificial (because it is), making them less realistic than human hair options. Synthetic wigs are also less responsive to colour changes too, making it difficult to dye them which of course, further restricting the wearer who is looking to alter the appearance of the wig.
Key differences between human hair wigs and synthetic wigs
Both human hair and synthetic options are great choices when it comes to choosing a wig. Its important to understand the key differences between the two wig options before you invest.
Cost & affordability:
Human hair wigs are generally more expensive to buy, but offer more longevity than synthetic wigs meaning less frequent replacements. Synthetic wigs are the more budget-friendly option due to their lower cost to produce. If you enjoy switching your styles often, a synthetic wig offers a cheaper way to do so. On the flip side, a human hair wig will last a very long time with the correct maintenance, so the higher upfront investment is worth it over time.
Texture, movement & overall appearance:
Synthetic wigs tend to be shinier and slightly coarser in texture compared to human hair wigs, which offer a more natural and realistic appearance. Human hair wigs are soft and gentle just like your natural hair, they offer much better and more realistic movement and overall appearance.
Styling options and heat resistance:
Human hair wigs offer more versatility and customisation options using styling tools etc, whilst synthetic wigs offer less customisation but require minimal effort to look great as they retain their shape better. Human hair wigs are able to withstand heat from hair dryers, curling irons and straighteners - whilst synthetic wigs are not. Some synthetic wigs offer heat-resistance up to a certain temperature, but its important to check with the manufacturer beforehand.
Maintenance & upkeep requirements
Human hair wigs require a lot more maintennce thair syntehtic counterpart. In order to remain their quality and to last as long as possible you'll need to regularly wash and style your human hair wig. Synthetic wigs are much easier to maintain with their 'style retention' - more often than not you can wash the wig and watch it bounce back to its original shape, all you really need is a good wig stand.
Things to consider before deciding between the two
Now that you know the differences between the two, its time to decide which option is right for you. Will you go for a budget-friendly, easy-maintenance synthetic wig? Or would you rather opt for the better quality, more-realistic human hair option? Before you decide which is best for you, consider these things:
Budget:
As discussed throughout the article, when it comes to synthetic wigs vs human hair wigs - budget plays a big part. By working out what you can afford to spend, you'll quickly know which option will be better for you.
Look and feel:
If you're looking for an ultra-realistic, bendable option thats hard to be identified as a wig, then a human hair wig is definitely the way to go. If you don't mind a more artificial look and feel, then a synthetic wig will do the job.
Lifestyle and maintenance:
Human hair wigs require a lot more time and effort when it comes to maintaining them, so if you're somebody who struggles to find time due to a busy lifestyle, you might prefer a synthetic wig for their ease of maintenance. Also consider the weather conditions around you.
Purpose of the wig:
What is the purpose of the wig? Are you looking for something you can wear daily? Special occasions? Identifying what the primary purpose of the wig is for will help you to decide between the two types. A synthetic wig is great for somebody looking to quickly change their look and hairstyle regularly, whilst a real hair wig would be better suited to someone looking for everyday use.
Conclusion
So thats it, our comprehensive guide on the difference between a human hair wig and synthetic wig. Ultimately the choice comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle. While synthetic wigs offer affordability and are massively convenient - human hair wigs offer unrivalled realism and overall versatility. Now that you understand the difference you can make a much more informed decision. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly synthetic option of the luxurious and realistic human hair option, the world of wigs offers endless possibilities for expressing your individuality.