It is not easy to decide between human hair and synthetic wigs. My customers are regularly in this situation, being unable to decide what to do. Each type of wig has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to determine what you want. This guide will enable you to understand the differences between human hair and synthetic wigs and which one can be the right fit for you.

Full Comparison

1.Human Hair Wigs

Advantage:
One of the strong points with human hair wigs is their versatility in styling. They act just like your natural hair, which means they can be dyed, curled, or straightened. As such, you have a prerogative to change looks at any moment that may please you.

Longevity: Human hair wigs are generally a bit longer-lived than the synthetic ones. They can last between one to two years with proper care, and more.

Natural Look: They look and feel very natural. If you want your wig to finally look like it’s your hair, this would be the choice that would provide you with the real look and feel. Human hair wigs have a more subtle, realistic sheen that adds up to an overall better look. The natural shine adds to how real the wig looks and feels, just like your hair, even in bright light.

Limitations:
High Maintenance: Human hair wigs require frequent cleaning, conditioning, and styling, unlike their synthetic counterparts. Therefore, they can be termed as more hassle to handle.

Cost: They are the most expensive type of wig, sometimes upwards of over $400 and over $1,000.

Color Fading: Human hair has a tendency to fade after some time due to direct exposure to the sun and bad weather.

Sensitive to weather: Human hair is sensitive to the variation of temperature and humidity. This may result in frizz and flattening. Although human hair wigs provide a great deal of style versatility, they are more brittle and tend to be more prone to damage.

Human Hair Wig

2.Synthetic Wigs

Advantage:
Easy to Maintain: Synthetic wigs are low maintenance because they don’t need to be styled and maintain their shape even after washing.

Weather-Proof: Because they don’t react to rain or humidity like human hair does, they’re excellent in any environment.

Style Options: Synthetic wigs, which come in a range of pre-styled patterns, provide ease and variation without requiring daily styling.

Cost: They are much more reasonably priced, with higher-quality models costing up to $400 and starting at about $30.

Low Maintenance: Regular washing and heat styling are not required. For those who want a ready-to-wear, low-effort option, synthetic wigs are fantastic.

Lightweight: Some wearers find them more comfortable because they are typically lighter than human hair wigs.

Limitation:
Unnatural Shine: Many synthetic wigs have an unnatural, plastic-like shine, which can give away that it’s not real hair.

Lifespan: Synthetic wigs typically last 6 months to 1 year and may begin to fray or lose shape with extended use.

Less Versatile: They can’t be styled with heat tools like curling irons or straighteners (unless they are heat-friendly).

Texture: The texture may feel different from human hair, often feeling more synthetic and stiff.

Synthetic Wig

3.Heat-Friendly Synthetic Wigs

Advantage:
Styling flexibility: Unlike regular synthetic wigs, heat-friendly wigs can be styled using low heat equipment for added styling options.

Refresh Your Style: Reshape your style without having to get a new wig, and reshaping will make an enormous difference.

Value for Money: Most heat-friendly wigs come in the price range of $100-$600, which is pretty decent regarding accessibility and styling.

Style Memory: After being fashioned, these wigs ”remember” their shape, allowing them to maintain it for an extended period of time.


Limitation:
Fuzzy Texture: In humid environments, heat-friendly wigs may feel a bit fuzzier or frizzier than real hair.

More maintenance, for styling, among other things, is involved with these as compared to ordinary synthetic wigs.

Heat Damage: While they can bear a fair amount of heat, they are still more susceptible to heat damage than human hair wigs, particularly in very hot regions.

4.Human Hair Synthetic Blend Wigs

Human Hair Synthetic Blend Wig

Advantage:
Style with Heat: By enabling you to style them with heat tools, these wigs combine the greatest features of both styles. Compared to synthetic wigs, the human hair component offers greater flexibility.

Holds a Style: Although artificial in nature, they appear much more realistic than synthetic wigs and hold their style longer, unlike fully human hair wigs.

Lifespan: Usually, these wigs will last a year to one and a half years, which is longer than the life of synthetic wigs.

Weight and Comfort: In comparison with 100% human hair wigs, they are often lighter and less dense, thus more comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Limitation：
Less Choice: You may have fewer options for texture and style compared to 100% human hair wigs.
Cost: Generally, they are more expensive than synthetic wigs. The prices range from $300 to $700.
More Maintenance: While human hair synthetic blend wigs are more durable than pure synthetic wigs, they combine two types of hair, so maintaining them requires extra care. You’ll need to pay attention to the unique qualities of both the human hair and synthetic parts to keep them looking their best.

Color Changes:The synthetic fibers in the blend may cause the color to change over time, especially after repeated washing.

Can You Easily See Their Difference?

If you’re not up close or touching the wigs, it can be hard to tell the difference between human hair wigs and high-quality synthetic wigs. At first glance, both types may look quite similar in color and style. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice some subtle differences. Human hair wigs have a natural, soft feel and flow. When you touch them or observe them under different lighting, their natural movement becomes more apparent. On the other hand, high-quality synthetic wigs are designed to hold their shape but have a firmer texture and feel less smooth to the touch. Synthetic wigs often don’t look as natural as human hair wigs under certain lighting. While the differences may not be immediately obvious from a distance, you’ll definitely feel the natural texture and greater styling flexibility of human hair wigs up close.

Which Is Better, Human Hair Wig or Synthetic?

The choice between human hair and synthetic wigs depends on your needs.

Where will I wear my wig, and how often?

Regular wear vs. occasional use: Human hair wigs are the greatest option if you intend to wear your wig daily or for extended periods of time. They are long-lasting, breathable, and fashioned similarly to natural hair. Synthetic wigs are a fantastic choice, nevertheless, if you’re only searching for a wig to wear occasionally or for special events. They’re inexpensive, low maintenance, and ideal for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time styling.

Is it simpler to style a wig made of real or synthetic hair?

Synthetic wigs are ideal for a carefree look because they require little upkeep and maintain their style. However, human hair wigs are far more adaptable if you like to switch up your haircut or try out alternative appearances. They may be styled as you wish with heat tools, exactly like your natural hair.

What type of wig looks the most natural?

Human hair wigs offer the most natural look and feel, especially for those looking for a seamless blend with their own hair. They have a more realistic shine and texture compared to synthetic wigs. Lace front wigs are particularly ideal for creating a flawless natural hairline. They blend perfectly with your natural scalp, giving you the most authentic appearance possible.

Lace Front Human Hair Wig

Conclusion

One size does not fit all when it comes to wigs. Human hair wigs offer versatility, durability, and a natural look. If you’re going for an affordable, low-maintenance, weatherproof wig, then a synthetic one is the one you want. Whichever you choose, let it be suitable for your lifestyle, budget, and styling needs!