Should I Buy a Synthetic Hair Wig or a Human Hair Wig?

When you are new to wearing wigs, the information about them can be overwhelming. Understanding the difference between Synthetic Hair Wigs and Human Hair Wigs can help make your decision a little easier.

Human hair wigs are created from harvested human hair. Human hair wigs act, feel, and look like your own hair. Synthetic wigs are made from man-made fibers and use technology to give the overall appearance and feel like human hair.

Personally, I prefer synthetic hair.

I have little to no skill at styling hair since I've never had much hair to style. And I like the time-saving convenience that comes with synthetic hair wigs. There is a misconception that human hair is better or higher quality than synthetic wigs because they are made with human hair, but this is not the case. High-quality synthetic wigs are hard to discern from human hair wigs and can be much more convenient.

Firstly, there are a few things you should consider before making a decision. You need to know what your budget is. Synthetic wigs are usually less expensive and don't require as much washing as human hair wigs. Human hair wigs are typically more expensive, but they last longer. Human hair wigs can last a year or longer.

In my experience, most synthetic wigs last about two months if I wear them every day and I don't take care of them. However, with proper care, synthetic wigs will last about six to nine months if you are not wearing them daily. In addition, it is good to know that the weather can affect the style of a human hair wig, causing strands to frizz or go limp. If the climate where you live is hot and humid or damp, a human hair wig might not be the best choice for you. Synthetic wigs hold their style better in most climates.

Now, let's talk about the pros and cons of human hair wigs. The pros of a human hair wig are that they are usually the most natural-looking, and they come in different textures that allow you to find one that matches your hair texture. In addition, human hair wigs have more styling versatility and can be colored, permed, and styled just like your own hair. Keep in mind that it is important to take your human hair wig to a stylist who is experienced in dealing with human hair wigs if you wish to alter the style. Lastly, human hair wigs have longevity and last longer than synthetic fiber wigs.

The cons of human hair wigs are that they last longer but cost more. Human hair wigs are more labor-intensive and require more effort and skill to style, and they are high maintenance requiring frequent washing, deep-conditioning, and styling. In addition, human hair wigs are usually heavier, and they are difficult to replicate an exact color when it's time to replace the wig because each wig contains hair harvested from multiple people. Also, the color of human hair wigs will oxidize or fade with exposure to light.

The pros of synthetic fiber wigs are that they are easier to care for because they have style retention and never need to be styled by you. You simply wash and shake them out, and they return to their initial style. In addition, they hold their style regardless of the weather. Synthetic fiber wigs allow you the chance to try various vibrant colors and styles without having to visit a stylist, and they have a large color selection. High-quality synthetic wigs look natural, and it is difficult to tell the difference between a synthetic fiber wig and a human hair wig. Lastly, synthetic wigs require little maintenance.

The cons of synthetic fiber wigs are they have less styling versatility, and you cannot recolor them. In addition, some economy wigs can have an unnatural shine. Lastly, synthetic fiber wigs do not last as long as human hair wigs.

by Penny Jane Love