Human Hair Vs. Synthetic Wigs—Which Should You Choose?

Wigs are an option if you're dealing with hair loss, are tired of wasting time styling your hair, or want a new look and some flexibility.  

If it's your first time investing in a wig, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the many synthetic and human hair options and styles.  

Is it worth investing in real hair and paying a higher price tag, or is it better to pay less for a synthetic wig that looks just as good but has fewer styling options? 

Here are some differences you should know when choosing between human hair or synthetic wigs. 

Styling

When it comes to using heat on your helper hair, not all synthetic hair allows for styling options. To find one that does allow for styling at a low heat of under 300 degrees, look for wigs that say they are "heat friendly," "heat defiant," or "heat resistant." This means heat can be used on the wig to create and change your style. That being said, if you tend to stick to one style, you may want to stay with a straight synthetic wig because they easily retain their original style, even after washing! 

On the other hand, when you invest in a hairpiece made with real human hair, you can style it how you would style your own hair. With human hair wigs, you can curl, straighten, and blow out your hairpiece as often as you'd like (with proper heat protection!) Human hair pieces are similar to biological hair, allowing full styling options. Some people like having this ability, while others like the ease of styling offered by a synthetic wig.

Appearance

Regarding appearance, everyone has an idea of how they want their wig to look. Today, most wigs look very natural, not only in style but in color. Wig manufacturers follow the latest hair trends when creating new colors, cuts, and styles.   

Wigs with lace fronts make it appear that the hair is growing from your scalp. Monofilament (hand-tied) tops allow you to part your wig in many ways and replicate your natural scalp's look.  

In the past, synthetic wigs may have looked "fake" compared to human hair wigs. Today, synthetic wigs can easily rival human hair wigs for their natural look.

Maintenance

You'll need to spend some time on maintenance to keep your wig looking great. However, caring for a synthetic hairpiece is easy! All you have to do is wash, apply a leave-in conditioner, and hang it to dry overnight. It takes just a few minutes. 

Real human hairpieces are heavier on maintenance. They need to be washed, brushed, and deep-conditioned regularly. Just like your natural hair, human hair wigs can also react to the weather, which may require additional maintenance to keep the frizz at bay. 

Longevity

A synthetic wig usually lasts about six months if worn regularly. However, if it's a heat-friendly synthetic hairpiece, it may last two to three months before losing its luster. However, there are products that can help extend the life of your wig, and proper care and maintenance also play a role. 

A human hair wig will usually last the longest out of all types. While the upfront cost is higher, the investment may be more cost-effective over time. As long as you properly care for it, a wig made from human hair should last you for a few years of regular use!  

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what will work for you. If you think you'll stay with one style and color for a long time. You may want to invest in human hair. On the other hand, if you prefer to change it up often, having a few synthetic wigs may be a better, more cost-effective way to go. 

Get On Cloud 9 with the Perfect Hairpiece

If you want to invest in a quality hairpiece, browse our selection at Cloud 9 Wigs! Our wigs and accessories will help you look your best and feel more confident. 

Keywords: Human Hair Wigs, Synthetic Wigs, Types of Wigs