Human Hair Wig vs Synthetic Wig, What's The Difference?

The biggest question that hits one's mind when purchasing wigs is 🤔whether they should buy human hair wigs or synthetic hair wigs. If you are stuck in the same boat, we have got your back!😉 Both human and synthetic hair wigs are getting increasingly popular, each having its own set of pros and cons, making it difficult for every wig wearer to decide which one will fit them the best.

However, with a proper understanding of both wigs and multiple other factors, you can make an informed purchase decision. So, without any further ado, let's dig into this ultimate guide and explore what both of these hairpieces have to offer!👇

What Are Human Hair Wigs?

As the name indicates, human hair wigs are made from natural, real human hair fibers, ensuring a natural look. You can style these wigs the way you would style your natural hair. They can withstand heat styling tools and are less noticeable, unlike synthetic hair wigs. But that's not all! There's much more to what these wigs have to offer. Let’s have a look!

👍Pros of Wearing Human Hair Wigs

✅Versatility:

Human hair wigs come with endless styling possibilities. You can dye them, add highlights, do the peekaboo effect, or make whatever hairstyle you want, treating them like your own hair.

✅Texture:

These wigs come in varied hair textures from silky straight, wavy, to deep wave and curly. You can get one that matches your natural hair texture to ensure the wig blends well and gives off a more natural look.

✅100% Human Hair:

Most human hair wigs are made from 100% human hair. So, you can expect to care for them, style them, and even slay in your look with them exactly like your natural hair. Also, there isn’t any need to worry about the artificial look that some synthetic wigs might give.

✅Long-Lasting:

If cared for properly, human hair wigs can last a year or even more, depending on the quality. This means that once you invest in one, you’ll have a year or more of comfort and a worry-free wig-wearing experience.

✅Different lace sizes to choose from:

Here you can choose different lace sizes to meet your needs. Like 13x6, 13x4, 4x4, 5x5, 360 etc. For newbies, wear and go glueless wigs and headband wigs are the best choice, and if you need a versatile wig that can support your wedding hairstyle, a 360 wig with drawstrings might be a better choice, cause they are suitable for doing delicate updos.

👎Cons of Wearing Human Hair Wigs

❌High Cost:

As mentioned earlier, human hair wigs are made from natural human hair. Thus, they cost more than synthetic alternatives. Depending on your budget and length, you can get them for around $150 to $3500.

Related Read: How Much Does a Human Hair Wig Cost

❌High Maintenance:

These wigs require more maintenance when styling and must be washed regularly. Keeping them tangle-free is also a hassle if you want to keep them last longer.

❌Fading Color:

Some human hair wigs experience color fading over time. Mainly because the colors oxidize and fade due to excessive light exposure. 

❌Fragile:

Human hair wigs react to elements and become frizzier in humid or wet environments.

What Are Synthetic Wigs?

These wigs are made from man-made hair strands, mainly from materials like acrylic and plastic. However, their look and feel are much closer to human hair. So, if you are low on budget and are looking for an affordable wig option, a lightweight and easily manageable synthetic wig can be a perfect fit for you.

👍Pros of Wearing Synthetic Hair Wigs

✅Low Maintenance:

Synthetic hair wigs are made to ease the styling process and have higher style retention. Just put them on, wear whatever style you want, and rock the look. You can also wash these wigs following the guidelines given by the manufacturer.

✅Versatile Range:

Synthetic hair wigs can be bought in endless color options. Whether you want blue, maroon, red, or any other color, you can get it easily in these wigs.

✅Long-Lasting Color:

Synthetic hair wigs are weatherproof and don’t react to the different environmental elements. Thus, you can expect their color to last longer. Moreover, there won’t be any frizz issues in the humid environment. 

✅Lightweight:

Synthetic hair wigs are lighter in weight. This means that you can wear denser synthetic wigs with more ease, especially in warm weather. 

✅Cost:

These wigs are less expensive than human hair alternatives. You may expect to get one in the $30 to $500 price range. They are definitely a budget-friendly choice.  

👎Cons of Wearing Synthetic Hair Wigs

❌Unnatural Shine:

Synthetic hair wigs feature that unnatural shine that makes them noticeable. However, with certain tips and tricks, you can make them look more natural. 

❌Can't be dyed:

You cannot dye your synthetic hair wig. If you want to switch to another color, simply purchase a new wig in that color, as a dying synthetic wig is not usually recommended.

❌Short Lifespan:

Synthetic hair wigs have a shorter life span. So, you can expect to replace them more often. In the end, the cost factor equalizes, yet you can have more variety in synthetic hair wigs in the same budget.

❌Less Texture:

It’s another important issue to consider. Synthetic wigs can't exactly match the texture of human hair. Additionally, heat-friendly versions become frizzy over time due to excess heat styling. 

❌Minimal Styling Versatility:

Most synthetic wigs have minimal styling versatility unless they feature heat-friendly strands. So, you can usually stick to the preset style or try a few variations. 

How to Find Your Perfect Fit?

Wondering how you can find which of the wig types will best suit you? By considering these factors and weighing the pros and cons of each option according to your lifestyle and preferences.

1. 📌Budget

One of the most important factors. If you are willing to spend a fortune to get the most natural-looking wig, get yourself a human hair wig. Alternatively, you can purchase affordable synthetic hair alternatives.

2. 📌Reason for Wearing Wigs

If you are investing in wigs for medical reasons, like battling diseases like cancer or any other where the possibility of your hair growing back minimizes, it's better to get your hands on human hair wigs. However, if you want to wear them for fashion purposes or for a shorter period of time, synthetic wigs will be the right choice for you.

3. 📌Maintenance Needs

As mentioned earlier, natural human hair wigs need more maintenance and frequent washes and are more reactive to the environment. However, if you can put in that much effort, then purchase them. Otherwise, stick to the less maintenance-requiring synthetic human hair wigs.

4. 📌Durability and Longevity

How long do you want your wig to last? If you’re looking for something long-term, human hair wigs are the way to go—they can last 1 to 3 years with proper care. On the other hand, synthetic wigs usually hold up for about 4 to 6 months before they start showing wear.

Wrapping It Up!

Choosing between human hair and synthetic hair wigs can be a complex decision, depending on the number of factors one must consider. However, there is one rule of thumb: if you're willing to invest more and put in the effort to maintain your wigs, human hair wigs are the way to go. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option, prefer low-maintenance wigs, and don’t mind a slightly less natural look, go for a synthetic wig. Hope you find this information worth reading. Stay tuned for more.