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Human Hair Wigs v. Synthetic Wigs: An Honest Comparison

February 15th, 2022 | 8 min. read

Human Hair Wigs v. Synthetic Wigs: An Honest Comparison

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At the beginning of your hair loss journey, you may never have considered a wig. Perhaps it’s taken you some time to decide to buy a wig or perhaps you knew right away. But then you run into a hurdle: should you invest in a human hair wig or buy a synthetic wig? 

 

Navigating the world of hair loss solutions can cause stress, and so can decisions. With their drastically different price points, you want to be sure you have sufficient information to make an informed decision.

 

Here at Daniel Alain, we may seem a bit biased because we only sell 100% human hair wigs. However, our founder and CEO, Daniel Hafid, has experience working with both synthetic and human hair wigs. Before working exclusively with human hair, Daniel worked alongside his father, founder of René of Paris, to create and sell synthetic wigs. His mother also wore synthetic wigs throughout much of her life.  

 

Though at Daniel Alain, we’ve chosen to focus on human hair wigs, nothing matters more than your comfort. There is no right or wrong answer in deciding which hairpiece will make you feel most like yourself. It’s more important that the piece you choose is right for you and makes you feel beautiful and empowered. 

 

By the end of this article, you will have the information you need on both types of wigs to decide which wig is best suited for your lifestyle and needs. 

 


 

Synthetic Wigs 

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What is a synthetic wig?

A synthetic wig is made from fabricated hair strands constructed of fibers, similar to the ones found in carpet, like acrylic or nylon. After chemical treatments, the fibers adopt the look of hair. Synthetic wigs can hold various hairstyles, come in a wide array of colors, and are versatile, especially for first-time wig buyers who are getting used to wearing a wig.

What are the benefits of a synthetic wig?

When you buy a synthetic wig, you can pull it out of the box and start wearing it immediately. 

 

Synthetic wigs are great for people who do not want to put a lot of effort into styling their hair. Synthetic wigs are low maintenance while also having a range of styles. 

 

Synthetic wigs offer a chance to experiment with high-volume hairstyles. Because of the lightness of the fibers, synthetic wigs can achieve more volume and, overall, the wig will feel lighter on your head. 

 

Synthetic wigs come in a wider array of colors than human hair wigs and are less likely to oxidize, or have color fade, as quickly as color-treated human hair does.

What are the drawbacks of a synthetic wig?

 

Most synthetic wigs cannot tolerate heat tools because they can damage the fibers. You can use styling tools on certain types of synthetic wigs, but they must be designed to tolerate high heat. 

 

Although there are more avenues to explore with hairstyles, synthetic wigs lack the movement and flow of a natural hair wig. A synthetic wig is stiffer and less bouncy. 

 

They tend to have an unnatural sheen, especially in good lighting, making a synthetic wig look like a wig rather than natural hair. 

 

Synthetic wigs also come with a shorter lifespan of four to six months, depending on use and upkeep. 

 


 

Natural Wigs

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What is a natural wig? 

 

A natural wig is made from 100% human hair. There are many different kinds of natural hair, ranging from Remy, to virgin, to 100% human hair. 

 

Virgin hair is untreated, 100% human hair. It can be difficult to find virgin hair. It’s nearly impossible to find fine, European virgin hair. 

 

Remy hair may or may not be dyed or treated. Remy hair is human ponytail hair whose cuticles point in the same direction. Although Remy hair can be treated and arrive ready to wear, it is often soaked in acid baths to maximize production, leading to lower quality because the cuticle is stripped from the hair. 

 

100% human hair is just that: hair from a human scalp. Without harsh chemical treatments that strip away the cuticles, 100% human hair is the most “natural” looking type of hair. It maintains the shine of biological hair and can be styled as such. 

 

At Daniel Alain, our natural 100% human hair wigs come in two types of ponytails:

    1. A World Select blend of Chinese and Indian hair 
    2. Fine European hair

What are the benefits of investing in a natural wig? 

 

Investing in a natural, 100% human hair wig is an investment into an authentic-looking wig. More than anything, a 100% human hair wig most closely mimics the look and feel of biological hair. The hair feels soft and smooth.

 

The hair on human hair wigs moves identically to biological human hair. It does not have the same stiffness or artificial sheen that you can spot on a synthetic wig. 

 

It looks natural in the sunlight, is versatile enough to style as you wish, and lasts significantly longer than a synthetic wig.

 

What are the drawbacks of a natural wig?

 

A natural wig requires more maintenance than a synthetic wig. It requires diligent washing and gentle care when styling. The wig also cannot hold the same shapes as a synthetic wig might be able to. Some hairstyles simply cannot be achieved with human hair.

 

Additionally, if you’re looking to change your color or cut, a natural wig does not offer the same versatility as a synthetic wig might. Although it is possible to cut and color a human hair wig to make it your own, it requires a skilled hairstylist with experience working with human hair wigs.

 

You can dye the hair but because the hair is not naturally regenerating, you’ll decrease the lifespan of your wig because the colors will fade sooner. 

 

And remember, while you can color and cut a natural wig, the hair will not grow back once a change is made. Instead, the wig is permanently altered. 

 

Lastly, one of the biggest drawbacks of a natural wig is the initial investment cost.

 

Why are natural wigs more expensive than synthetic wigs? 

 

Natural wigs have a higher price tag than synthetic wigs. One reason for this is the quality of hair. Natural, human hair is more durable than synthetic hair and has a longer lifespan than a typical synthetic wig. In the time you would buy four or five synthetic wigs, you would buy only one natural, human hair wig. The production costs associated with human hair wigs are higher. Some human hair wigs are hand-tied, which requires more skilled labor, time, and attention to detail.

 

Rather than being mass-produced, these wigs typically require a level of craftsmanship and care to produce, ensuring a higher-quality product that will last much longer.

 


 

Is a Synthetic or Natural Wig Better for You?

 

This article highlighted some key differences between synthetic and human hair wigs. 

 

A synthetic wig may be the best option for you if you’re still deciding if you want to wear wigs. Synthetic wigs offer a lot of convenience and ready-to-wear style that 100% human hair wigs don’t offer. They are also a short-term commitment; if you don’t like your wig, you can change it for a low cost. 

 

If you’re looking for a wig that most closely mimics the look, feel, and movement of biological hair, a 100% human hair wig may be what you’re looking for. 

 

When you experience hair loss, you want to find a solution to help you feel like your authentic self again. When no one can tell you’re wearing a wig, you feel more confident to live your life to the fullest, without reservations. Here at Daniel Alain, we know that investing in a 100% human hair wig is a major decision. 

 

When choosing a human hair wig, you want to ensure the one you pick is a perfect match. Reading more about what options are available can help ease any anxiety around this decision. To learn more about what types of wigs we offer along with financing options, click here.

 

If a natural wig sounds like a good fit for you and you are ready to talk to an expert to get more information or learn more about luxury wigs, schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a head of lush, beautiful, natural hair.

 

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