In the exciting world of hair extensions, deciding between human hair and synthetic options can feel overwhelming. Imagine achieving a natural, seamless look to enhance your everyday style - no longer just a dream for celebrities and influencers. Understanding the key differences between human hair vs. synthetic hair extensions is crucial for making the best choice.
As hair extensions become more popular, the variety of materials and styles available also grows. What once seemed like obviously fake hair pieces from the early 2000s has transformed into high-fashion hair extensions that blend effortlessly with natural hair. Many celebrities, influencers, and TikTok stars incorporate these extensions into their daily looks. Their secret to flawless hair? Human hair extensions. This guide will assist you to understand the various types available and choose the right one of human hair vs synthetic hair extensions for your hair objectives.
Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair: Why the Difference Matters
The short answer is yes. The longer answer is a definite yes. Here's why:
Human hair extensions originate from diverse sources such as Asian, Indian, and European hair. These extensions differ in grades based on how the hair is collected, treated, and sorted. For this discussion, we'll focus on Remy human hair, the most affordable and commonly used type for extensions, wigs, and other hair pieces.
What Makes Remy Human Hair Special?
Remy's hair has its cuticle layer kept whole and going one way. This keeps the hair smooth, shiny, and less tangled for a long time. The cuticle layer stays intact even after the hair goes through chemical treatments to change its color. So the hair still looks healthy and bright.
Remy hair is made of keratin, just like your natural hair. This keratin hair blends in seamlessly with your own locks. But it also offers extra perks. Many people choose remy because it appears completely natural yet lasts much longer. It's the ideal pick for extensions that feel like your natural hair.
What Should You Know About Synthetic Hair?
Synthetic hair is made of artificial materials like plastics and fabrics. It is created by molding these materials into tiny hair-like strands. These strands look and feel somewhat like real human hair. But there are differences between synthetic and natural hair.
Synthetic hair is more stiff and shiny than human hair. It moves differently, too. Despite improvements, synthetic hair cannot perfectly match human hair. It does not look or behave completely naturally. It is often noticeable when someone is wearing synthetic hair extensions.
How to Identify Synthetic Hair Extensions from Other Companies
It can be tricky to tell if you're buying synthetic hair extensions from another company. They may use fancy terms like "Vegan synthetic fiber from Japan," "100% high heat synthetic fibers," or "NextGen faux fiber." But these are all just different names for fake hair. Some brands claim their synthetic extensions are heat resistant. However, these usually can't handle high heat and will get damaged quickly if you use hot tools on them. Always read the details carefully to understand what you're really buying.
The Cost of Synthetic Hair Extensions: What to Expect
Check out the price of synthetic hair vs human hair weave. One big plus of synthetic hair extensions is their affordability. They are made from artificial materials like plastics, cutting production costs, so the price tag stays low for buyers. But take care! Though cheaper upfront, synthetic extensions often need replacing frequently, which could make them costlier long-term than human hair extensions.
Human hair extensions are pricier initially but offer better quality and durability. Investing more upfront pays off, as they last longer and have a more natural look over time.
How Long Do Synthetic Hair Extensions Last?
Typically, synthetic hair extensions last one to three months. Their lifespan hinges on care level and wear frequency. Friction, environmental factors, and poor upkeep can degrade synthetic fibers. Over time, they may frizz, tangle, and lose shine - worsening looks and usability.
Is It Safe to Heat Style Synthetic Hair Extensions?
No, you may not style artificial hair fibers using heat as they are pre-styled, and heat would melt them. Even when some can take a little heat, they still do not provide as many options as human hair extensions, which can be styled with curling irons, straighteners, hot rollers, etc., made from actual human hair.
Assessing the Versatility of Synthetic Hair Extensions
Synthetic hair extensions have limited versatility, restricting frequent hairstyle changes. Their inability to withstand styling tools like curling irons or straighteners is a significant drawback. This means you cannot alter their appearance from the original manufactured style, whether straight, wavy, or curly. Lack of adaptability can frustrate those desiring freedom to switch up looks for different occasions.
Are Styling Products Safe for Synthetic Hair Extensions?
Using styling products on synthetic hair extensions is not advisable. Product buildup leads to matting and tangling issues, and synthetic hair cannot undergo washing to remove this buildup. Conversely, human hair extensions are washable, eliminating styling product residues and maintaining appearance longevity.
Is It Possible to Dye Synthetic Hair Extensions?
Dyeing synthetic hair extensions is not possible. Composed of plastics, nylons, and artificial fibers, synthetic hair does not respond well to chemical treatments like dyeing and will likely deteriorate. Human hair extensions, however, can be dyed to match natural hair color or achieve trendy looks such as balayage, ombre, or vibrant fashion colors.
Do Synthetic Hair Extensions Appear Natural?
Synthetic hair extensions often lack a natural appearance. Their artificial fibers struggle to mimic real human hair's texture, movement, and luster. While advancements strive for more realistic results, synthetic extensions can appear artificial, shiny, or overly uniform. Human hair extensions are more realistic because they are made up of real hair with a natural look and feel.
No, definitely not. Synthetic hairs do not look like real ones; they always retain an unnatural shine even when viewed in different lights. Synthetic hair can have an unnatural shine, especially in certain lighting. Also, synthetic hair does not move or feel as soft and fluid as real hair. This difference makes it very easy for someone to tell if you’re wearing an extension.
Is It Safe to Wash Synthetic Hair Extensions?
Washing synthetic hair extensions is not recommended. When wet, the synthetic fibers clump and tangle together. This makes them very difficult to detangle afterwards. The tangled mess is hard to fix and restore the original look. Additionally, synthetic extensions cannot handle regular washing and exposure to water. Washing them frequently greatly shortens their lifespan.
Human hair extensions can be washed just like your natural hair. Regular washing helps keep them clean by removing dirt, oils, and product buildup. With proper gentle washing and conditioning, human hair extensions look and feel beautiful for a long time. This makes them a more practical, long-lasting hair solution.
Do you have more queries about variances between natural locks and fake hairpieces? Unsure what kind suits you best? Contact us, and we'll gladly assist.
