When buying a wig, one big choice is the fiber type. You can pick affordable, low-maintenance synthetic wigs or pricier, more natural human hair wigs. But there are other options, too. Synthetic wigs, heat-friendly synthetic wigs, blended wigs, and human hair wigs suit different needs and budgets. Each has pros and cons. The right pick depends on factors like your lifestyle, climate, budget, and how much time you want for wig care and styling. This article explores these wig fiber types to help you decide.
Synthetic Wigs: Inexpensive and Easy Care
Synthetic wigs use man-made fibers like plastic or acrylic. These mimics natural hair's look and movement. Synthetic options cost less but still let you style your hair. They're widely available, lightweight, and simple to maintain - great for many wig wearers.
The benefits of synthetic wigs:
- They cost less: Synthetic wigs are affordable, costing $30 to $500.
- They're easy to care for: You don't need much work to keep them looking good. Their style and color last through washing.
- Lots of looks: You can find synthetic wigs in many colors and styles. There's plenty of choice.
- Lightweight: Synthetic wigs feel light and comfortable when worn for long periods.
- Vibrant colors: The colors in synthetic wigs stay bright and don't fade easily.
Things to consider with synthetic wigs:
- Shine: Synthetic fibers may look shinier than human hair. But you can reduce this shine through styling.
- Lifespan: With regular use, synthetic wigs last around four to six months. This is shorter than human hair wigs.
- Heat sensitivity: You cannot dye or style synthetic wigs with hot tools like curling or straightening irons. High heat can damage the fibers.
- One style only: The hairstyle of a synthetic wig stays the same, which could be good or bad. If you want to change your hairstyle often, synthetic wigs are limited.
Feature | Synthetic Wigs | Human Hair Wigs |
Cost | $30 to $500 | $700 to $3,500 |
Cost | $30 to $500 | $700 to $3,500 |
Maintenance | Easy to maintain | Requires more maintenance |
Lifespan | 4 to 6 months | 1 year or more |
Styling Flexibility | Cannot use heat tools | 1 year or more |
Lifespan | 4 to 6 months | Can use heat tools |
Appearance | Can be shiny | Natural look and feel |
Weight | Can be shiny | Natural look and feel |
Appearance | Lightweight | Heavier than synthetic |
Color Variety | Wide range, vibrant colors | Natural hair colors |
Durability | Less durable, prone to damage | More durable, less prone to damage |
Wigs made of synthetic hair give a great look right away. They are perfect for anyone who wants a wig that looks good without much work.
Heat-Friendly Synthetic Wigs: Stylish and Versatile
Heat-friendly synthetic wigs offer the same benefits as regular synthetic wigs. You can also style them with heat tools. These wigs let you style your look with synthetic fibers while giving you the freedom to change your style sometimes. Here are the excellent things about heat-friendly synthetic wigs.
The benefits of Heat-Friendly Synthetic Wigs:
- Low Cost: Prices range from $30 to $500, making them affordable.
- Easy Care: Simple upkeep, styles lasts through multiple washes.
- Heat Styling: Can be styled using heat tools set below 275°F.
- Many Styles and Colors: Available in bright colors and diverse styles.
- Lightweight: Comfortable to wear for long periods.
Things to Consider With Heat-Friendly Synthetic Wigs:
- Shiny Look: Similar to regular synthetic wigs, they can look shiny.
- Shorter Lifespan: Usually lasts two to three months with regular wear, less than regular synthetic wigs.
- Heat Sensitive: Though heat tools can style them, too much heat can damage fibers over time, making them look rough or frayed.
Feature | Regular Synthetic Wigs | Heat-Friendly Synthetic Wigs |
Cost | $30 to $500 | $30 to $500 |
Maintenance | Easy to maintain | Easy to maintain |
Lifespan | 4 to 6 months | 2 to 3 months |
Styling Flexibility | No heat tools allowed | Can use heat tools (below 275°F) |
Appearance | Can be shiny | Can be shiny |
Weight | Can be shiny | Can be shiny |
Color Variety | Wide range, vibrant colors | Wide range, vibrant colors |
Durability | Less prone to damage | Prone to damage from frequent heat styling |
Sometimes, we want the ease and low cost of a synthetic wig. But we also wish for versatility in style it. Heat-friendly synthetic wigs allow us to do that. We can use low heat to achieve different looks. However, we must be careful to maintain the quality of these wigs.
The Best of Both Worlds: Blended Human Hair and Heat-Friendly Synthetic Wigs
Wigs that blend human hair with heat-friendly synthetic fibers are designed to offer a balance of the best features from both types of wigs. These blended wigs provide a natural look and feel while maintaining the vibrant color and lightweight nature of synthetic wigs. They offer the flexibility to style the hair with heat tools, much like human hair wigs, and they hold their styling through washes, similar to heat-friendly synthetic wigs.
The benefits of Blended Hair Wigs:
- They last a long time. These wigs tend to stay good for six to twelve months. They last longer than fully artificial wigs.
- You can style them with heat. Low heat tools, under 275°F, can style blended wigs. But use a heat protector spray.
- Your style stays put. Even after washing, the style you set will remain in place.
- Lots of choices. Blended wigs come in many vibrant shades and styles.
- Not too heavy. While heavier than synthetic, blended wigs weigh less than a full human hair.
Things to Consider About Blended Wigs:
Higher cost. Blended wigs cost more. Prices range from $400 to $2,000.Some weight. These wigs have more heft than fully synthetic options. That could matter for extended wear.Blended wigs blend the natural looks of real hair with the vibrant hues and lightness of synthetic fibers. They let you use low-heat styling tools yet retain a lasting style through washes. Though pricier than synthetic, blended wigs balance features that make them a quality buy.
Human Hair Wigs: The Pinnacle of Natural Look and Feel
Hair wigs made with real human hair are amazing at giving you a super natural look. They move just like real hair! While they cost more and need extra care, many people think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
The benefits of Human Hair Wigs:
- Longest Lifespan: Real hair wigs last the longest, often over a year with good care.
- Look Just Like Real Hair: These wigs give you the most realistic look and feel, moving naturally like your own hair.
- Style Any Way: You can style human hair wigs however you want, using heat tools and products like your real hair.
Things to Consider About Natural Hair Wigs:
- Higher Price: Expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $3,500, so they're an investment.
- More Care Needed: Real hair wigs require more care and time to style compared to synthetic wigs.
- Humidity Effects: These wigs are less weather-resistant, so humidity and conditions can change how they look.
- Color Fades Over Time: Like natural hair, the color on human hair wigs fades and needs occasional touch-ups.
If you want a super natural look, human hair wigs are an excellent choice if you're willing to care for them properly. Although they take more effort and money, that lifelike look and versatility make them a favorite for many. For everyday, synthetic may be easier. But for special times, a natural hair wig provides amazing authenticity and style. Having options lets you pick the perfect wig for each situation.