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Synthetic and human hair wigs each have their own sets of pros and cons. For many wearers, the decision between synthetic vs human hair wigs comes down to the appearance, feel maintenance, and cost factors. Here is a detailed comparison of synthetic and human hair wigs to help you decide which option may work best for your needs and preferences.
What are synthetic wigs?
Synthetic wigs are made from synthetic fibers such as kanekalon or modacrylic. The fibers are designed to imitate the look and feel of real human hair.
Benefits of synthetic wigs
- More affordable than human hair wigs
- Style retention – synthetic fibers hold curls and style even in humidity
- Quick styling – many synthetic wigs come pre-styled so they are ready to wear straight out of the box
- Wide variety of colors and styles
Drawbacks of synthetic wigs
- Less natural look and feel than human hair
- Can’t use heat styling tools without risk of damaging the fibers
- Limited lifespan – synthetic wigs usually last 3-6 months with regular use
- Prone to tangling and matting over time
What are human hair wigs?
As the name suggests, human hair wigs are made from real human hair that is ethically sourced from human hair donors. The hair is collected, cleaned, processed, and sewn into a wig cap to create a finished wig.
Benefits of human hair wigs
- Very natural look and feel
- Ability to use heat styling tools for curling, straightening, etc.
- Long lifespan – human hair wigs can last 1-2 years with proper care
- Can be re-styled as desired
- More color options since the hair can be dyed
Drawbacks of human hair wigs
- Much more expensive than synthetic wigs
- Require more maintenance and styling
- Don’t hold curls or style as well, especially in humidity
- Limited supply of high-quality human hair
Differences between synthetic and human hair wigs
Appearance
Synthetic wigs often have a shiny, artificial look while human hair wigs look more natural with a soft, matte finish. The hair quality and texture also look more realistic with human hair.
Feel
Human hair is softer and smoother to the touch. Synthetic fibers don’t replicate the soft, silky feel of real hair.
Styling
Synthetic wigs hold curls and style better overall. But human hair wigs allow for heat styling and restyling freedom.
Durability
Synthetic wigs last around 3-6 months with regular use. Human hair wigs last 1-2 years with proper maintenance.
Maintenance
Synthetic wigs require less upkeep overall. Human hair needs regular washing, conditioning, and styling.
Cost
Synthetic wigs cost $30-$300. Human hair wigs start around $200 and can cost over $1000+ for high quality.
Pros and cons of synthetic wigs
Pros
- Very affordable, good for occasional or temporary wear
- Quick styling out of the box
- Holds curl and style well
- Wide range of colors and styles
- Less maintenance required
Cons
- Fibers look and feel artificial
- Can’t use heat tools
- Prone to tangling and matting over time
- Short lifespan of around 3-6 months
Pros and cons of human hair wigs
Pros
- Very natural look and feel
- Longer lifespan of 1-2 years
- Ability to re-style with heat tools
- More color options since hair can be dyed
- High-quality human hair is an investment
Cons
- Much more expensive, especially for high-quality hair
- Require more maintenance and styling
- Don’t hold curls as well in humidity
- Limited supply of high-grade human hair
The durability of synthetic wigs vs human hair wigs
The durability and lifespan of synthetic vs human hair wigs can vary quite a bit.
Synthetic wig durability
With proper care, most synthetic wigs last around 3-6 months of regular wear. Higher-quality synthetic wigs may last up to a year. Factors like fiber quality, cap construction, and care impact durability.
Human hair wig durability
High-quality human hair wigs can last 1-2 years or longer with proper maintenance. Remy and virgin human hair wigs tend to have the longest-lasting durability. Avoiding over-styling and heat damage also extends the lifespan of human hair.
In general, human hair wigs are able to be worn for a much longer period before requiring replacement. But synthetic wigs may be a better choice if you only need a wig temporarily or want to switch up styles frequently.
Maintenance requirements for synthetic wigs vs human hair wigs
Synthetic wig maintenance
- Gentle brushing
- Wash occasionally with wig shampoo and conditioner
- Air dry completely
- Store on a wig stand or head to retain style
- Avoid heat styling tools
- Trim away any loose ends as needed
Human hair wig maintenance
- Regular gentle brushing and combing
- Wash 1-2 times per week with wig shampoo and conditioner
- Air dry or blow dry gently using low heat
- Apply leave-in treatments or argan oil to condition the hair
- Style as desired using heat tools if needed
- Store wig on stand or head when not worn
- Get trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain style
Human hair wigs require much more regular cleansing, conditioning, styling, and trimming to keep the hair in optimal condition. Synthetic wigs need less washing and air drying but still benefit from gentle brushing and proper storage.
Cost comparison between synthetic wigs and human hair wigs
There is a significant price difference between synthetic and human hair wigs.
Synthetic wig pricing
- Basic synthetic wigs – $30-$60
- Mid range synthetic wigs – $60-$150
- High quality synthetic wigs – $150-$300
Human hair wig pricing
- Short human hair wigs – $200-$500
- Long human hair wigs – $500-$1200
- Virgin human hair wigs – $1200-$3000+
For the highest quality virgin and Remy human hair wigs from reputable brands, expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to over $3000+.
Synthetic wigs are the clear budget option for occasional wig wearers. But for everyday wear, human hair wigs can be worth the investment if you can afford the higher initial cost. Their longevity and natural hair qualities provide an experience closer to your own hair.
Which is better: synthetic wigs or human hair wigs?
There is no definitive “better” option between synthetic and human hair wigs. The right choice comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
Synthetic wigs are better if you…
- Want an affordable, temporary wig
- Like wigs with preset styles that hold curl well
- Don’t want to spend time styling and maintaining a wig
- Prefer having fun with lots of colors and styles
Human hair wigs are better if you…
- Want the most natural look and feel
- Are willing to invest in a higher quality long-lasting wig
- Plan to wear your wig daily
- Want to be able to re-style and heat style your wig hair
- Have enough budget for a high-end human hair wig
For most wig wearers, having both synthetic and human hair options to suit different needs is ideal. But take your individual budget, lifestyle, and desired use for the wig into consideration when deciding between human vs synthetic hair.
Where to buy high-quality human hair wigs
Yoghair- Leading wholesale price human hair wig in Vietnam
An excellent option for affordable high-quality human hair wigs is Yoghair in Vietnam. Some benefits of choosing Yoghair human hair wigs include:
100% raw and virgin human hair
The hair used in Yoghair wigs is untreated, unprocessed virgin Vietnamese hair is known for its soft, smooth texture. Hair is ethically sourced from hair donors in Vietnam.
Natural-looking and long-lasting
Yoghair wigs have a very natural appearance and feel. With proper care, their human hair wigs last 12-24 months on average.
Customizable options
Customers can order made-to-order wigs customized for cap size, hair length, density, and color.
Wholesale pricing
Yoghair offers wholesale, direct-from-factory pricing without sacrificing on their premium human hair quality.
Reputable Company
In business for over 20 years, Yoghair produces high-quality hair products for global distribution. Their wigs are trusted by over 2000 wig shops and beauty salons worldwide.
Yoghair provides an excellent balance of affordable pricing and high-grade 100% Vietnamese human hair. Shoppers can browse their wide selection of lace front and full lace wigs in various styles, lengths, and colors.
Conclusion
When choosing between synthetic and human hair wigs, consider your budget, lifestyle, styling preferences, and desired longevity. Synthetic wigs provide an affordable option for temporary wear. For a natural look and feel and long-term everyday use, human hair wigs are likely the better investment if the cost fits your budget. Take the time to educate yourself on the pros and cons and maintenance requirements before selecting the best wig type to suit your needs.
