Human Hair vs. Synthetic Wigs: Which Is Right for You?
The first decision when choosing a wig is the fiber: human hair or synthetic. Neither is better for everyone. The right choice depends on how much time you want to spend styling, how often you'll wear it, and your budget.
At a glance
| Synthetic | Human hair | |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Very realistic, with a slight sheen on some fibers | The most natural movement and feel |
| Styling | Holds its style, even after washing | Restyle it any way you like with heat tools |
| Heat | Avoid heat unless labeled heat-friendly | Heat-styleable with a heat protectant |
| Daily care | Low: shake out and wear | Higher: style it like your own hair |
| Lifespan with daily wear | Typically 4 to 6 months | Typically a year or more with good care |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Choose synthetic if…
- You want to put it on and go, with the style already set
- You're new to wigs and want an easy, affordable start
- You like having several looks to rotate between
- Humidity usually ruins your hair: synthetic styles hold their shape in the rain
Choose human hair if…
- You want the most natural look and movement
- You enjoy styling and want to change your look with curling irons or flat irons
- You'll wear one wig every day and want it to last
- You want to part it in different places or wear it in different styles
What about heat-friendly synthetic?
Heat-friendly synthetic fibers sit in between. You can style them with low-heat tools, but they cost less than human hair. They don't hold a heat-set style as long as human hair does, and they need gentle, low settings.
Still deciding?
Tell me about your routine and the look you're after, and I'll recommend the right fiber and a few styles to try. Ask Heather, or browse synthetic wigs and human hair wigs.