Human hair wigs are the high-quality choice for those looking to comfortably wear a wig, whereas synthetic wigs are ideal for those looking to wear a wig occasionally. Since many of the customers who come into Today’s Tresses ask us about the differences between human hair wigs and synthetic wigs, I thought it would be a good idea to share what we know about the two different wig types. Hopefully after reading this, you’ll be able to make a more confident and educated decision about your next wig or other hairpiece purchase, and choose what’s perfectly suited for you!
Note: Today’s Tresses highly recommends human hair wigs over synthetic wigs, and as a result this post has a bias toward human hair wigs.
Which material is right for me?
Synthetic wigs require minimal maintenance and are less expensive than their human hair counterparts. Monofilament fiber is used to make the “hair” in these wigs, and as a result means these wigs better hold short-term waves, curls, texture and volume without daily upkeep. For this reason, synthetic wigs can be returned to their original style by washing them. However, synthetic wigs are unable to endure a permanent wave or color change and can be damaged by curling irons, blow dryers and hot rollers. Raquel Welch is the only producer of Tru2Lyfe heat-friendly synthetic wigs.
If you do not want to wear a wig often, do not live in the heat or do not want to invest in a human hair wig yet, then a synthetic wig is probably most right for you.
Human hair wigs are the more natural, durable and flexible wig choice. Unlike synthetic wigs, human hair wigs may be freely styled, permed and colored in any way desired. Human hair wigs are typically more expensive than synthetic wigs, but all things considered are completely worth the price. Here at Today’s Tresses Wig Boutique, a decent human hair wig will only cost slightly more than a decent synthetic wig (~$450 human hair wig vs. ~$300 synthetic wig). Human hair will not feel as hot when worn, and will last up to 5x longer than a synthetic wig of comparable value.
If you are looking for quality & plan on wearing a wig often, then a human hair wig is definitely the right choice for you.
What makes human hair wigs worth the higher price tag?
The hair used in human hair wigs is chosen strand-by-strand and according to strict selection guidelines, which limit the overall availability of high quality hair in the global market. These guidelines prevent the use of chemically damaged or low-quality hair during the production process. Once hair has been selected for use in a human hair wig, it is treated with compounds that strengthen it (particularly its cuticles) and increase the durability and longevity of the wig. Human hair is incomparable to synthetic hair — there really is just no reason to consider synthetic hair when offered quality human hair options.
Here are the distinguishing qualities of human hair wigs:
- Natural Appearance: Human Hair Wigs look and feel so natural that they are virtually undetectable by others. After wearing a human hair wig for more than a week, you will become quite adept at hiding your new best kept secret! Since human hair is like your own natural hair, it even bounces and moves with you as go on with your day. Synthetic wigs tend to remain in a fixed position despite movement, increasing its chances of being detected by others. Synthetic fibers are also noticeably shiny.
- Styling Flexibility: Curling irons, hot rollers and blow-dryers may used to style any human hair wig, allowing the wearer an infinite amount of styling possibilities. Human hair wigs may also be colored and dyed, although it is usually best to have all this done to the wig around the time of purchase. Always ensure that a professional who is comfortable working with wigs is the one to do this. All human hair sold at Today’s Tresses has the cuticle intact, which allows the hair to move freely in any direction (meaning the hair may be parted in any direction). Synthetic wigs remain the same style after washes and most are irreparably damaged by hot tools such as curling irons.
- Durability: Human hair wigs are more durable and longer lasting than their synthetic counterparts due to their chemical coating and intact cuticle hair. In addition to being naturally resilient, human hair wigs are chemically strengthened to allow for greater longevity and long-term wear. Synthetic wigs are made of fibers that are prone to heat damage that will cause them to fray over the course of a couple of months.
- Ventilation: Human hair wigs are lightweight and allow the scalp to breathe and remain cool — just like your own natural hair! Synthetic fibers are not ideal for scalp ventilation and can itch the head, causing a frustrating and undesirable experience for most people.
Our Recommendation: Invest In a Human Hair Wig
Wigs and hairpieces, as with everything related to fashion and apparel, are an investment in an individual’s beauty and self-confidence. And, as with any other product of this nature, the buyer will get what he or she pays for. Many who purchase a synthetic wig and intend to wear it frequently find themselves unsatisfied with their purchase, and end up purchasing another wig as a result. Whereas multiple wigs yield greater variety, customer feedback on synthetic wigs is always the same: they are itchy, uncomfortable and “wiggy.” In other words, most people find synthetic wigs as both uncomfortable and undesirable to wear. However, this doesn’t seem to be enough to convince everyone to choose a human hair wig instead.
Through our own experiences at Today’s Tresses, we continue to watch customers enter a cycle that involves buying a synthetic wig, becoming unsatisfied with its quality and returning to purchase another synthetic. Many of these same customers feel that they do not want to invest in a human hair wig at the time of purchase, and choose to go with the more affordable synthetic wig. Although we do stock a decent selection of synthetic wigs at our boutique, we do so with a strong intention to show the stark contrast between synthetic and human hair wigs. More importantly we stock a large selection of human hair wigs that are highly comparable in price to synthetic wigs, such that buying 2 synthetic wigs over the course of 3 months will cost more than buying 1 human hair wig over the course of 1 year.
Backed by our customers, we at Today’s Tresses strongly recommend human hair wigs to anyone planning to buy a wig. Before honoring the bad rap that your doctor or neighbor has given human hair wigs, come in and give us a chance to show you what high quality human hair wigs can really do for you. Trust us, you’ll be happy you did!
To check out the selection of human hair wigs we have available, visit our Human Hair Wig page!
You may also contact us by phone: (760) 862-0088
or
via email: info@todaystresses.com