My personal preference is human hair. I have used both, but I’ve been pretty strictly human hair for the last 15, or so, years. Way back in the day-see my video blog to hear more about my hair loss journey-I started out with synthetic hair extensions. That was the first hair I’d ever worn. They seems like a good idea at the time, they were what I could afford and they did serve a good purpose at the time for what they were, but boy was a glad when I could afford human hair!

Keeping it simple and straight to the point- here’s a clear cut list of the pros and cons of wearing both human and synthetic hair wigs, hair extensions, or toppers! We take a deep dive into both hair types in our Wig & Topper Coaching, both 1:1 and Groups!

Human Hair

Pros:

• Natural Look: Human hair provides the most natural appearance, as it mimics real hair movement and texture.
• Styling Versatility: Human hair wigs and extensions can be styled, straightened, curled, and colored to match personal preferences.
• Longevity: With proper care, human hair products tend to last longer than synthetic ones. I’ve had some of my own human hair wigs for over 3 years and I still wear them! They look great!
• Realistic Feel: The texture and feel of human hair closely resemble natural hair, providing a more authentic experience.
• Heat Resistance: Human hair can withstand heat styling tools, allowing for more flexibility in styling.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Human hair products are generally more expensive than synthetic options.
• Maintenance: Human hair requires more maintenance, similar to natural hair, and may need regular styling and conditioning.
• Color Fading: Human hair can experience color fading over time, especially with exposure to sunlight and harsh hair products.
• Sensitivity to Weather: Human hair can react to humidity and weather changes, affecting its style and appearance.
• Limited Color Options: While human hair can be colored, it may have limitations compared to synthetic hair’s vast color range.

Synthetic Hair

Pros:

• Affordability: Synthetic hair products are generally more budget-friendly compared to human hair options.
• Low Maintenance: Synthetic hair retains its style and shape, requiring minimal styling effort and no need for frequent washing.
• Color Retention: Synthetic hair maintains its color vibrancy and does not fade easily, even with prolonged use.
• Weather Resistance: Synthetic hair is less affected by weather and humidity, making it more manageable in various conditions.

Cons:

• Limited Styling Options: Synthetic hair cannot be heat-styled, limiting versatility in creating different looks. Some synthetic lines can be heat friendly,.
• Shorter Lifespan: Synthetic hair products may have a shorter lifespan compared to human hair, especially with daily wear.
• Shine and Texture: Synthetic hair can sometimes appear shinier and less natural than human hair.
• Heat Sensitivity: Synthetic hair is sensitive to heat, and exposure to high temperatures can cause damage.
• Tangling: Synthetic hair is more prone to tangling, requiring extra care to prevent knots and matting.

Choosing between human and synthetic hair depends on personal preferences, budget, desired styling options, and maintenance abilities. Each type has its unique advantages and drawbacks, allowing individuals to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and lifestyle.

Whatever you prefer-human or synthetic-I am just so grateful that there are plenty of options available to everyone so that we can all have access to hair that makes us feel more confident and beautiful!

🩶 ~amber