Human Hair V.s Synthetic Hair Extensions: All The Differences Explained

Navigating the world of hair extensions begins with considering one thing: the hair fibers. Hair extensions can be made from human hair or synthetic hair, and there is a world of difference between them! Understanding the pros and cons of each is essential to making an informed decision. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn about all the differences between human hair vs synthetic hair.

1. What are human hair vs synthetic hair extensions?

Human hair extensions

Human hair extensions, or natural hair extensions, are made from real human hair, which comes in several types depending on how it is collected. High-quality human hair is collected directly from donors who are willing to sell their hair or from Hindu temples during religious ceremonies, while lower-quality human hair is gathered from the floors of salons.

The highest-quality human hair is virgin hair, which is cut directly from one donor who has never had their hair chemically treated or processed. Therefore, the hair is exceptionally soft and silky and can endure bleaching, dying, and heat styling. It is followed by Remy hair extensions, which also have cuticles staying in the same direction but often gathered from different heads or donors that have had their hair treated before.

The lowest-quality human hair is called non-Remy hair, which has cuticles staying in opposite directions. It is often coated with silicone to appear soft and shiny, but when the coating is washed away, the hair will be dry and tangled.

See more: Do Hair Extensions Ruin Your Hair?

Synthetic hair extensions

Synthetic hair extensions are made from artificial fibers, such as polyester, acrylic, or kanekalon. They are designed to mimic the look and feel of real human hair but pale in comparison with human hair in terms of realism.

2. Pros and cons of human hair extensions

Human hair extensions come with both advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making a decision.

Pros of human hair extensions

• Natural look and feel: The most striking advantage of human hair extensions is that they look and feel just like natural hair. It is soft, smooth, and shiny and blends seamlessly with your hair, making it hard for others to tell you’re wearing hair extensions.
• Can be dyed and styled: Dying and styling hair are fun ways to express ourselves through hair. The good news is that you are free to dye and style your human hair extensions in the way that you would with your natural hair. Just remember to protect your hair by using a heat protectant and minimize heat styling to prolong its lifespan and you can confidently experiment with various hairstyles!

• Less prone to tangling and shedding: Compared to synthetic hair extensions, human hair extensions are less prone to tangling and shedding. With proper care, human hair extensions will remain soft and smooth for extended periods.
• Long lifespan: Human hair extensions are known for their durability. They can withstand wear and tear and last up to 1 – 3 years if cared for properly.

Cons of human hair extensions

• High cost: For all the advantages above, it is understandable that human hair extensions come with a higher price tag. Depending on hair extension types and other factors, a set of human hair extensions can cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
• High-maintenance: Human hair extensions require as much care as natural hair, from brushing, washing, and conditioning to moisturizing to stay in good condition.

3. Pros and cons of synthetic hair extensions

Just like human hair extensions, synthetic hair has its own pros and cons as follows.

Pros of synthetic hair extensions

• Affordability: The biggest advantage that synthetic hair extensions have to offer is their low cost, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. You can get a set of synthetic hair extensions for just a few tens of dollars.
• Grab-and-go easiness: Due to its ability to retain style, synthetic hair can come in handy when you don’t have time to style your hair. If you buy a set of curly synthetic hair extensions, for example, you can rest assured that they will stay defined throughout the day. Unlike human hair, synthetic hair is pre-styled and better at holding the patterns even after washing.
• Low maintenance: Synthetic hair extensions require minimal upkeep. They are less susceptible to bad weather conditions and don’t need to be styled frequently as human hair would.

Cons of synthetic hair extensions

• Less natural appearance: The biggest disadvantage that makes synthetic hair extensions unattractive to hair lovers is their less natural appearance. Synthetic hair often has an artificial shine and feels a little bit stiff so it is more likely to be detected by others.
• Limited styling options: Most synthetic hair extensions cannot withstand high heat, which prevents you from straightening or curling your hair. Although new technology has enabled some types of synthetic hair to be heat resistant, it is noteworthy that synthetic hair does not hold curls as well as human hair.
• Shorter lifespan: While human hair extensions can last several years, synthetic ones typically last several months as they are more prone to tangling and shedding.

See more: Step-By-Step Guides On How To Keep Synthetic Curly Hair From Tangling

4. Human hair vs synthetic hair: Which is for you?

Now that you’ve understood the pros and cons of both synthetic hair vs human hair extensions, how can you make a choice? It is all about identifying what matters to you most, be it your budget, preferences, or lifestyle. If a natural look and feel is your top priority, human hair extensions are hands down the ideal choice. Synthetic hair extensions can be a convenient option for those on a budget or looking for temporary changes occasionally.

5. How to distinguish human hair vs synthetic hair?

Learning how to distinguish between human hair and synthetic hair is essential to making sure you are paying for what you want. Most of the time, you can tell the difference just by looking and feeling the hair. Synthetic may look unnaturally shiny with a uniform color and doesn’t move like your natural hair. However, with recent advancements in technology, some types of synthetic hair are designed to closely mimic the natural look and feel of human hair, to the point that makes it hard for us to distinguish. In this case, a burn test proves to be the surest way!

To conduct a burn test, take a small section of hair and burn it. Observe how it burns and how it smells. If it turns into ash that can be crushed easily and smells like a burning feather, it is human hair. On the contrary, synthetic hair will melt into a solid form and have a distinctive smell of plastic.

6. Where can you buy high-quality human hair extensions?

After learning about human hair vs synthetic hair, if your choice is human hair extensions, one question remaining is where to buy high-quality products. It can be a daunting search given that many suppliers provide human hair mixed with synthetic hair or claim to provide human hair while they do not. However, you can place your trust in Macsara Hair – the best Vietnamese hair factory with 15 years of experience in the industry. We have gained trust and loyalty from wholesalers, hair salons, and hairstylists from over 100 countries due to our premium-quality real hair extensions sold at factory prices.

We supply 100% finest-quality and ethically sourced Remy human hair extensions that look and feel as natural as your own hair. With proper care, they won’t become tangled or shed and can be dyed and styled to your preferences.

Catering to different needs with thousands of products available in various types, textures, lengths, and colors and offering factory direct prices, Macsara Hair is where you can place your trust for your next hair game or the growth of your hair business! Don’t hesitate to contact us now via +84 98 6980 492 for more details and 24/7 support!

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the differences between human hair vs synthetic hair extensions is crucial when making a decision about which type is right for you. Human hair extensions offer a natural look and feel, durability, versatility in styling, and a longer lifespan with proper care. On the other hand, synthetic hair extensions are more affordable but lack the same level of realism, durability, and styling options. We hope that this post has helped you gain a thorough understanding of human hair and synthetic hair extensions, so you can make an informed choice. Stay tuned for more hair tips and tricks in future posts from Macsara Hair!