Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (2024)

If you’re reading this, it’s probably safe to assume you’re stuck between two different types of hair extensions. We’re here to make the job easier, babes. Consider this your guide for the differences between synthetic versus human hair.

Why synthetic hair?

Synthetic hair is perfect for all hair lovers, but especially those who’re beginners at wearing fake hair. INSERT NAME HERE’s synthetic INFINI-FLEX™ hair is a budget-friendly, low-effort vegan alternative to human hair.


With technological advances made in recent years, synthetic hair has come a long way. What was once considered costumey, is now extremely comparable to natural hair with a highly realistic look and feel. In most instances, if you’re purchasing from a reputable company it is nearly impossible to tell high-quality synthetic hair from human hair.


INSERT NAME HERE'sINFINI-FLEX™ hair fiber, made by experts with over 20 years of hair experience, is considered the top tier of synthetic hair. Our synthetic hair pieces are pre-styled, so you don’t have to worry about giving them perfect curls or straight strands — the work is already done for you! And unlike curled or waved styles on human hair, they hold all day, everyday & won't fall flat no matter the weather conditions.

They’re easy to care for & low maintenance so they’re always ready to wear when you want added length and volume (some INH Babes even wear theirs daily!). After frequent wearing, washing or brushing your extensions, you can revive the original style by spraying (with water or misting with our Revival spray) & shaking them back to life.


For more information on synthetic INFINI-FLEX™ hair, read our synthetic hair guide here.

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Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (1)

INH Babe @ilene.anabeth wearing XTRA INCHES synthetic hair extensions

If you’re looking for a luxurious, pro-quality hair extensions option, human hair may be the best fit for you. This option is an excellent choice for those who don’t mind spending a little extra to level up their hair game, and is a popular choice for major events like weddings.

You’re also going to love 100% Remy human hair if you love experimenting with your look. Human hair has ultra versatility, with the ability to dye, straighten and curl it — just like with your own hair. We recommend taking your extensions to a hairstylist and have them perfectly matched to your hair for the ultimate celebrity look.

When it comes to real human hair extensions, many people assume that all hair types are relatively the same, which is not the case. Some brands mix their human hair extensions with low quality hair, animal hair or other synthetic fiber fillers.

100% Remy human hair is considered the best human hair because it requires an extremely careful collection of hair from a hair donor. What makes this process different from other human hair collections is the unique preservation of Remy human hair where the cuticles are kept intact and unilateral (always going in one direction). When all hair strands follow the same direction, it minimizes tangling and matting (if processed properly). Remy human hair is made of the finest quality human hair and craftsmanship.

The reason that Remy human hair is so popular is because of its ability to create a totally natural look.Our Remy human hair in particular, is the highest quality, ethically-sourced human hair on the market. They’re investment pieces that last 3x longer than other brands’.

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Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (2)

INH Babe @alysilverio wearing Lux Remy Hair Extensions in shade jet black

The main difference is that Remy human hair extensions & bangs can be customized, with the ability to heat style & dye just like your real hair.

Synthetic hair cannot be dyed. If you straighten or curl INFINI-FLEX™ synthetic hair (though it is heat resistant up to 320 F), its original pre-styled texture will not come back. If you straighten prestyled curls they will be forever straightened and vice versa with straight hair pieces that are curled.

Remy hair extensionsare considered premium & high quality — which means it's more expensive. Human hair also requires additionalmaintenance– as with natural hair, it requires effort & styling. Keep in mind that human hair rarely comes out of the box ready to wear. You may choose to have it customized by a professional stylist to get exactly the look you want.


Just like your real hair, human hair will require some love & care every now & then. But if properly cared for, you should be able to keep your Remy human hair extensions looking perfect for years. Here’s what our team of hair experts recommend:

Brush your human hair wigs & extensions before and after each wear.

Wash your human hair pieces when you feel that there is residue buildup on them. However, do not over wash them. Washing them too frequently will remove moisture from the hair strands. Wash your human hair pieces only when needed.

Store your human hair pieces when they’re not in use! Keep them soft & safe by using the super cute reusable satin pouch that comes with every INSERT NAME HERE purchase! It helps prevent tangles and extends the life of your hair.

It varies per company. At INSERT NAME HERE, we make sure both our Remy human hair extensions andINFINI-FLEX™ extensions last for years (assuming proper maintenance is involved).

For more information, read our tips & tricks for caring for synthetic hair and for caring for Remy human hair.

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Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (3)

INH Babe @k3chocolate wearing medium Remy Human Hair in shade honey.

We do not recommend dying our synthetic fiber — just like with real hair, dying poses risks of damage. However, some INH Babes have been successful in doing so (please join our INH Babes community group to learn more).

When wearing INSERT NAME HERE’s INFINI-FLEX™ synthetic fiber, no one should be able to tell that it’s not real! It’s the most realistic person-made hair on the market (and it’s vegan)! INFINI-FLEX™ is made with real feel fiber that, like healthy human hair, reflects light on an even & thus “healthy” surface where the cuticle is smooth. The light reflected from our INFINI-FLEX™ strands creates color depth & dimensional shine.

Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (4)

It depends on where you buy your hair extensions from. Here at INSERT NAME HERE, we use the highest quality, ethically sourced human hair. It’s never mixed with animal hair or synthetic hair, and we exclusively work with distributors who have been vetted and verified to operate ethical and sustainable practices.

That being said, our INFINI-FLEX™ synthetic fibers are vegan & crafted in a lab. We strive to give you ethical hair, regardless of which hair fiber you choose.

Which hair fiber did you choose? Let us follow along in your hair journey by tagging us on Instagram, Tiktok, Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook and use the hashtag #INHBabe!

Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (2024)

FAQs

Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You? ›

Human hair wigs offer unparalleled realism and styling versatility but come at a higher price point and require more maintenance. On the other hand, synthetic wigs are more affordable and require less upkeep, but may lack the same natural appearance and styling options.

Which is better, synthetic hair or human hair? ›

If you're looking for a hairpiece that looks more natural and has a longer lifespan, opt for human hair. Even though human hair is pricey, you'll realize it was well worth the investment a few years down the line. Human hair not only looks great, but also provides you with endless styling options!

What advantage does human hair have over synthetic hair? ›

Human hair wigs offer the most natural look and feel. And while they can be the more expensive pick, with the proper care, they are also more durable. Human hair wigs can last between 1 and 3 years. They are remarkably soft with a shine and movement that is not easily duplicated in synthetic hair.

What are the disadvantages of synthetic hair wigs? ›

Prone to frizz – Static builds up in the hair and causes ends to frizz – the hair can tangle and become unmanageable. Not flexible – You can't change the texture or style. Doesn't last as long as human hair – On average a new synthetic wig is needed after eight -twelve months.

Does human hair last longer than synthetic? ›

Human hair wigs, particularly those made from virgin or Remy hair, last the longest. With proper care, they can endure up to three years, surpassing synthetic wigs that typically last only 4-6 months. Their durability, resistance to heat, and natural appearance make them the superior choice.

Can synthetic hair damage your hair? ›

While a weave or extensions can be a great way to switch up your hairstyle, they can damage your natural hair and even cause hair loss if proper precautions and care are not taken.

How long can you wear synthetic hair? ›

Synthetic wigs typically last around 4 to 6 months with proper care. Although advancements in synthetic hair technology have led to the development of higher-quality fibers, it's important to note that synthetic wigs will still have a shorter lifespan compared to human hair wigs.

Which wig hair type is best? ›

In terms of styling, synthetic wigs hold their styles better and longer. They're also available in nearly unlimited colors and are ready to wear. However, human hair wigs still emerge as the gold standard because, unlike synthetics, they have a natural shine, and are more durable, hence last longer.

What is the best type of fake hair? ›

The highest quality of synthetic hair is the Kanekalon. Kanekalon hair fibers are heat-friendly so they work with curling irons, blow dryers and hot rollers. This also means if you're using the hair for box braids or knotless braids, you can burn the ends to keep them intact.

Can you mix synthetic and human hair? ›

Some wigs may have a 50/50 blend while others may have a 70/30 ratio. In any case, the combination of human and synthetic hair makes for a stronger, more durable and versatile wig.

What is real human hair called? ›

Remy hair is the highest quality of real human hair and is more expensive — and more valued — than non-Remy hair. Also called virgin hair, Remy hair lasts longer, is healthier, and looks more natural than non-Remy hair.

How many times can you wear a synthetic wig? ›

But regardless of their given comfort, your scalp needs to breathe every now and then, so constant daily synthetic wig wear isn't advised. One day or half-day off wig-wearing a week is recommended.

Are wigs bad for hair growth? ›

Wearing wigs is a common practice for style, convenience, or personal preference. While wigs themselves don't directly cause hair loss, prolonged use, improper fitting, or friction can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. With regular care, breaks from wearing, and proper fitting, these risks can be mitigated.

Should I get a synthetic or human hair wig? ›

Human hair wigs need regular washing, conditioning, and styling, similar to natural hair. Synthetic wigs are easier to care for as they maintain their style even after washing. However, they can become easily damaged with incorrect styling techniques or exposure to heat.

Is it cheaper to have synthetic hair or human hair? ›

Depending on the quality, synthetic hair wigs are less expensive than human hair wigs. If you purchase a good quality, heat-friendly synthetic wig, it can be more cost-effective than human hair wigs. As the hairs are synthetic they require less care than human hair.

How to tell if a wig is real or synthetic? ›

You will be able to feel the difference between human and synthetic hair. Human hair should feel soft and smooth and have a natural movement and texture to it. Synthetic hair is often plasticky and may feel overly smooth and processed. It will lack any natural texture and not move seamlessly with your own hair.

Does synthetic hair tangle more than real hair? ›

Higher quality synthetic hair can also feel as smooth and silky as human hair. However, it won't react the same when washing and drying. Synthetic hair will revert back to its original shape, but human hair will need to be re-styled. Synthetic hair also tends to tangle a lot less.

Are human hair wigs cooler than synthetic? ›

Trade Your Human Hair Wig for a Synthetic Wig

Human hair wigs offer a beautiful and realistic look, but they can also be much hotter during the summer months. That's because human hair wigs are often much heavier than synthetic wigs, making them feel hotter.

Is human hair more expensive than synthetic? ›

Consider the price: Human hair wigs are traditionally more expensive than synthetic wigs, so if the price looks too good to be true, it's probably not true human hair. And for those looking at the same wig from different suppliers, be wary if one of them is selling the “same wig” at an extreme discount.

Is it okay to wear synthetic hair? ›

Harmful chemicals such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are commonly found in synthetic hair fibers. These chemicals can be linked to a range of health issues, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.

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