Natural vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions: Does the Difference Really Matter?

As the world of hair extensions continues to grow, so do the varieties of materials used for hair extensions and the styles available.

What once sparked the sight of a 2000s pop darling at the VMAs very obviously rocking fake hair, has now given way to modern, fashionable hair extensions that blend seamlessly with natural hair. In fact, many celebrities, influencers, and TikTok superstars wear hair extensions as a complement to their daily look.

The secret? Human hair extensions.

Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair: Does It Really Matter?

The short answer is yes, and here's why:

Human hair extensions are made from a variety of human hair types, from Asian to Indian to European. Although there are different grades of human hair depending on how the hair was collected, processed and sorted, for the purposes of this article we will be talking about remy human hair as it is the most common type of human hair. most affordable and most commonly used for hair extensions, wigs and other hairpieces.

What is remy human hair?

Remy hair refers to hair where the cuticle (outermost layer) has been kept intact, unstripped, and aligned in one direction. This process ensures that the hair will remain smooth, shiny and relatively tangle-free throughout its life. The hair is chemically processed in a color facility, however, for the most part, the integrity of the hair remains. This type of hair is the most sought after because it is literally made of the same material as natural hair, keratin. This not only achieves the most natural blend, but also has many other benefits below.

What is synthetic hair?

Synthetic hair extensions are made from a variety of artificial materials and contain no human hair. They can be made from acrylic, nylon or polyesters, which are heated and sent through tiny micro-tubes to mimic the look and feel of hair strands. Because synthetic hair is made from artificial materials, it may never truly look like human hair, may be straight or move differently, have an unnatural shine, and be more visible as a piece of hair.

How do I know if I am purchasing synthetic hair from another company?

Synthetic hair extensions can be called:

• Vegan synthetic fiber from Japan
• 100% high temperature synthetic fibers
• NextGen faux fiber

These are just fancy ways of "fake fiber" sake. You may also find that some companies advertise their synthetic hair extensions as heat resistant, however, unless very low heat is used, synthetic hair extensions cannot be heat styled as they will damage quickly . Be sure you are reading the correct page.

How much do synthetic hair extensions cost?

The main advantage of synthetic hair extensions is their low price. Since these extensions are made from artificially processed plastics and other materials, their production cost is low. However, buyer beware. Although synthetic hair extensions are inexpensive, they will need to be replaced more often than human hair extensions and may cost you more in the long run.

Human hair extensions can cost more than synthetic hair extensions, however, the investment in higher quality extensions that last longer and look better is definitely worth it.

How long do synthetic hair extensions last?

The average lifespan of synthetic hair extensions is 1-3 months, while the average lifespan of human hair extensions can be up to a year or more, depending on how they are used and cared for.

Can I heat synthetic hair extensions?

No. With synthetic hair extensions, what you see is what you get. Some hair extensions come pre-styled with curls or waves, and you are limited to that style. If heat is applied to synthetic hair, it will melt and become damaged. Although some synthetic fibers can withstand higher temperatures, it is still not comparable to the real thing.

Because human hair extensions are made with, well, human hair, they can be styled as you would your natural hair with a curling iron, hot rollers, hair straighteners, beach shaker, and more !

How versatile are they?

Not very. Because you cannot heat synthetic hair extensions, you will be limited to wearing them out as you go.

Can I use styling products on it?

No. Product buildup is one of the main problems that causes hair extensions to matte and tangle. While human hair extensions can be washed to remove this buildup, synthetic hair cannot. Using styling products on synthetic hair extensions will significantly shorten their lifespan and is not recommended.

Can I dye synthetic hair extensions?

No. Synthetic hair extensions are made with plastics, nylons, polyesters or other faux fibers that cannot be chemically treated. They will most likely fall apart in your hands if dyed.

Human hair extensions, on the other hand, can be dyed darker to accommodate any changes in your natural hair color. They can also be dyed by balayage, ombré or other trendy colors like pinks, pastels and more!

Do they look natural?

Not really. Although technology has come a long way and some synthetic hair extensions may look close to the real thing, upon closer inspection they will look different from your natural hair. Additionally, once the extensions start to wear out after a few uses, they will become even more visibly fake.

Can I wash them?

No. This will just lead to hair extensions that are a tangled mess and I also invite you to read the article on the correct way to comb your hair