Synthetic or Human Hair Wig?

So how do you decide between them? These two types of wigs are both suitable for you based on your condition. It really all depends on what is your requirements.

The Difference Between Synthetic/Monofilament and Human Hair Wigs

Synthetic Hair Wigs

The most common choice for wigs are usually made from synthetic fibers as they are easier to maintain and of course, comparatively cheaper. Although cheaper, it doesn't mean that synthetic wigs do not look as natural as real ones.

New materials and technology in synthetic fibers today can make them look very realistic indeed. Also, not all synthetic wigs are made equal, the higher quality ones are meant for daily use and can be as good as human hair wigs. Large beauty corporations like Aspen, Revlon and Norico produce very natural synthetic hair wigs for a very reasonable price.

Advantages

• Easy to care and maintain
• Prices are quite reasonable

Disadvantages

• No matter how good the quality it is, it won't feel like natural hair
• You can't iron or blow dry them
• Pre styled (but some can be reseted)
• Won't last long compare to human hair wigs

If you are looking for a short term problem to your hair loss condition and don't want to invest too much on wigs, it's advisable to consider a synthetic wig.

Human Hair Wigs

Human hair wigs will definitely feel and look like your real hair. However, they are more expensive because they come in limited quantity. The longer it is, the more expensive it will be. If you are considering a one, it's best to get a short one, not longer than shoulder length. It will be much more easier to manage when you need to undergo further treatments especially chemotherapy and radiation.

The majority of human hairs come from Asian counties like China and Mongolia. However, higher quality ones usually come from India and Central Asian counties because women there have naturally thicker and darker hair.

The rarest and highest quality ones are from Eastern European counties like Croatia and Russia and are of course, they are most expensive wigs in the market because women there are not likely to sell their locks.

If you are looking for a blonde hair wig, the asian hair will have to be bleached and treated a couple of times. This will result in breakages and reduce the robustness of the hair. Eastern European hair however are much lighter in color and less treatment are needed, leaving them feeling more natural, softer and silkier.

When you decide to choose a human hair wig, make sure you know the origins of the hair since you are expected to pay more for it. If it is not stated, it's probably made in an Asian country and is of lower quality.

Advantages

• Lasts longer compare to its synthetic counterpart
• Natural and realistic
• Can be styled like your own hair
• The hair breathes so you won't sweat so much

Disadvantages

• Needs to be styled after every wash
• Expensive to maintain and buy

Choosing a wig really depends on your budget. However, if you are looking for a long term solution to your hair loss and retain it's natural feel, nothing beats a natural human hair wig.

Wig Construction

One more aspect to look besides the material it is made up of is the process of how it is made. There are 3 major manufacturing process.

• Machine Made
  Machine made wigs are the least expensive of all the types. It is also the most common type of wigs available for all purposes like parties, events and regular use. Machines weave the hair together in straight lines(known as wefts). It's often very realistic in look as long as you don't pull or style them yourself. This is one of the most practical and more easily wearable wig because the construction create vents that allows air to circulate to the scalp.
• Hand made
  Hand made wigs are the most natural prefabricated choice because each strand are knotted and tied together individually on the skullcap rather than weaved in lines. These wigs can be styled in anyway because there are no obvious signs of machine wefts. The hair also looks and moves more naturally.
• Custom made
  Custom made wigs are made just for you. You decide how long you want it and what color and the thickness. Of course, custom made wigs are expensive and are not suitable for temporary use like for cancer patients. Make sure you have your hair stylist supervising the styling and let him or her know your preference before getting it made as it's costly to make mistake. Also you have to know that it takes at least 1-2 months to get a good custom made wig done.

So Which One Should I Choose?

It's quite simple really, it all depends on your budget and time. For most of the hair loss conditions, it's best to choose a high quality human hair wig for everyday use. In the long run, it is more cost effective compare to synthetic wigs that you might have to replace frequently.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a short term solution or you want to try different hairstyles before settling for a more permanent setting, synthetic wigs are a cheaper alternative before investing in a human hair wig.

Want to see what styles suit you the most? See my wig styles page here.