Human Hair, Synthetic Hair – What does it all mean?

If you’ve been involved with the beauty community, you are probably aware of the Human hair vs. Synthetic hair debate. Which is better, most pricy, more durable, etc.

With so many weaves out there, it can be confusing. You’ve probably heard of Brazilian, Cambodian, Indian, Remy, and so many different types of hair. Many people often believe every foreign country has a hair type in the market, however, this is a huge misconception. The major thing you should know before buying any type of hair is that there are only two types of weaves available in the market; Human hair weave and Synthetic hair.

Both weave types look stunning when installed by a talented hair stylist, however, they are very different. Prior to some years ago, the difference between human and synthetic hair were so obvious that you didn’t need anyone to tell you. However, with more brands investing in the beauty industry, the best synthetic hair is slowly becoming the choice for many people who seek cost effective options. In this article, we will be dissecting both categories and filling you with the necessary details you need to know about them.

Human Hair (Virgin Hair)

As the name implies, human hair is exactly that, this should be obvious in the Human hair vs. Synthetic hair discussion. Human hair weaves are primarily hair that was donated by a donor. It’s usually soft with a smooth texture and a natural looking color that can match your hair effortlessly. They are also a lot more durable and can be styled in different ways depending on your preference. So, whether you prefer to use a flat iron or curling wand for different looks, you can do this without fear of damaging it. Despite this fact, it is better to stay away from heat as much as you can.

Also, it is important to note that human/virgin hair has never been chemically altered with dyes, bleach, or any harsh washes. They are readily available in different textures such as wavy, straight, curly, and can be styled to your preferred choice. Human hair weaves are very pricey when compared to synthetic hair, but for good reason too. Within the human hair category, you will find Remy hair and Temple hair.

Temple hair is a slang for “hair gathered.” Temple hair is gotten from the temple and is by Hindu individuals who partake in Tonsuring. Tonsuring is a very common traditional event that entails individuals shaving off their hair. The hair is then gathered and sold off in an auction by the temple officials.

Remy hair is basically a type of human hair that’s famous for its aligned cuticles, softness, and tangle-free texture. Hair with non-aligned cuticles are usually prone to friction and excessive matting, which eventually leads to breakage. Remy hair is durable, soft, and not prone to knotting unless, when handled without care. Thus, Remy hair is human hair, but not all human hair is Remy hair.

Pros & Cons Of Human Hair Weaves

Pros

Natural Feel & Finish: Easily the obvious benefit of installing human hair, the texture and finish is natural. It’s soft and with a pair of quality frontals, it looks like it’s your hair.

Easy Styling: The second benefit of using human hair weaves is that it is easy to style. Whether you want to add curls, dye, or make it wavy, human hair can be styled the exact way you want it to be. Plus, there are so many options to choose from.

Durable: With the proper maintenance tips, you can rock your human hair weave for a long time. This is easily one of the differences between human hair and synthetic hair.

Cons

The major con of using human hair is that it can leave a dent in your bank account. Let’s face facts, human hair is pricey! The cost of premium quality human hair weave can range between $100-$500. So, if you don’t have a well paying job, it’s better to look the other way my good sister!

Synthetic Hair

Synthetic hair is made of plastic fibers that look like human hair. Available in various lengths and styles, this hair type is of a lower quality and very difficult to style. The plastic polymers present in the synthetic hair fibers melt when exposed to heat. Hence, any form of styling can damage the hair strands. Although some of the best synthetic hair available in the market that can handle low heat, excessive styling can impair its texture and durability. Synthetic hair is mainly mass produced, which makes it a lot less than human hair when it comes to pricing.

Pros & Cons Of Synthetic Hair

Pros

Cost-effective: The price of synthetic hair is usually a fraction of a human hair, which is easily the best thing about it. You can get different synthetic hair pieces for the price of one piece of virgin hair.

Versatile Styles & Colors: If you’re searching for a specific color of hair weaves, then you’ll most likely get it in a synthetic weave. Synthetic weaves are available in different styles, colors, lengths, and curls.

Cons

It isn’t Durable: Synthetic weaves are not long-lasting as they are prone to knotting and damage. They usually cannot handle styling, combing, or washing for an extended period of time. Hence, they deteriorate fairly quickly.

Unnatural Sheen: Human hair/virgin hair has a natural glow that is matte, but synthetic hair has a very noticeable shine to it. To help with this, many women apply shampoo directly to it, however, this can also lead to damages.

Frizz: Another con of synthetic hair is that it is prone to frizzes. Regardless of how careful you are with its maintenance, some of the best synthetic hair will eventually have you dealing with frizz.

Whether you need to change your look or you deal with alopecia, installing hair extensions can have you looking like a million bucks easily. The Human hair vs. Synthetic hair debate is unnecessary, as the benefits of weaves trump it all. Just have it in mind that there is always a weave for everyone, regardless of your budget.