When selecting a wig it is often difficult to know where to begin. With hundreds of styles, colors, brands and wig types, picking out a wig for the first time can be quite overwhelming. Understanding the differences between different types of wigs is a good starting point for finding your perfect fit.
Natural-hair wigs are created from harvested human hairs, so they look, feel, and act just like your own hair. Synthetic wigs are created from man-made fibers using specialized technology that gives the appearance and feel of real hair. If a synthetic hair wig is of high quality, it is often difficult to tell the difference between the two types. However there are differences, and one style may be more suited to you than the other.
The benefits of using a natural-hair wig are that they are very versatile. A stylist who has experience with natural-hair wigs can color, perm and style the wig as if it was natural growing-on-your-head hair. These types of wigs usually last longer than synthetic ones and have a more natural ‘real-hair’ feel if you touch them.
However, natural-hair wigs come at a higher price than their synthetic counterparts and generally require more maintenance. These wigs need to be washed, conditioned and re-styled frequently. These wigs may also react to the weather; similar to your own hair, natural-hair wigs reacting to the weather can become limp, frizzy, or dry.
On the other hand, synthetic wigs are easy to take care of and can be a cheaper alternative. Synthetic wigs have style retention, and so they don’t have to be styled often. You can simply wash, dry and then shake it out, and the wig will return to its initial shape. There is no limit where colors are concerned; you can choose from an array of natural colors, as well as several fantasy colors, and because these wigs are generally cheaper you can get yourself a few different style options.
However, some economy or budget synthetic wigs, typically those under $100, may have an unnatural shine and do not last as long as natural-hair wigs. These wigs also cannot be straightened or curled with heated styling tools unless it is a specifically designed “heat friendly” synthetic wig, and they generally do not take well to being dyed.
There is a third option though. Heat friendly synthetic wigs are a special type of synthetic wig that can be styled using heated styling tools, and, like normal synthetic wigs, the weather will not have an effect. These wigs are slightly more natural looking than normal synthetic wigs and are a good cost-effective alternative to natural-hair wigs. However, as a downside, they do not live as long as natural-hair wigs, or even as long as normal synthetic wigs.
While there are pros and cons to each type of wig, considering the following factors may help you decide which type of hair fiber would suit you best:
Synthetic wigs require less maintenance than natural-hair wigs and therefore require less energy and time to style and care for. When washed, synthetic wigs will return back to their original style after air drying, while natural-hair wigs will require straightening or curling after being washed, conditioned, and dried. So if you’re short on time, or simply don’t want to spend that much energy caring for your wig a synthetic one might be more suited to you.
If you live in a hot and humid or very rainy climate, consider wearing a synthetic wig that will hold its style better in most climates. The weather can have an effect on natural-hair wigs, making them a bit harder to manage. Also keep in mind that frequently wearing a natural-hair wig outdoors, in direct sunlight, can cause fading and may alter the color of your wig.
With daily use, natural-hair wigs can last a year or more, while synthetic wigs typically last only around 6 months. Wearing your wig less frequently will help to extend its lifespan. How often you need to wash your wig can also have an effect. Most synthetic wigs only need to be washed every 6-8 wears, but natural-hair wigs need to be washed in order to re-style them and over time washing the wig can damage the fibers, affecting its lifespan.
Knowing your budget is also a great way to determine which type of wig to choose. Synthetic wigs can be very budget friendly, and a high-quality synthetic wig can look very natural and can be washed less frequently than a natural-hair wig, requiring you to spend less money on shampoo, conditioner and styling products. But, on the other hand, while natural-hair wigs are typically more expensive, they last longer, which offsets some of the added expense. Not to mention save you having to run to the store every few months to find a new perfect fit.
Whatever your preference, you’re sure to look amazing wearing one of our quality wigs.