Here's how to decide between synthetic or human hair extensions
That short hairstyle you saw in a magazine looked great on the model, so you figured you’d take the plunge and try a new look. But when you get home and catch a glimpse of your face, which now resembles a yo-yo, it’s apparent your expectations don’t measure up to reality.
Or, you find that your hair is not aging nearly as gracefully as the rest of you, thanks to its thinning, patchy appearance, which is in serious need of a volume boost.
Whatever your reasons, hair extensions may be your answer. But given the choice between synthetic and human, you’re at a loss wondering, which should I choose?
Here’s the lowdown on synthetic vs human hair extensions and which type is right for you.
Synthetic Hair Extensions Pros
Synthetic hair extensions offer a budget friendly, low-maintenance option to fill out and lengthen your hair. If you’re new to extensions, synthetics offer a short-term commitment of only 1-3 months so you can easily take your look for a “test drive” and decide if they’re something that can realistically fit into your life.
Synthetic extensions are also great for those living in warm, tropical climates as they aren’t susceptible to the effects of rain and humidity, which means they won’t fall flat or frizz like human extensions will.
In the past, synthetic extensions received a bad rap for looking fake and unnatural. However, in recent years, the manufacturing process has improved greatly, and synthetic extensions can now be blended seamlessly into your real hair, for a look that is natural and nearly undetectable.
Synthetic Extensions Cons
While synthetic extensions offer a great alternative to the long-term commitment of human hair, they aren’t without their own set of drawbacks.
For instance, if you plan on coloring your hair you may want to skip synthetic extensions, as color treatment will cause irreparable damage.
And if you do opt to go the synthetic route, make sure the extensions you select are already pre-styled into the look you want since most synthetic extensions will melt when exposed to heat.
Human Hair Extensions Pros
If you’re seeking a long-term commitment from your hair extensions, human hair is the way to go. With proper care, human hair extensions can last between one to three years, which means, while they may cost more at the onset, they provide better long-term value than synthetics.
There are four major types of hair used in human hair extensions: Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and European/Caucasian. However, most human hair extensions are of Asian origin due to their thicker, straighter propensity which can better handle a variety of styling and treatment options but are also known to be more difficult to curl.
Whichever origin of human hair extensions you select, they are all much more versatile than synthetics and can accept heat styling and coloring. That means you’re not locked into just one look, and if you get a whim to go color crazy- well, more power to you!
Human hair extensions also have a natural bounce which synthetics just can’t duplicate, and have incredible softness, shine and body.
Human hair extensions are also extremely natural looking, because they’re real hair. That means not only will they seamlessly blend into your own hair, they’ll also reflect light in the same manner, so no one will even be able to tell that you’re wearing extensions.
Human Hair Extensions Cons
Besides being more expensive then synthetics, human hair extensions also offer a longer commitment and more maintenance. They’ll need to be taken care of as though they’re your real hair to best maintain their look and last their entire lifespan.
And, since they’re made from real hair, human hair extensions have the propensity to frizz or fall flat depending on humidity levels and outside temperatures. So, if your goal is to create a smooth, frizz-free style and you live in Florida, you may be better off choosing synthetic extensions.
And, while they are able to be color treated or heat styled, keep in mind that while human hair extensions will not melt or fall out like synthetics, excessive coloring or heat styling will damage them just as it would to your natural hair.
Resources — Wigs.com, Hair Extensions.com
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