Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (2024)

If you’re reading this, it’s probably safe to assume you’re stuck between two different types of hair extensions. We’re here to make the job easier, babes. Consider this your guide for the differences between synthetic versus human hair.

Why synthetic hair?

Synthetic hair is perfect for all hair lovers, but especially those who’re beginners at wearing fake hair. INSERT NAME HERE’s synthetic INFINI-FLEX™ hair is a budget-friendly, low-effort vegan alternative to human hair.


With technological advances made in recent years, synthetic hair has come a long way. What was once considered costumey, is now extremely comparable to natural hair with a highly realistic look and feel. In most instances, if you’re purchasing from a reputable company it is nearly impossible to tell high-quality synthetic hair from human hair.


INSERT NAME HERE'sINFINI-FLEX™ hair fiber, made by experts with over 20 years of hair experience, is considered the top tier of synthetic hair. Our synthetic hair pieces are pre-styled, so you don’t have to worry about giving them perfect curls or straight strands — the work is already done for you! And unlike curled or waved styles on human hair, they hold all day, everyday & won't fall flat no matter the weather conditions.

They’re easy to care for & low maintenance so they’re always ready to wear when you want added length and volume (some INH Babes even wear theirs daily!). After frequent wearing, washing or brushing your extensions, you can revive the original style by spraying (with water or misting with our Revival spray) & shaking them back to life.


For more information on synthetic INFINI-FLEX™ hair, read our synthetic hair guide here.

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Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (1)

INH Babe @ilene.anabeth wearing XTRA INCHES synthetic hair extensions

If you’re looking for a luxurious, pro-quality hair extensions option, human hair may be the best fit for you. This option is an excellent choice for those who don’t mind spending a little extra to level up their hair game, and is a popular choice for major events like weddings.

You’re also going to love 100% Remy human hair if you love experimenting with your look. Human hair has ultra versatility, with the ability to dye, straighten and curl it — just like with your own hair. We recommend taking your extensions to a hairstylist and have them perfectly matched to your hair for the ultimate celebrity look.

When it comes to real human hair extensions, many people assume that all hair types are relatively the same, which is not the case. Some brands mix their human hair extensions with low quality hair, animal hair or other synthetic fiber fillers.

100% Remy human hair is considered the best human hair because it requires an extremely careful collection of hair from a hair donor. What makes this process different from other human hair collections is the unique preservation of Remy human hair where the cuticles are kept intact and unilateral (always going in one direction). When all hair strands follow the same direction, it minimizes tangling and matting (if processed properly). Remy human hair is made of the finest quality human hair and craftsmanship.

The reason that Remy human hair is so popular is because of its ability to create a totally natural look.Our Remy human hair in particular, is the highest quality, ethically-sourced human hair on the market. They’re investment pieces that last 3x longer than other brands’.

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Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (2)

INH Babe @alysilverio wearing Lux Remy Hair Extensions in shade jet black

The main difference is that Remy human hair extensions & bangs can be customized, with the ability to heat style & dye just like your real hair.

Synthetic hair cannot be dyed. If you straighten or curl INFINI-FLEX™ synthetic hair (though it is heat resistant up to 320 F), its original pre-styled texture will not come back. If you straighten prestyled curls they will be forever straightened and vice versa with straight hair pieces that are curled.

Remy hair extensionsare considered premium & high quality — which means it's more expensive. Human hair also requires additionalmaintenance– as with natural hair, it requires effort & styling. Keep in mind that human hair rarely comes out of the box ready to wear. You may choose to have it customized by a professional stylist to get exactly the look you want.


Just like your real hair, human hair will require some love & care every now & then. But if properly cared for, you should be able to keep your Remy human hair extensions looking perfect for years. Here’s what our team of hair experts recommend:

Brush your human hair wigs & extensions before and after each wear.

Wash your human hair pieces when you feel that there is residue buildup on them. However, do not over wash them. Washing them too frequently will remove moisture from the hair strands. Wash your human hair pieces only when needed.

Store your human hair pieces when they’re not in use! Keep them soft & safe by using the super cute reusable satin pouch that comes with every INSERT NAME HERE purchase! It helps prevent tangles and extends the life of your hair.

It varies per company. At INSERT NAME HERE, we make sure both our Remy human hair extensions andINFINI-FLEX™ extensions last for years (assuming proper maintenance is involved).

For more information, read our tips & tricks for caring for synthetic hair and for caring for Remy human hair.

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Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (3)

INH Babe @k3chocolate wearing medium Remy Human Hair in shade honey.

We do not recommend dying our synthetic fiber — just like with real hair, dying poses risks of damage. However, some INH Babes have been successful in doing so (please join our INH Babes community group to learn more).

When wearing INSERT NAME HERE’s INFINI-FLEX™ synthetic fiber, no one should be able to tell that it’s not real! It’s the most realistic person-made hair on the market (and it’s vegan)! INFINI-FLEX™ is made with real feel fiber that, like healthy human hair, reflects light on an even & thus “healthy” surface where the cuticle is smooth. The light reflected from our INFINI-FLEX™ strands creates color depth & dimensional shine.

Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (4)

It depends on where you buy your hair extensions from. Here at INSERT NAME HERE, we use the highest quality, ethically sourced human hair. It’s never mixed with animal hair or synthetic hair, and we exclusively work with distributors who have been vetted and verified to operate ethical and sustainable practices.

That being said, our INFINI-FLEX™ synthetic fibers are vegan & crafted in a lab. We strive to give you ethical hair, regardless of which hair fiber you choose.

Which hair fiber did you choose? Let us follow along in your hair journey by tagging us on Instagram, Tiktok, Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook and use the hashtag #INHBabe!

Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You (2024)

FAQs

Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: Which One’s for You? ›

Human hair extensions have a natural feel and can blend seamlessly with your Natural Hair. They can be styled, colored, and treated just like natural hair. In contrast, synthetic hair often has a more artificial shine and feel, which can be easier to spot as not being your natural hair.

Is it better to have synthetic hair or human hair? ›

Keep in mind, even the heat friendly fiber can be difficult to style as synthetic fiber is more resistant to change. Synthetic hair is also less durable than human hair. With proper care you can expect synthetic hair wigs and hairpieces to last about 4-6 months – heat friendly synthetic hair 2- 3 months.

What advantage does human hair have over synthetic hair? ›

The greatest benefits of using human hair is that it is natural looking, long-lasting, and versatile. Human hair will most closely resemble your natural hair because it came from another human being!

What is one disadvantage of a human hair wig reacts To___________? ›

Human hair wigs will respond just as natural hair does to climate changes, and this includes needing restyling after a shampoo.

What is a disadvantage of synthetic hair? ›

Disadvantages of synthetic hair:

Not heat resistant – In most cases you can't use any heated appliances or the wig may melt. Prone to frizz – Static builds up in the hair and causes ends to frizz – the hair can tangle and become unmanageable. Not flexible – You can't change the texture or style.

What are the 4 disadvantages of synthetic hair? ›

Cons
  • Cannot be colored. Traditional hair dyes won't adhere to the synthetic fibers, and the chemicals will melt the wig.
  • Shininess. Synthetic wigs often have an unnatural shine to them. ...
  • Less Versatility. Most synthetic wigs can't be heat styled or worn while cooking.
  • Longevity.

Why do people not like synthetic wigs? ›

It cannot be styled like natural hair, which can be done in many ways. Only certain types of Heat Friendly synthetic hair can be curled with heat. Remember that it can be hard to style even heat-friendly fibers because synthetic fibers are harder to change. Synthetic hair also does not last as long as natural hair.

What are the disadvantages of wigs? ›

Uncomfortable: When worn for a long time, wigs can be uncomfortable. Not only can they feel unpleasantly hot to wear but they can cause headaches, itchiness and even rashes. Limits Your Activity: It's impractical to exercise, swim or sleep in a wig.

Is human hair used for anything? ›

COMPOSTING & GARDENING. Hair is rich in Nitrogen, making it an ideal fertiliser for local and industrial composting.

What are the benefits of human hair? ›

The hair on our heads doesn't just look nice. It keeps us warm by preserving heat. Hair in the nose, ears, and around the eyes protects these sensitive areas from dust and other small particles. Eyebrows and eyelashes protect eyes by decreasing the amount of light and particles that go into them.

Do wigs hurt your real hair? ›

Wearing wigs is a common practice for style, convenience, or personal preference. While wigs themselves don't directly cause hair loss, prolonged use, improper fitting, or friction can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. With regular care, breaks from wearing, and proper fitting, these risks can be mitigated.

Is it bad to wear human hair wigs? ›

It is generally safe to wear wigs overall, and especially those made from human hair.

Are synthetic wigs bad for you? ›

Harmful chemicals such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are commonly found in synthetic hair fibers. These chemicals can be linked to a range of health issues, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.

What is the lifespan of a human hair? ›

Hair is made of many protein strands. A single hair has a normal life between 2 and 7 years. That hair then falls out and is replaced with a new hair. How much hair you have on your body and head is also determined by your genes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of human hair wigs? ›

The advantages of human hair wigs
  • Advantage #1: Human hair wigs have the most natural appearance.
  • Advantage #2: Human hair wigs have a long lifespan.
  • Advantage #3: Human hair wigs have styling flexibility.
  • Disadvantage #1: Human hair wigs are expensive.
Sep 14, 2023

What are 2 disadvantages of synthetic materials? ›

Disadvantages...
  • Synthetic fibres do not absorb water or sweat.
  • Synthetic fibres melt and burn easily.
  • Synthetic fibres on catching fire shrink forming beads which stick to the skin. ...
  • Synthetic fibres are nonbiodegradable.

Is human hair better than synthetic for extensions? ›

The main reason that people opt for human hair extensions is because of their appearance. Whether you don't want people to know you've got extensions or you simply want the natural look, these types of extensions are usually more effective than synthetic extensions.

Does synthetic hair damage real hair? ›

While a weave or extensions can be a great way to switch up your hairstyle, they can damage your natural hair and even cause hair loss if proper precautions and care are not taken.

Is it cheaper to have synthetic hair or human hair? ›

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

Is human hair better than synthetic for braids? ›

Quality human hair will not matt or tangle which means you can enjoy the style for longer. Top grade human hair is not cheap so think of this as an investment. With proper care and maintenance, the hair is reusable. The best thing about wearing human hair, you can style it as if it were your own hair.

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