|
 |
Wigs: Natural vs. Synthetic Hair
One of the biggest considerations in choosing a wig is whether you want to go natural or synthetic. The synthetic fibers used in making wigs
today look far more realistic than in previous generations, but they can still look less than natural. What follows is a comparison of the pros
and cons of both synthetic and natural hair:
How to Tell the Difference: The easiest way to tell if a wig is made with natural or synthetic hair is to pull a strand out of the wig and burn
it. Natural hair will burn slowly and give off a distinctive odor, while synthetic hair will usually tend to melt and/or ball up when placed
near flame, depending on the particular composition of the synthetic fiber, or will burn out quickly. In either case, synthetic hair will not
give off an odor.
Advantages of Natural Hair Wigs:
• more realistic appearance than synthetic wigs
• greater durability
• the same styling and maintenance requirements as your real hair; can be
custom-colored to suit; and can tolerate heat from styling appliances
Disadvantages of Natural Hair Wigs:
• it reacts to climate the way your real hair does (may frizz or lose curl in humid
weather)
• hair must be reset/restyled after shampooing, which can be challenging for
someone attempting to do so at home
• color will oxidize/fade with exposure to light
• hair will break if mistreated by harsh brushing, back-combing or overuse of heat
styling
• can be heavier than synthetic wigs of similar style/length
• recent check for average retail pricing of natural hair wigs show a range from
around $150 (US) to over $1000 (US) and higher, depending on style, length,
maker, percentage of human hair, and ethnic origin of the human hair used.
Advantages of Synthetic Hair:
• technological advances have produced modacrylic synthetics (like kanekalon)
which are so similar in look and feel to protein-rich hair fibers that they can even
fool some stylists.
• a great value; not only are they realistic, but they are less expensive than natural
hair; they are also easier to maintain at home; shampooing with cold water will
not change the style, nor will exposure to extreme humidity
• synthetic wigs tend to be made according to current styles with cut, color and
texture already set; usually only needs custom trimming to be ready to wear
• color availability is almost unlimited (from natural to fantasy colors); cheapest wig
styles tend to be more solid in color, while higher-quality synthetics have blended
colors for natural looking hair
• synthetic colors will not fade or oxidize even after long periods in direct sunlight
• tend to be lighter in weight, thus more comfortable to wear
• recent check for average pricing show synthetic wig prices (retail) ranging from
under $50 (US) to over $400 (US), depending on style, length and brand name
Disadvantages of Synthetic Hair:
• must avoid extreme heat such as from hair dryers, hot-rollers, flat irons and
curling irons
• traditional haircolor will not work with synthetic fibers; recolor synthetic wigs is not
recommended
• can appear shiny and unnatural; quality and price affect how natural the hair
looks; thick synthetic wigs will look unnatural on fine-haired women
As you can see, there are a number of features that speak for
and against each type of wig. The key as a consumer is to figure out what you are looking for from your wig and choose accordingly.
©Hairfinder.com
Wigs Basics
Quality and Cost of Wigs
More About Wigs
|
|
