Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair Extensions: Which is Better?

If you're considering getting hair extensions but not sure what to choose, we've got the answers! Human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions both have their own benefits, and the best choice comes down to a number of things.

Hair extensions improve more than how you look; they can completely shift how you feel. Whether it is synthetic hair extensions or human hair extensions, they can all improve your image and your self-confidence. 

A good hair day is a good day!

The only question is, what are the differences between synthetic hair extensions and human hair extensions? And which ones are better?

Thankfully, we know all there is about extensions, so we created this guide with the answers. Keep on reading to learn about how to find the best hair extensions for you – whether it be synthetic or real human hair!

Synthetic hair extensions have come a long way since the old days when it was obvious that someone's wig was not real. 

Nowadays, it is very difficult to tell the difference between synthetic hair extensions and real hair – so long as the quality is good!

Synthetic hair, whether that be extensions, wigs or hair pieces, is crafted from man-made fibres, often acrylic and/or nylon. 

The strands are chemically treated to look and feel as close to real hair as possible, just at a fraction of the price.

Of course, synthetic hair extensions come in at different prices depending on a) the quality and b) where you buy them from.

The higher the quality of synthetic materials used, the more expensive the extensions will be. You're paying more for getting more. The retailer or salon will also play a big part in cost.

If you're purchasing from a high-end boutique, you can expect to pay top dollar, but this doesn't always ring true! 

You can most definitely find great-quality extensions that are affordable – you just have to know where to look (like us here at RiRi).

Perhaps the best benefit of synthetic extensions is that they're much cheaper than human hair options. 

If it's your first time trying hair extensions, and you're not really sure how often you want to wear them or how to choose the best type, then synthetic hair is your best bet.

They're also ideal if you're looking for a short-term hair fix, like for an event. They won't cost you the world, but they'll certainly give you what you're after.

Synthetic extensions also come pre-styled, either straight, curly, or wavy, so there's no need for any heat. 

The waves and curls are designed to stay curly, unlike human hair extensions, which need to be restyled often. This is because the fibres are created with a "memory" like technology that permanently holds the curls.

This is why synthetic extensions are ideal for situations like movie sets where there is bad weather or the chance of the hair getting wet. There is no frizzing, no sloppy drooping, and no need to "touch up" the hair.

One downside of synthetic hair extensions is that you have very little versatility to work with. Let's say that you want your hair to be curly one day and then straightened the next, then you would have to purchase two sets of hair extensions.

Using heat is not recommended on synthetic hair, unless otherwise stated so. The acrylic and nylon materials used aren't made to withstand high heat from styling tools; it can cause the outer coating to melt, leaving a frizzy mess.

BUT since synthetics are often fairly cheap, it shouldn't cost you too much to purchase a few different styles.

Additionally, synthetic hair is much more fragile than human hair; therefore, it will not last as long. 

Regular synthetic wigs can last up to five or six months if you are lucky, and heat-stylable ones will only last two to three months. Synthetic extensions will maybe last around the same time if you're wearing them daily.

The better care you take of the hair, the longer it will last.

On the other end of the debate, human hair extensions are the most natural-looking option, so if you want to pretend that the hair is yours, you'll probably prefer these.

For many people, human hair is ideal, even if it has a higher price point.

There are four main types of human hair extensions:
 

• Chinese
• Indian
• Indonesian
• Latin
• European/Caucasian

Most human hair extensions are made from Asian hair, as it has the thickest strands with the most volume. The same goes for wigs, hairpieces, and other options. 

Chinese hair is the hardest to style because of its denseness and is best used with straight hairstyles.

Indian hair is a bit less dense, yet it has a lot of strength with more texture. Indonesian hair is the most affordable type, as it is the most accessible, and has great quality. 

Lastly, European/Caucasian hair is the most expensive because it is much harder to find.

Contrary to popular belief, the origin of the hair is not the most important factor when purchasing extensions. The most important part is what the company does with the hair once it is cut.

While creating human hair extensions, the cuticles must face in the same direction. This prevents damage to the hair and is easier to style.

Remy human hair is the highest quality hair on the market, because of the alignment of hair follicles and the low processing they do to the hair. It creates much more natural-looking extensions and wigs, but the time it takes to source and craft these hair pieces is long - hence the higher price tag.