Are you shopping for hair extensions? Having already decided the right extension type, there comes the decision of choosing between synthetic and human hair.
Many shoppers, especially beginners, are still quite confused about the difference between the two and which one is the best. This is made more difficult because many sellers mislabel hair extensions and are not truthful or transparent. They try to mislead you. That’s why we must inform you about both hair types, their characteristics, and the normal price ranges of each one.
Quick Access
– The Difference Between Synthetic and Human Hair Extensions
– Manufacturing: Synthetic vs. Real Hair Extensions
– Price: Synthetic vs. Real Hair Extensions
– Lifespan: Synthetic vs. Human Hair Extensions
– Styling: Synthetic vs. Human Hair Extensions
– A Word of Warning
AiryHair takes this issue very seriously and makes it clear and easy to understand what you buy. You can be assured that all the labels in our store are 100% correct and are not there to confuse you. We want to discuss the differences between human and synthetic hair. With this knowledge, you will be able to make an informed decision about what kind of extensions to buy and recognize false labeling.
We have some recommendations for choosing between various hair types. However, the final decision is completely yours.
About Synthetic Strands
It is important to note that synthetic hair of different quality is available today. The production of synthetic strands has dramatically improved. As of 2022, the technologies of producing synthetic hair have surpassed those used in the late 00s.
For example, you can treat the more expensive synthetic hair with low to medium heat. This is something that you could not do before. So, synthetic extensions have been getting better, and high-quality ones look pretty decent; whether they have reached the quality of real human hair is questionable.
About Real Hair
Let’s move on to human hair. Genuine hair will last longer; you can dye it, bleach, tone, curl, or treat it at any reasonable temperature. In addition to that, natural hair will always blend better with your own. The simple fact that it’s real makes all the difference in the world. No one will ever suspect you’re wearing extensions if they’re Remy. Synthetic hair, on the other hand, is fake, so it’s also much harder to blend.
Like synthetic locks, different types of human hair are of different qualities. Standard human strands are of medium quality and look good. However, factories will treat them with special chemicals to remove cuticles. Afterward, workers will coat the damage with a silicone base.
That does reduce tangling, but not in the long run! Those extensions will be prone to tangling and quick damage when the silicone coating disappears. A handful of washes, and it’s done. We call high-quality human hair Remy. For strands to be called Remy, cuticles should stay intact. Factories must also align hair in the same direction to reduce tangling, but only a few will ever do that. To create genuine Remy extensions, factories must only use the best hairs. Essentially, it is a staple of quality in the world of extensions.
Summary
The main differences between the two hair types are price and quality. The look and feel of the strands, as well as the ability to dye, style, blend, and change the texture, is also determined by the hair type. So, if you are considering whether to go with synthetic or real Remy human hair extensions, then look at both characteristics. It should help you to lean towards one side or another.
How is the Synthetic Hair Made?
The goal of synthetic fibers is to resemble real hair. Synthetic hair ingredients include 10-15 different chemicals (depending on the color and manufacturer) and “flexible” plastics. A special machine then blends and processes ingredients, molding them into a hair-like shape.
Factories use several different fibers and materials, including poly filament, low-grade acrylic, and polyester. Before reaching the product stage, these fibers undergo extensive chemical and mechanical processing. Low-quality synthetic fibers will look very plastic and waxy! On the other hand, higher-quality ones will resemble real human hair more and have some luster and texture to them.
Synthetic Clip-Ins or Tape-Ins?
If you want to buy synthetic extensions, it is better to go with the clip-in method. The reason for that is the longevity of the hair, which is pretty short, so it’s wiser to go with a method that is not permanent like tape-in is.
Also, synthetic hair could irritate your scalp if you go with a more permanent method.
How is the Human Hair Collected?
The highest-quality extensions are made from 100% real human hair that hasn’t been chemically or mechanically processed. Manufacturers will sometimes even manually check each batch to see if cuticles align.
The hair strands that factories collect from donors can be made into any extension type. Usually, regions specialize in hair selling, with multiple women selling their hair for a small price. Workers then wash, treat, and sew in hairpieces. Because of this meticulous process, human hair extensions are more expensive, but you get quality and longevity.
Synthetic Hair Extensions Cost
One of the main reasons why women choose synthetic hair over Remy is the price. You can buy bundles of synthetic hair for as low as a few bucks on eBay. However, imagine how low-quality this hair must be to be sold for such a low price.
Surely, synthetic extensions that are a bit pricier mean the quality is much better. Maybe you’re getting something close to human hair, even? Sadly, you would be wrong. Synthetic hair can cost as much as real hair unless you buy from “premium” brands that hike the price.
Price Range: $2 to $45+
Remy Human Extensions Cost
Remy extensions are usually a bit pricier than others, but that is due to the complicated manufacturing process that ensures the highest quality. As with all other products, high quality and high prices go hand in hand. But if you consider how long Remy extensions last, the price is affordable.
For example, AiryHair’s extensions (that are made of 100% real Remy human hair) start only at around $20. Why so cheap? These are manufacturer prices, with special subsidies from the government and without any third-party profits. So, the main advantage that synthetic hair has had is price, which is no longer the case.
Price Range: $20 to $1,000+
Price Summary
The average price of synthetic hair extensions is $25 for a 20-inch weft, while Remy hair extensions cost around $50 to $75 for the same weight.
Although synthetic strands might be cheaper, you must buy new ones more frequently. Ultimately, you will pay a lot of money for extensions of far inferior quality. That’s why we always recommend that you invest in Remy’s hair; it pays off in the long run.
How Long Do Synthetic Hair Extensions Last?
The life expectancy of synthetic hair is not so promising. Consider yourself very lucky if you can wear synthetic extensions for more than two months. This type of hair is never made to last long. The artificial fibers cannot cope with daily use. Such hair extensions will tangle a lot and eventually turn into a huge mass-like bundle. That’s not something you can wear. There is no way to revive hair, either. So, once you notice that the synthetic extensions are getting harder to detangle and start to get messy, you’re approaching doomsday. Soon, the hair will go from your head to the trash. If you want longevity, stay away from synthetic strands.
Hair Lifespan: 2 – 3 Months
How Long Do Real Hair Extensions Last?
Remy extensions are very durable, making them the perfect option for someone who wants hair that lasts for a considerably long time. Regardless of your extension type, you can expect to wear it for at least three months for low-quality hair. If you take extra good care of the extensions, the life span can be significantly extended. This is a huge advantage of Remy’s hair.
Hair Lifespan: 3 – 24 Months
Lifespan Summary
The average lifespan of synthetic hair extensions is 2 to 3 months. Real hair extensions last from 3 to 24 months on average, depending on quality.
Can You Curl or Style Fake Hair?
Although some newer, higher-quality synthetic extensions are somewhat heat resistant, which enables you to change their texture, most of them cannot be curled or straightened. Synthetic fibers are plastic, so imagine what happens when you add heat to them! The fibers simply melt away and turn into a huge mess. Not only does that completely ruin the extensions, but it’s also quite dangerous.
However, if the price is not a real advantage, are there any advantages of synthetic extensions? Since synthetic fibers are artificial, factories can process and manufacture them in any way, meaning that they hold a certain texture and style.
For example, if you buy curly synthetic extensions or a wig, the curls will stay the same even after washing, so there’s no need for styling. That’s great when you don’t have much time or money to spend on new hairstyles each day. Another advantage is that there will be no split ends since the strands are unreal.
Can You Curl or Style Human Hair Extensions?
Extensions made of real human hair can be straightened, curled, or made wavy. There are no limitations when it comes to textures. So, if straight or curly extensions bore you, simply grab your hot tool and transform it. If you want to take extra good care of the hair, don’t go overboard with the use of heat. Otherwise, you might shorten hair’syour lifespan.
Can You Straighten Synthetic Hair Extensions?
Most synthetic extensions are bought straight, so you don’t need to straighten them. But if you curled them before and want them straight again, you should wash them first with a gentle shampoo and lukewarm water.
Let them dry naturally, and they should go back to normal. If you bought curly extensions, you probably won’t be able to straighten them. You could try to use a heat-resistant spray and a flat iron, but that’s also not very good for the extensions.
Can You Tone or Dye Fake Hair?
If you think about regular hair dyes to change the color of synthetic extensions, know right away that it will not work at all. This will just ruin hair extensions. Basically, synthetic strands are not suitable for coloring, and the only way to do it is by using acrylic ink.
This is a DIY method that involves acrylic, alcohol, and probably making a mess in your home. You should know that the results are not so great. Also, there is no way to go from darker to lighter colors. So, if you have black or brown extensions, forget about dyeing hair altogether.
Can You Tone or Dye Remy Extensions?
Although Remy extensions come in a variety of different shades, and even custom colors, some women decide to change them. That’s possible with human hair, and it is a great way to spice up your old extensions.
However, a professional should do it! A lot of things could go wrong, from dry hair to split ends. A hair professional will know exactly what to do and change the color of your extensions in a safe and nonintrusive way. Alternatively, just get colorful Ombre hair extensions and let hair seller handle the rest.
Not only are synthetic extensions worse than human hair ones when it comes to quality, longevity, and appearance, they can also be quite dangerous to wear.
This hair type has to be resistant to heat, so blow dryers, flat irons, and curlers should be avoided. Those who do make the mistake of using hot tools on cheap synthetic strands can not only destroy the extensions but their real tresses as well. So is the risk of your hair catching fire worth the cheap price? If the synthetic extensions melt or burn, which is highly possible, you can end up with severe burns on your scalp, as well as burned hair
Another thing that can happen is itchy scalp or even fungus breeding there. Synthetic extensions don’t allow your scalp to breathe properly, and that can lead to discomfort as well as a lot of moisture and sweat buildup. If you consider synthetic hair, please do not wear it for extended periods.
Conclusion
Now that you got an in-depth look at both synthetic and human hair, you can have a better understanding of the two and see what’s best for you. Our advice is to go for real human hair. Many women want to save money, so they buy synthetic extensions. Sooner than later, they become disappointed because the hair looks bad and doesn’t last long.
Synthetic hair is a good replacement for human extensions if you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to spend a lot of money. It is very cheap, and it’s great for special occasions or parties, but for day-to-day use, they are not that good. If you need a cool wig or colorful extensions for a party and don’t plan on wearing it all the time, then synthetic hair will do.
Still, they don’t last nearly as long as real hair, so if you want to wear them all the time, you will need to buy new synthetic hair all the time!
We at AiryHair have worked hard in order to provide our customers with very affordable Remy extensions that are of top quality. There is no reason to sacrifice the appearance and quality of the extensions for the price.
The final decision is completely up to you. Having said that, we assure you that once you try Remy extensions, you will never want to go back to synthetic hair ever again!
