Which is Better: Wigs vs. Hair Extensions vs. Weaves (2024)

Can you only use wigs to cover hair loss problems? That’s not true, as some girls buy wigs rather than extensions for the same purpose! Which is to extend their strands and add extra thickness. Essentially, you can get similar results with both, so in some sense, wigs and extensions are interchangeable. Do you plan to get a wig instead of extensions, or vice versa? In that case, one might debate the options and which is better for you.

Quick Access

– Best for Adding Extra Length: Hair Extensions vs. Wigs
– Best for Hair Volume: Hair Extensions vs. Wigs
– What’s Best for Hair Loss Relief?
– Best for Thin Hair: Wigs vs. Extensions
– Best for Short Hair: Wigs vs. Extensions
– Do Extensions Look More Realistic than Wigs?
– Application Methods: Wigs vs. Hair Extensions
– Hair Maintenance: Wigs vs. Extensions
– What Lasts Longer: Wigs vs. Hair Extensions
– Best Options for Damaged Hair: Wigs vs. Extensions
– Are Wigs More Comfortable to Wear than Hair Extensions?
– Short and Long-Term Options?
– What’s Cheaper & More Expensive: Hair Extensions or Wigs?

What’s the Best Way to Improve Your Hairstyle?

Many women love and adore their hair extensions! It’s proven to be one of the easiest ways to revive one’s locks and create that full and long look. However, wigs do the same job, and they might look like a simpler option for some girls. We think both wigs and extensions are a great way of changing your hairstyle. One should always try something new, and deciding which is better is hard.

Some aspects of extensions are better than wigs and vice versa, so it’s hard to tell. That’s why we have decided to break down all the main things! These are important points for those interested in wigs or extensions. By the end, you will know which one is better or best for you. We will cover length, volume, longevity, prices, and more. Also, explain whether wigs or extensions do a better job at it or are a better choice. These points might change your mind if you have never thought about wigs or extensions.

Extending hair length is one of the main reasons girls buy and wear extensions. The concept is very simple. Your locks are short, and you want them to be longer without waiting months. Women buy any extension type, decide on pieces, install, and enjoy longer strands. It sounds straightforward and works like a charm every time.

However, you can achieve the same results with the hairpiece as well. You can choose the desired length of the wig, put it on, and hide your short strands. So, the results are the same. Both wigs and extensions are available in similar lengths, usually from about six inches to thirty. In other words, when it comes to adding extra length, it is a tie between the two.

Winner: Draw

Add some extra thickness to your hair, and the results are instant! You will look fresher, healthier, and certainly a lot more glamorous. This is also something that can be quickly done with both hairpieces and all extension types out there. A couple of extra wefts or tapes can make a huge difference, and you can finally have that diva hair you have been dreaming about.

Women can control the density by choosing the weight of extensions and the number of pieces they add to their hair. That’s perfect since not every girl wants the same thickness.

The same choice applies to wigs since you can choose between different densities, going from low to high density. However, finding thicker or heavier extensions is much easier than wigs.

Winner: Hair Extensions

If you experience hair loss due to an illness like cancer, regardless of whether it’s mild or severe, we recommend that you go with a hairpiece and stay away from extensions. A wig is a definite winner in this situation because it is designed for only that thing! To give you hair when you don’t have your own.

Don’t install hair extensions on falling-out strands; this is a bad idea. Why? Because the hair is already weak, adding more weight with extensions will only worsen matters. Also, if the hair loss is more visible and severe, extensions can’t even be attached since there’s not enough hair to hold them and cover them.

A hairpiece, on the other hand, does not require that you have any natural hair. One can install it even when bald. For a long time, wigs have been lifesavers for people going through such heartbreaking hair loss and are still the best choice. To make your situation more accessible, we advise you to contact medical support as soon as you notice any hair loss and get treatment. As soon as you get a diagnosis, you can wear a hairpiece! That means you don’t have to wait for your strands to disappear completely.

This will also minimize the stress, and nobody will notice what you’re going through. Also, while you’re getting treated, your natural tresses will have time to recover. They will start growing again! That means you won’t have to wear the wig forever unless you’re suffering from a permanent condition.

Winner: Hair Wigs

Many girls with very thin strands are opting out for wigs instead of extensions. Now, there are a couple of reasons why that is not such a crazy choice. When hair is thin, it is also weak! That means the extra weight of the extensions might not be such a smart idea since it can lead to shedding or breakage.

Extensions are also not that easy to cover up with very fine strands, which may reveal them. That’s not something anybody wants ever to experience. The only weft that you can install on thin hair is tape-ins. Mostly because they’re very light and non-invasive. To learn more, read our article about best hair extensions for thin hair.

If you choose transparent tape, it is easier to hide as well. However, to avoid the risk of damaging your already thin locks, wigs are a great choice! It’s a much better one than extensions. Just put the hairpiece on, and your natural hair is safely hidden away underneath. Also, on the outside, you get to have luscious, thick strands. Check our wig options for some ideas.

Winner: Hair Wigs

If your strands are very short, we recommend wigs. It is impossible to install extensions on short hair and they’re not designed to do that.

You need to have at least 5 to 10 inches of hair for the extensions to look good and blend properly. That’s obviously above the minimum recommendation. However, if you want to have long locks, just get a wig.

The great thing about hairpieces is that you don’t need to have any hair at all to wear them! Short strands are not a problem at all.

Winner: Hair Wigs

When it comes to a natural and realistic look and feel, wigs and extensions are almost neck-to-neck. Whichever you choose, we recommend Remy Hair. Such pieces look most natural, while synthetic hairpieces and extensions ruin your hairstyle.

A nice installation job will also contribute to a flawless look, so make sure it is done professionally. Botched applications ruin the whole look and can also cause harm to your tresses.

AiryHair offers only Remy extensions and wigs, so you can bet both will look seamless and natural.

Are we calling it a draw here? Not really. Since one can install extensions strand by strand, these will bounce and look much better in motion than any wig.

Winner: Hair Extensions

Regarding different application methods, it’s hard to say whether extensions or wigs are a better choice because it depends on your preference. Wigs are usually taped, glued, or sewn in. The first two are temporary, while sewing is a more permanent method. Extensions can be attached in many ways, depending on the type.

Clip-ins are the easiest to attach. Tape-ins are a more permanent option. One installs pieces using invisible tape. U-tip extensions are installed using the hot fusion method, while cold fusion is used for I-tip and micro loop extensions.

You can also install weaves in many ways. Each application method has its positives and negatives, but all of them produce great results.

Winner: Draw

Both wigs and extensions require great care. However, some need more maintenance than others. Clip-ins are very easy to take care of, but they do need to be removed each day. This isn’t something that suits everybody.

Tape-ins, keratin, and micro-ring extensions require you to be more careful when washing and sleeping with extra hair. Although after you install such extensions, they can be worn for a longer period.

Wigs are pretty low maintenance because they don’t need to be washed as often and behave just like natural strands. So, your hair routine will stay pretty much the same.

Winner: Hair Wigs

Assuming that you have bought Remy hair, both extensions and wigs will last for months and are very durable. It all depends on how often you use your new hair and whether you care for it.

Most importantly, you cannot sleep with a hair wig, and that’s a bummer unless you want to ruin your hair in less than a few months. Many high-quality extensions are known to last longer than wigs, especially if you sleep with the extra hair, so if you want to buy something that you can wear for ages, get hair extensions.

Winner: Hair Extensions

Do you have split ends, extreme tangling, or notice extreme dryness? Maybe even experience bold patches with shedding? What if your strands lack elasticity or have high porosity? That can only mean one thing, your locks are damaged.

You may suffer from one or more of these conditions, but none of them is good news. Sure, these things happen very often! Mostly due to certain products, overuse of hot tools, neglect, poor maintenance, diet, and even genetics. Even so, it is certainly not a good look and could be the cause of much frustration.

Your first solution might be to install hair extensions that will cover up the damaged hair. However, a wig might be a better option. Not only does it completely cover up the damaged strands and give you perfect hair, but it also gives time for the damaged strands to recover. While your locks are underneath the wig, they are not exposed to anything from the outside. Like the outside factors that could have damaged hair in the first place. For example, active sun, poor products, and hot tools.

Your hair will be safely tucked away, and that way, it can recuperate much faster. But that doesn’t mean that you still shouldn’t take all the steps necessary to get the strands in better condition, like cutting split ends, adding more moisture, or using nurturing hair masks.

Winner: Hair Wigs

All women want something that will be very comfortable to wear. So, you might ask which is more comfortable – wigs or extensions? While quality wigs do not cause any discomfort, wearing a cap on your head might not be as comfortable as extensions.

Most of us are not used to a wig cap on our head, and that might feel weird for some. With extensions, there is nothing on your scalp! Just wefts that you attach to the hair and mean more room for the scalp to breathe and produce less heat. If you still need wig caps, go with wigs made of lace. These are the most comfortable of all pieces.

Winner: Hair Extensions

No definite winner here. Clip-in and wire extensions will work best for the short term, while any other fusion type or wig can do wonders for long-term results. Semi-permanent fusion methods are keratin, micro ring, and tape-in.

Winner: Draw

When it comes to prices, hair extensions are cheaper than wigs. It all comes down to the amount of hair. With extensions, you mix natural strands with artificial ones, which means you don’t need as much of them to get a nice, full look.

Wigs don’t include any of your strands, making them more expensive! Creating a wig is also much harder since workers must attach individual strands to the cap. However, prices can vary depending on the wig or extension type. Also, this excludes hair extension cost for the installation process itself.

Winner: Hair Extensions

Conclusion

In the end, the choice is up to you! It all depends on your preferences and condition.

Hairpieces and extensions give similar results when it comes to length, volume, longevity, and realistic look. Wigs are much better for conditions like hair loss, thin or damaged hair.