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wig buying guide
Human Hair vs. Synthetic Wigs
Human hair or synthetic is one of the first decisions in buying a wig. We've been helping women make it since 1995, and the answer is always the same: there's no universal winner, only the right fit for your life.
which one is actually better?
Neither is better. That's the real answer. Human hair wigs are made from real hair, but a great synthetic can fool anyone in the room, including you. Fiber type alone doesn't decide quality. The difference is what your life looks like right now: how much energy you have, how long you'll be wearing it, and what you need when you're standing in front of the mirror in the morning.
Make your guess, then check the answer →
at a glance
the three options side by side
human hair
Most natural feel and movement. Moves, styles, and behaves exactly like your own hair. The most versatile option for women who want to change their look.
lifespan1 year+ with daily wear
maintenancehigh
costhighest
shop human hair wigs →
synthetic
Easiest to wear. Wash it, let it air dry, shake it out. It goes right back to its original style. No styling required, ever.
lifespan4 to 6 months with daily wear
maintenancevery low
costmost affordable
shop synthetic wigs →
heat friendly
Styling flexibility on a budget. A synthetic fiber engineered to handle low heat. Style it with a curling iron or flat iron, and it holds that style after washing.
lifespan3 to 4 months with daily wear
maintenancemoderate
costmid-range
shop heat friendly wigs →
the most versatile option
human hair wigs
Human hair wigs are made from harvested hair, so they look, feel, and move exactly like your own. They can be heat-styled, and they reward the investment. But they do ask something in return: time, attention, and budget. Browse human hair wigs.
Remy vs. non-Remy
Not all human hair is equal. Remy hair means the cuticles are kept intact and aligned in the same direction, so it moves naturally, stays smooth, and resists tangling. Non-Remy hair is gathered with its cuticles running in mixed directions, so it is usually stripped of its cuticle and coated with silicone to look good initially, but that coating washes off over time, leaving a tangled, rough mess. It's the main reason cheap human hair wigs disappoint. Quality human hair wigs use Remy hair, and that's a big part of why the price floor is where it is.
pros
- Most natural feel and movement
- Full heat styling flexibility: curl, straighten, blow dry
- Available in a wide range of textures to match your own hair
- Longest lifespan. A year or more with proper care
- Colorable in some cases. Certain colors, like Jon Renau's RN (Renau Natural) shades, are specifically designed for it; most others are not
cons
- Requires washing, conditioning, and restyling after every wash
- Highest upfront cost. Most fall between $570 and $1,550, and some cost more
- Reacts to humidity and weather. Can frizz or go limp
- Color fades with sunlight exposure over time
- Heavier than synthetic wigs of the same length, which is noticeable during long wear and especially on sensitive or tender scalps during treatment
- Exact color match is difficult when replacing
on coloring
Most human hair wigs cannot reliably be colored. The hair goes through significant processing during manufacturing that changes how it takes dye. Plenty of women try anyway, but results are unpredictable. If colorability matters to you, look for colors specifically designed for it, like Jon Renau's RN (Renau Natural) shades, and have a professional colorist do the work. Always ask us before attempting to color any wig.
what about a human hair/synthetic blend?
Human hair blends are uncommon. A blend mixes human hair with synthetic, normally heat friendly synthetic. You can get one for less than a full human hair wig, but there are trade-offs.
click for details about human hair blend wigsclose details about human hair blend wigs
The world of wigs is usually divided into two groups: Team Synthetic Hair or Team Human Hair. No team is incorrect in their stance; it's more a matter of preference. After all, each style of wig has its own benefits and disadvantages. A blend can give you the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, it might also give you the worst of both worlds.
what's good about human hair blend wigs?
- They hold style longer. While both Team Synthetic (in this case, heat friendly) and Team Human Hair know they can take their wig's style from straight to curly and vice versa, it's well accepted that synthetic hair has fewer issues holding a style. Human hair can still be styled fabulously, but heat friendly synthetic fibers hold their shape once styled with heat, for a super easy, locked-in look. This is where a blend can make a huge difference. The mix of human hair and heat friendly synthetic lets you style with heat tools. While the human hair may still be prone to weather-related changes, the heat friendly strands help secure the shape, so your style lasts longer than it would with human hair alone.
- They are lightweight and comfortable. If you've ever gone from a human hair wig to a synthetic wig, you probably noticed one major difference: the weight. A synthetic wig will likely feel much lighter than a human hair wig of the same length, because of the material used to make it. Because of the percentage of synthetic hair in a blend, it feels lighter than a human hair wig too. That can be a major perk if you're frustrated with the overall weight of a human hair wig, and it makes a blend a good option for hotter weather.
- The price is right. You've most likely noticed the price difference between human hair and synthetic wigs: human hair wigs generally cost much, much more. With a blend, you'll notice a beautiful thing happening price-wise: a compromise. A blend is still pricier than a synthetic wig, but it costs less than most full human hair wigs.
what's bad about human hair blend wigs?
- Synthetic hair and human hair have different lifespans. The two types of hair age in different ways, which can leave a blend looking and feeling less than ideal. With proper care, human hair wigs usually last about a year. Synthetic hair, especially heat friendly synthetic, will generally only last 3 to 6 months if worn every day. Unfortunately, you will most likely notice wear on the synthetic strands before the human hair. A less luxurious, duller look may creep up on the synthetic hair, which causes a noticeable contrast between the strands. Human hair is also more prone to fading from washing or too much sunlight, and fade on only the human hair can look especially noticeable. All in all, these differences mean a blend has a shorter lifespan than a full human hair wig.
- Human hair reacts to weather changes. Weather affects more than your day, your mood or your wardrobe; it also affects your hair. Your own hair can look a little crazy after a day in the humidity or a rainstorm, and human hair wigs do the same thing. With a blend, you may find the human hair a little difficult to handle and in need of more frequent styling than a heat friendly synthetic wig. That wears down the heat friendly fibers faster, making them more prone to matting and frizz.
- Maintenance is more difficult. Because a blend is made from two different types of fiber, maintenance can be a bit more difficult and time-consuming. A blend needs careful care with the proper shampoo, conditioner and heat treatments to last and keep looking and feeling lovely. Choose products designed for both synthetic and human hair wigs, and see synthetic wig care and how to wash a human hair wig.
Blends offer real benefits in the weight, feel and overall look of the wig. However, you may find the human hair adds maintenance, and the mix of synthetic and human hair creates a contrast, especially as the wig ages. If you're in the market for a new wig, consider these points carefully before spending a lot on a blend.
the low-maintenance choice
synthetic wigs
Synthetic wigs are made from specialized man-made fibers designed to mimic natural hair. A high-quality synthetic can be indistinguishable from human hair. And the best part: it always looks exactly the same. Wash it, let it dry, and it's ready. No styling required, no humidity frizz. Browse synthetic wigs.
pros
- Wash, air dry, shake. It goes right back to its original style automatically
- Holds style in any weather
- Most affordable option; easy to have multiple styles
- Most fall between $145 and $275, heat friendly or not, and there are good ones below that. Cap features push the other way: a monofilament top, a lace front, or hand-tied construction can take a synthetic to around $450
- Wide color range including naturals and fashion colors
- Ready to wear right out of the box
- Ideal when energy is limited during treatment
- Lighter weight than human hair, easier to wear all day, gentler on a sensitive scalp
cons
- Cannot be heat-styled (unless heat friendly)
- Cannot be colored. What you see is what you get
- Shorter lifespan. Average 4 to 6 months with daily wear
- Budget styles may have an unnatural shine
good to know
Most synthetic wigs only need washing every 6 to 8 wears. Lifespan varies a lot by how often you wear it. Heat friendly synthetics tend to have a shorter lifespan than traditional synthetic, and it varies quite a bit depending on how often you use heat. If you mostly wear it as-is and only style it occasionally, it can last longer.
the middle ground
heat friendly synthetic wigs
Heat friendly synthetics are engineered to handle low-heat styling tools. The safe temperature varies by brand, so follow the manufacturer's guidance. They give you more day-to-day flexibility than traditional synthetic without the cost and maintenance of human hair. The trade-off is a shorter lifespan and more careful handling to keep the fiber in good shape. Browse heat friendly wigs.
pros
- Can be styled with curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers on low heat
- Retains styled look after washing. No need to restyle each time
- Less shiny than standard synthetic fibers
- Not affected by weather or humidity
- Far less than human hair for the same styling control
cons
- Shorter lifespan. Around 3 to 4 months with daily wear, though this can vary depending on how often you use heat
- The heat friendly version of a wig usually costs a little more than the standard synthetic
- Tangles more easily at the nape, though a flat iron on low heat smooths it back out in about 30 seconds
- Fiber can become dry or rough-textured with excessive heat styling
- Cannot be colored
- Requires more skill to style than human hair
which synthetic is right for you?
If you already style your own hair and want to keep that control, heat friendly gives it to you for a fraction of what human hair costs, and it holds the style you set through washing. If you would rather not think about your hair in the morning at all, regular synthetic does that better than anything else we carry, and it stays the most popular choice. Neither one is a compromise. They answer different questions.
side-by-side comparison
every difference in one table
Ready to start browsing? See all wigs or jump straight to human hair, synthetic, or heat friendly.
| feature | human hair | synthetic | heat friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| styling and versatility | |||
| heat styling | full range | not permitted | ~ low heat only |
| colorable | ~ check first | no | no |
| style after washing | must restyle every time | returns to original automatically | returns to last heat-styled look |
| ready to wear | ~ often needs stylist trim first | out of the box | out of the box |
| living with it | |||
| weather resistance | reacts to humidity | holds in any weather | holds in any weather |
| maintenance level | high | very low | moderate |
| cost and lifespan | |||
| daily lifespan | 1 year+ | 4 to 6 months | 3 to 4 months |
| cost | highest | most affordable | mid-range |
More dots means more of that thing, not better. High maintenance and high cost are simply higher, and the right amount depends on what your life can carry right now. On cost, compare like for like: the heat friendly version of a wig usually costs a little more than the standard synthetic.
synthetic hair, up close
what is synthetic hair?
Ask anyone what the most important part of a wig is. We're sure you'll receive one answer: the hair! Cap type, size, and more are all incredibly important factors (especially concerning comfort), but the first thing you notice about a wig is the hair. But what is synthetic hair, anyway?
really, what is synthetic hair?
Let's do a brief breakdown of what human hair is first. Human hair is a protein filament made out of keratin. It grows out of the hair follicles on your scalp (and various other parts of your body). The keratin that makes up human hair is actually a natural polymer.
Synthetic hair, on the other hand, consists of man-made fibers. Like human hair, synthetic hair is also formed from polymers, giving it a similar look and feel to natural hair. However, unlike human hair, synthetic hair is not made from keratin. Instead, it is most commonly made from various man-made polymers and plastics (although it can also be made from natural polymers and cellulose). It is often made from:
- Modacrylic, which is made from acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride (Kanekalon is a well-known brand of it)
- Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, or PET)
- PVC (vinyl)
- Acrylic
does synthetic hair look fake or real?
Not all synthetic hair is created equal. It varies in quality depending on what it is made of and how it is processed. When you think of synthetic hair, you may imagine wigs you can buy at the Halloween store, or doll hair. In reality, name-brand synthetic wigs are crafted from high-quality fibers that look and feel natural.
Some synthetic hair is too shiny, making it look unrealistic. That shine comes from the fiber itself: a smooth, round plastic strand bounces light straight back. However, as technology improves, synthetic hair continues to become more and more realistic. Nowadays, high-quality synthetic hair is processed to have a more natural, less shiny look that is often indistinguishable from human hair. Have a look for yourself:
As you can see, the two wigs are incredibly similar. Furthermore, human hair is also available in a range of qualities. High-quality synthetic hair is actually nicer, softer, and more natural looking than lower-grade human hair in many cases.
click for the benefits and downsides of synthetic hairclose the benefits and downsides of synthetic hair
what are the benefits of synthetic hair?
We're born with human hair coming out of our heads, so there are naturally benefits that come with wearing a human hair wig. Not only does high-quality human hair look and feel very realistic, but you can style it with heat just like you would your own hair. A human hair wig will last a year or longer with everyday wear if you take good care of it.
With all of the benefits that human hair wigs provide, why should you consider investing in a synthetic hair wig? Synthetic hair wigs have their own set of pros. Let's take a look.
- Synthetic hair is affordable. Most full human hair wigs cost between $570 and $1,550, and some cost more. Most of our synthetic wigs fall between $145 and $275.
- Synthetic hair is low maintenance. Just like your own hair, human hair reacts to the elements and becomes frizzy and limp. While you constantly have to style a human hair wig (just like you would your own hair), it's not uncommon to find a synthetic hair wig that you can pull out of its box and place directly onto your head. This is because synthetic hair has something called style retention: the fibers are set into their style with heat when the wig is made, so synthetic hair will retain its style regardless of weather and other elements, making styling super easy.
- Synthetic hair looks and feels realistic. Technology has made synthetic hair extremely realistic in both look and feel. In most instances, it is nearly impossible to tell high-quality synthetic hair from human hair.
- Synthetic hair offers various options. Synthetic hair can be found in many vibrant colors like pink, blue, and bright red, as well as natural tones. Because synthetic hair has style retention, the number of styles available is huge. Choose from dozens of curly, wavy, and straight wigs, all of which will hold their style!
what are the downsides of synthetic hair?
There are so many great things about synthetic hair... but there are also a couple of downsides:
- Traditional synthetic hair cannot be styled with heat. Because it is made of plastic, high heat can cause the fibers to melt.
- Typically, you shouldn't dye synthetic hair. Learn more about dyeing synthetic hair.
- Synthetic hair lasts a shorter time than human hair, with a lifespan of about 4 to 6 months of daily wear with proper care.
click for tips on styling synthetic hairclose tips on styling synthetic hair
can I style synthetic hair?
Heat styling should be avoided on traditional synthetic hair, but there are some ways to straighten and curl your synthetic hair safely. You can also use synthetic-hair friendly gel and hairspray to change up your look.
If being able to easily style and restyle your synthetic hair for versatile looks is important to you, consider purchasing heat friendly synthetic hair instead of traditional synthetic hair. Heat friendly synthetic hair is made from polymers that can take low heat, meaning it can be styled with curling irons, blow dryers, and straightening irons on a low setting. Like traditional synthetic hair, heat friendly synthetic hair has style retention and will always hold its most recent heat style.
click for tips on caring for a synthetic wigclose tips on caring for a synthetic wig
how do you care for a synthetic hair wig?
You might be wondering what the upkeep of synthetic hair is. It's pretty easy! So long as you use a wig comb or wig brush to detangle it on a consistent basis, you wash and condition it in cool water with synthetic hair-friendly products (and then let it air dry once you're done) every 6 to 8 wears, and let it sit on a wig stand whenever you're not wearing it, your wig should look good and last 4 to 6 months.
At the end of the day, buying high-quality synthetic hair is a great decision if you're looking for an affordable, low-maintenance, realistic hair option. Check out our huge selection of beautiful synthetic wigs.
the cost of human hair
are human hair wigs expensive?
Compared with synthetic, yes. Most full human hair wigs cost between $570 and $1,550, and some cost more. A human hair wig isn't an everyday splurge. It's an investment.
Unlike synthetic fiber, human hair can't be made on demand. It has to grow, so supply is limited, and it takes two to three heads of hair to make a single wig. Sorting, processing and preparing the hair can take weeks. The best human hair is often tied into a full lace or hand-tied cap by hand, one hair at a time, and a single hand-tied wig can take up to three days to make. All of that shows up in the price.
not all human hair is the same
- Remy human hair is the gold standard. It's collected with the cuticles all running the same direction, so it stays smooth and natural. It's also the most expensive.
- Standard human hair is still high-quality, but it goes through more processing before it becomes a wig.
- Budget human hair is used for low-cost fashion wigs. It's heavily processed and often doesn't feel like real hair. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. In most cases, we recommend a high-quality synthetic over a low-quality human hair wig.
is a human hair wig worth the price?
It depends on you and what you want in a wig. Ask yourself:
- How long will I wear a wig? With proper care, a human hair wig keeps its luster for a year or more, longer than synthetic. If you need a long-term solution, the higher price is spread over a longer life.
- Do I want to style it? You can straighten it, work in a few curls or try something new. But like your own hair, it doesn't hold a style for long and needs restyling.
- Can I keep up with the care? Human hair needs a little more upkeep, including oils and treatments like an argan treatment mist to keep it moisturized.
- Will it help me feel like myself? Hair loss can be hard. Many women take comfort in knowing their wig is real hair, and for some, that alone makes it worth the price.
If a human hair wig isn't in the budget right now, that's okay. Synthetic wigs look better than ever, and most people can't tell the difference.
smart buying advice
where to actually spend your money
We've been fitting wigs since 1995, and this advice goes against what most people assume.
the trap
Seeing "human hair" on the label and assuming it's the better buy, regardless of price. A budget human hair wig will disappoint you. The hair is often low quality, the cap is basic, and it won't look natural. Meanwhile a quality synthetic with a monofilament top will look like it's growing right from your scalp.
spend your money here first
- Cap construction. A monofilament top means each hair is individually sewn so it moves naturally and the part looks real. A lace front gives you a natural hairline. These are the features that make a wig look real, not the fiber type.
- Quality tier and brand. A well-constructed synthetic from a brand we trust (Jon Renau, Raquel Welch, Gabor) will outperform a cheap human hair wig every time. You're paying for the cap craftsmanship and fiber quality, not just the label.
the bottom line
- Under about $450: Stay in quality synthetic. Look for a monofilament top or lace front from a trusted brand. This is where most of our customers shop, and the options are beautiful.
- Blended fibers: Part human hair, part synthetic. You get some of the feel and flexibility of human hair at a lower entry point than full human hair, with some trade-offs.
- $570 and up: This is where most full human hair wigs start, and that's just the entry point. Most sit between $570 and $1,550, and they go higher. If you're set on human hair, budget accordingly and don't try to find a shortcut below that price.
One great wig beats three mediocre ones every time.
If you're weighing whether to stretch your budget, put that money into cap construction first: mono top, lace front, or both. That's what you'll feel every day.
which one is right for you?
six questions to narrow it down
Run through these questions. Your answers will point you in the right direction.
question 1
How much does the feel and weight of the hair matter to you?
If you want something that moves, feels, and sits on your head like your own hair, human hair is the closest you'll get. This matters most for women with alopecia or long-term hair loss who wear a wig as part of daily life. The tactile experience is real, not just cosmetic. Synthetic fibers have improved dramatically but don't fully replicate that weight and texture.
question 2
How much energy do you have for maintenance right now?
If you're in active treatment and fatigue is a factor, synthetic is the clear choice. Wash it, let it dry, shake it out. Done. If energy isn't a limiting factor, human hair maintenance is just a normal part of having great hair.
question 3
How long will you be wearing a wig?
This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself. If you're in active treatment and expect your hair to grow back, a quality synthetic makes more financial sense. You don't need to invest at the human hair level for a temporary period. If your hair loss is ongoing or permanent, human hair's longer lifespan becomes a real advantage and the higher upfront cost is spread over a longer life.
question 4
Do you want to color or significantly change your style?
Coloring a human hair wig is possible in some cases, but it's not a given: only a few colors, like Jon Renau's RN shades, are made for it. If colorability is a priority, ask us first before buying. Synthetic wigs are a fixed color. What you see is what you get. A heat friendly synthetic lets you restyle with low heat, but color is off the table entirely.
question 5
What's your climate and lifestyle like?
Hot, humid climates are tough on human hair. It can frizz or go limp just like your own hair would. Synthetic holds its style in any weather, which is a real practical advantage. But if you live somewhere mild and lead an active life where you want hair that behaves naturally, human hair moves with you in a way synthetic can't fully replicate.
question 6
What's your budget, and how do you want to think about it?
Synthetic is the most affordable upfront, and a smart choice if cost is a real constraint. Human hair lasts longer, so the higher price can make sense for long-term wear, but it isn't automatically cheaper over time. One well-cared-for human hair wig outlasts two or three synthetic ones, and the longer it lasts, the smaller the difference becomes. Compare how often you would replace each, not just the price.
for medical hair loss
your wig may be covered by insurance
If you're losing hair due to chemotherapy, alopecia, or another medical condition, you may be able to get part or all of the cost covered by insurance. The paperwork is more than it should be, and the order you do it in matters.
- Use the term "cranial prosthesis," not "wig." Many insurers treat a wig as a cosmetic item and a cranial prosthesis as a medical one, so the word on the prescription can decide whether the claim is considered at all.
- Get a prescription from your doctor that includes your diagnosis code, and ask your insurer first what else it needs. Claims usually also carry procedure code A9282, the billing code for a wig, often on the retailer's invoice. We give you an invoice for your claim. Ask your doctor to include a note that the prosthesis is medically necessary for your emotional well-being.
- Coverage varies widely by plan. Some plans reimburse part or all of the cost; others set a dollar limit, often a few hundred dollars, or don't cover it at all. Many allow one cranial prosthesis a year, or one in a lifetime. Call your insurer and ask before you buy.
- Even if insurance doesn't cover it, a cranial prosthesis may count as a medical expense for an HSA or FSA. The IRS allows a wig bought on a doctor's advice for the mental health of someone who has lost all of their hair from disease, so check with your plan administrator before you buy. If it qualifies, you can pay for it with pre-tax dollars.
note
Your insurance policy may not list cranial prosthesis coverage even if you have it, so don't rely on the written policy alone. Original Medicare does not cover wigs. Medicare Advantage plans can offer different benefits, so check your own plan.
the answer
Left: human hair. Right: synthetic.
Hard to tell, right? That's exactly the point. A high-quality synthetic wig can look just as natural as human hair. The difference is in how it feels, behaves, and fits into your life.
a note from experienced wig wearers
Many women end up owning both. A human hair wig for special occasions, dates, and times when you want it to feel truly natural, and a synthetic for everyday errands, the gym, and rainy days. There's no rule that says you have to choose just one.
why we care about this
specialists in hair loss since 1995
In 1990 my grandmother Carol went through breast cancer treatment and could not find anything comfortable or attractive to wear. She was a hairstylist, and she promised herself that if she came through it she would fix that for the women who came after her. In 1995 she and my mother started Headcovers together.
I've modeled for this company since I was a child, and today I help design our wigs and headwear. I know every wig we sell, synthetic and human hair, and the right one is the one that fits the life you have right now, not the label. If you'd like a second opinion, call us at 1-800-264-4287. A person answers, and we'll talk it through with you.
Ready to find your wig?
Browse by fiber type or explore our full collection. We're here if you have questions.
keep learning
This guide is for informational purposes only. It does not replace medical, tax or benefits advice from your doctor, your care team, your insurance plan or your HSA or FSA administrator. If you have questions about your specific situation, please ask them directly.
© 2026 Headcovers Unlimited, Inc. · All rights reserved. · Human Hair vs. Synthetic Wigs
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