Synthetic Wigs: The Pros and Cons

Miley Small mono | Ellen Wille Collection

What is Synthetic Hair?

Synthetic hair is composed of fine plastic fibres manufactured to look like human hair. In its basic form, synthetic hair is made from low-grade acrylic that is heated and strung into strands. The strands are then machine or hand-tied into the wig and toppers. Over the past 10 years, with advanced technology, synthetic hair can look and feel like real hair. Lower-grade synthetic fibres lack the movement and texture of real hair, and their appearance is waxy and plastic-looking.

Pros and Cons of Synthetic Wigs

 The Pros:

1.    Low Maintenance: Synthetic wigs are perfect for those women who want no fuss or bother. A shake and a brush is all it takes to maintain the pre-styled look and the wig can be worn instantaneously. Washing is easy and let it dry overnight. That’s it!

 2.    Fibre Memory: The beauty of synthetic fibre is when washed, the fibres when dry will revert to the same style. So, no heat or styling is required.

3.    Colour Retention: Synthetic fibres retain their colour longer than human hair. Unfortunately. When the colour does fade over time, synthetic wigs cannot be successfully re-coloured.

 4.    Wider Selection of Styles, Cut & Colours: Synthetic wigs offer a wider range of styles, cuts, and colours. All synthetic wigs are pre-styled, so a tweak here and there is all that is required.

5.    Wider Selection of Cap Constructions: Synthetic wigs come in a variety of cap constructions from machine-made, part monofilament, full monofilament, wefted, full lace, lace fronts, non-lace fronts, and many more.

 6.    Lower Cost: Synthetic wigs are significantly cheaper than human hair wigs. Prices start at around €300 depending on the construction of the wig.

Date mono | Ellen Wille Collection

 The Cons:

 1.    Permanent style: Synthetic wig come in a pre-styled cut which means that the style can not be changed around. If you like variety of styles a synthetic wig may not be the right option.

 2.    Unnatural look: Although the differences are subtle, there is still a tendency towards a less flowing and more sculpted appearance. With lower grade synthetic wigs this can be more evident.

3.    Friction Frizz: Constant rubbing of synthetic fibre of any clothing (high collars)  will cause the synthetic fibre to look like split ends and become frizzy and stick out

https://www.snipswigs.ie/hair-loss/friction-frizz-what-is-it-and-can-you-prevent-it-happening

4.    Colouring: Synthetic wigs cannot and should not be coloured.

5.    Avoid Heat: Exposure to open ovens, lamps, over head heaters can and will cause the synthetic fibre to frizz. Avoid all heated styling tongs and curlers.

6.    Longevity: The longevity of your synthetic wig is directly related to how well you look after it and how often it is washed and worn. With the correct care and maintenance, you can get with daily wearing between 4 – 8 months. Longer synthetic hair will last between 3 – 6 months.

I hope the information will help educate you on the pros and cons to synthetic wigs and help make your journey to wearing a synthetic wig just that little bit easier.