Natural or Synthetic Wigs? Comparing Advantages and Disadvantages
Natural or Synthetic Wigs? Comparing Advantages and Disadvantages
Natural or Synthetic Wigs Wigs are an increasingly popular accessory, both for those who wish to change their look frequently, and for those facing thinning hair or medical conditions leading to hair loss. When deciding to purchase a wig, one is faced with an important choice: better to opt for a natural or synthetic wig?
In this article, we will analyse the advantages and disadvantages of both types, providing all the necessary information to help you choose the one best suited to your needs. If you would like tailor-made advice, you can visit New FreeStylewhere you will find a wide range of both natural and synthetic wigs.
Natural Wigs
What are natural wigs?
Le natural wigs are made entirely from real human hair, harvested and treated with specific techniques to preserve its quality and naturalness. This makes them the most realistic and appreciated by those who want an authentic result that is practically indistinguishable from their own hair. There are different types of human hair used in production:
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European hairknown for their fineness, softness and lighter shades. They are the most sought-after and expensive, ideal for those who want a very high quality result.
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Asian hairthicker and stronger, with naturally dark shades. They are easier to find and therefore cost less than European ones.
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South American or Indian hairvery versatile, with an intermediate texture between European and Asian hair, suitable for numerous processes and styles.
The choice of hair type not only influences the price, but also the aesthetic performance and ease of daily wig management.
Advantages of natural wigs
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Realistic appearanceThe main strength. Real hair has a movement, shine and texture that no synthetic fibre can reproduce 100%. This means that, when wearing a natural wig, it is virtually impossible for others to notice that it is not your own hair.
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Total customisation: You can cut, style, colour and even bleach your hair, just as you would your own hair. This makes natural wigs a perfect choice for those who want versatility and freedom to change their look.
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Superior durability: With the right maintenance, a natural wig can last 12 to 24 months, much longer than synthetic versions. Investing in a natural wig means having a long-lasting product.
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Greater comfortBecause the hair is real, the feeling to the touch and during use is much closer to that of one's own hair. In addition, many models are made with lightweight, breathable bases designed for everyday use.
Disadvantages of natural wigs
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High cost: Real hair comes at a significant price and, when combined with quality craftsmanship, the final cost can far exceed that of a synthetic wig. However, the investment is repaid in terms of aesthetics and durability.
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Complex maintenance: Natural wigs require care similar to that of one's own hair: regular washing, conditioning treatments and styling with suitable products. Without a proper routine, they risk being damaged more quickly.
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Sensitivity to weathering: Just like real hair, it reacts to humidity, wind or sun. They can wrinkle, lose their crease or discolour over time, thus requiring more attention.
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Greater weightDue to the density of real hair, natural wigs tend to be heavier than synthetic ones, an aspect that can affect comfort for those who wear them many hours a day.
Synthetic Wigs
What are synthetic wigs?
Le synthetic wigs are made of artificial fibres specially designed to imitate the appearance of human hair. Modern fibres are made with advanced technologies that make the texture more natural and shiny, reducing the 'plastic' effect of older generation wigs. They are available in a huge range of styles, colours and lengths, often already pre-set to maintain a perfect look in every situation.
Advantages of synthetic wigs
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Affordable costSynthetic wigs are much cheaper than natural wigs, making them an ideal solution for those on a tight budget or who want to buy several models to change their look frequently.
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Low maintenanceOne of their most appreciated features is their ability to retain their original style without the need for frequent styling. Even after washing, they return to their default shape.
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Lightness: The synthetic fibres are very light, which makes these wigs comfortable to wear even for long periods, especially during hot weather.
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Resistance to climatic conditionsThey do not ripple or get damaged by humidity or changes in the weather, and always retain their perfect crease. For those living in areas with high humidity, this can be a great advantage.
Disadvantages of synthetic wigs
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Less natural appearance: Although state-of-the-art fibres have made great strides, texture and movement remain less realistic than with real hair, especially in mid-to-low-end wigs.
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Less versatility in styling: In most cases, they cannot be styled with thermal tools such as straighteners or curling irons, unless they are made of special heat-resistant fibres. This limits the possibilities of customisation.
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Lower duration: A synthetic wig used daily tends to lose its quality in 4-6 months, while with occasional use it can last up to a year.
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Heat sensation: Although they are light, synthetic fibres do not have the same breathability as natural hair bases, and in summer they can give a warmer feeling on the skin.
Which one to choose?
The choice between a natural and a synthetic wig depends mainly on your needs and lifestyle. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you in your decision:
- How often will you wear the wig? If you need a wig to wear every day, a natural wig might be the best choice for its comfort and realistic appearance. However, if the wig is intended for occasional use, a synthetic wig might be more suitable due to its low cost and minimal maintenance.
- How much time are you willing to devote to wig care? If you do not have much time to devote to maintenance, a synthetic wig might be the most convenient choice. Conversely, if you want a more natural result and are willing to take care of the wig as you would your own hair, a natural wig might be the ideal option.
- What is your budget? Price is one of the deciding factors when choosing between a natural and a synthetic wig. If your budget is limited, a synthetic wig might offer a good compromise between quality and price. If you are willing to invest more for a flawless result, a natural wig might be the right choice.
For more information on how to choose the right wig for you, you can visit the section on wigs natural e wigs synthetic on the New FreeStyle website.
Wig Maintenance
How to care for a natural wig
The maintenance of natural wigs requires attention and specific products. Here are some useful tips:
- Regular washing: Wash your wig with gentle shampoos and sulphate-free conditioners, just as you would your own hair.
- Air dryingAvoid using the hairdryer too frequently. Let the wig dry naturally to preserve the quality of the hair.
- Gentle brushingUse a soft brush and detangle the hair carefully, starting from the ends and working up towards the roots.
How to care for a synthetic wig
The maintenance of synthetic wigs is generally easier:
- Infrequent washing: Wash your synthetic wig only when necessary, using products specifically for synthetic fibres.
- No thermal instrumentsAvoid the use of straighteners and hair irons, unless your wig is made of heat-resistant fibres.
- Proper storage: When not wearing it, store the wig on a stand or inside a box to keep it in shape.
To learn more about wig care and receive further advice on how to choose the right model for you, you can visit the website of New FreeStyle. In addition, to get more information on the differences between natural and synthetic hair, I recommend reading industry articles also available on WebMD.
Conclusions
The choice between natural and synthetic wigs depends on many personal factors. Natural wigs offer a more realistic look and greater versatility, but require more maintenance and are more expensive. Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, are cheaper and easier to manage, but have a shorter lifespan and offer fewer customisation options.
Regardless of your choice, the important thing is to find the wig that makes you feel comfortable and reflects your style. For a wide range of options and further advice, feel free to explore the selection of natural and synthetic wigs on New FreeStyle.
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