About Synthetics
Synthetic fibers are fine plastics, usually in the form of polyester, acrylic, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These fibers are processed to look and move like real hair, but not all synthetic fibers are the same as far as quality.
The best way to tell if you are looking at wigs of higher synthetic quality is shine. Cheaper synthetic wigs will be overly shiny in appearance, while fine synthetics will not be shiny and will look and move more naturally. A quality synthetic will also feel softer and silkier than a cheaper one.
Nowadays, high quality synthetic wigs are mostly made from Kanekalon® fiber, which is natural feeling, lighter, softer hair with more natural body complement today’s modern fashionable lifestyle. Its natural luster, silky straight texture, soft and smooth touch makes Kanekalon® recognized as the best quality heat-friendly synthetic hair in the past 50 years, thus it is widely used for wig and hair extensions all around the globe.
Benefits of Synthetic Wigs
No styling required. Since synthetics are fine strands of fabric, the style is literally ‘baked’ into the wig. Wetting the wig will not alter the style and it will dry into the same shape it was in when purchased.
Cheaper. In general, high-quality synthetics are cheaper than high-quality human hair wigs.
Consistency. A synthetic wig will not react to environmental factors such as humidity or dryness, but will react to heat from cooking, styling tools, etc.
Drawbacks of Synthetic Wigs
No heat styling. While a synthetic wig can be pulled into an updo just like human hair, these fibers cannot be heat styled without causing damage to the fiber. Likewise, heat from cooking such as stoves and ovens should be avoided when wearing a synthetic wig.
Durability. Synthetics will not last as long as human hair wigs. How long a synthetic wig lasts depends on how it is cared for and how often it is worn, as well as the quality of the fiber. A cheaper synthetic wig will frizz and dry out quicker than a more expensive one. Long synthetic wigs, in particular, will also tangle quite easily as compared to a human hair one.
Shine. Seen in lower quality synthetics, fiber shine can be excessive and unnatural looking. Baby powder, corn starch, and dry shampoo are commonly used to reduce the fiber shine of cheaper synthetics; higher-quality synthetics should not need such products. Keep in mind that even high quality synthetics will reflect shine in flash photography – this does not necessarily mean the hair is unnaturally shiny in actual appearance.