Advantages and Disadvantage of Real Hair Wigs

 

There are two main types of wigs: synthetic wigs and real hair wigs. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of both synthetic and real hair wigs, and understanding their costs, styling protection and lifespan are important in helping you make this important purchase.

• The advantages of human hair wigs are:
  • Natural Look and Feel
  • Styling Versatility
  • Longevity
  • Natural Look and Feel

A real hair wig allows you to have a natural look and feel to your wig because it is real hair. This will allow you to have the multidimensional hues that natural hair has which gives the wigs a more natural look. Synthetic wigs are not able to match this look at this time so the only way to get it is with human hair. Human hair wigs (sometimes referred to as real hair wigs) allows the sun to catch it as natural hair would. This also means that using human hair allows other people that touch your wig to think it is your actual hair.

Human hair wigs can also often be more customizable. Some can be dyed or ordered as a specific color. If you want to color match your natural hair, this may be a great option. For those who want to keep wig-wearing private, human hair wigs are their best bet.

Styling Versatility

Real hair wigs also allow you to have more versatile styles because they are able to be styled in a number of different ways. Just like your own hair, you should be able to dye your hair and style it in a number of different ways. The real hair wigs are also more durable and allow you to use certain curling irons and blow dryers on them.

Caring for Your Wig

Since your wig is made of natural human hair, it will require care similar to natural human hair. Shampoos made for wigs will help keep your wig in a good, clean condition. Likewise, styling instruments made for wigs can assist with simple at-home styling. The potential for burns due to styling exists for wigs as it does for natural hair. It is important to be careful with heat styling and to get advice from trained professionals on which products to use and how best to style it.

Repair/Restyling

If an accident does occur and a wig is singed or otherwise damaged, it can often be repaired by professionals. They can replace sections of damaged hair, trim bedraggled locks into a new style, and refresh the hair for a glossy new look. A damaged or well-worn wig can be given new life by a talented professional with repair skills.

Even wigs that are in good condition may simply need a style update. Have a straight wig you’d like to make curly? A long wig that would look great in a bob ‘do? Feel like having bangs now? It’s a possibility! Ask a professional if it could be updated to your desired style in the boutique.

Longevity

The last benefit of real hair wigs is the amount of time that they last. When you have a real hair wig you should be able to see it last for a year if you take care of it properly. Talk with a wig expert at the wig shop that you go to about the proper way to care for your wig.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of real hair wigs are that they are more expensive than synthetic wigs. Though they are more durable and last longer, you need to balance if the extra cost is worth the extra time that the real hair will give.

It may also be helpful to put it in perspective to the cost of caring for natural hair. Those who get a monthly cut and color like spend between $75 and $150 per appointment. They could easily pass $1500 a year in-salon costs, not to mention products such as shampoos and stylers. Breaking down the cost of a wig over a year will likely put in perspective the cost of a human hair wig, and may even show you some comparative savings.

The other disadvantage to this type of wig is just like your own hair in certain conditions it will frizz. You will also notice that you will need to take more time caring for a real hair wig.

Situations when you may not want a real hair wig:

• Costuming
• Need low cost
• Brief/rare occasions to wear
• Ethical opposition
• Temporary need
• Exposure to water

At Rosalind Stella’s Wig Boutique, we specialize in caring, for both your wig and you! We are here to answer any questions that you might have about real hair wigs. Call today at (215) 725-3930 to get in touch with our trained staff!