Whatever the reason for you wanting to wear a wig, if you’ve never been faced with buying one before, the choices can seem nothing short of bewildering. For starters, should you go down the budget-friendly route and pick a synthetic wig, or invest in one that will stand the test of time and pay a little more for a human hair wig?

But it’s such an important decision that, of course, you want to get it right.

To help you sort through your options and decide whether to buy high-quality human hair wigs or go down the synthetic path, here’s an honest guide to the differences between the two:

The science behind synthetic hair

Synthetic wigs are often referred to as having “style memory.” Because the synthetic fibres of the wig are heat-set at the manufacturing stage, washing usually returns the wig to its original set state. In layman’s terms, this means that a washed wig with curls will typically return to its curly state after washing.

But standard synthetic wig fibres aren’t good with heat, and if you use curling tongs, a flat iron, or a blow-dryer on a wig that isn’t heat-resistant, the fibres may become damaged.

What about “heat-friendly” or “heat-resistant” synthetic wigs?

So-called heat-resistant synthetic wigs do allow for styling at lower temperatures, but they still need to be handled carefully and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Heat-friendly fibres can sometimes be more susceptible to everyday friction, which may make them fray or tangle more quickly than expected.

European and Remy human hair wigs

Although human hair is often the premium option for natural-looking, long-lasting, realistic wigs, one of the highest-quality choices is Remy human hair. With the cuticles running in the same direction, just as they do in natural hair, Remy hair can help reduce heavy tangling and matting.

Verifying human hair before you buy

It’s important when you’re spending a lot of money on a human hair wig to be certain that you’re getting the real deal. Use these methods to help verify the authenticity before you buy:

  1. Buy from a reputable wig store

    A reputable wig store should be able to explain where the hair comes from, what type of hair is used, and whether the wig is 100% human hair, Remy human hair, European hair, or a blend.

  2. Ask for product details

    Before investing in custom-made wigs, ask for written details about the wig, including the hair type, cap construction, care instructions, and any heat-styling limitations.

  3. Feel and inspect the wig in person

    Human hair usually feels softer and more natural than many synthetic alternatives, and it should move more like natural hair. Shopping in-store gives you the opportunity to touch the wig, inspect the hair, ask questions, and compare options before making your decision.

While human hair wigs are often the best option for a natural-looking wig, they do cost more and may not be necessary if you don’t plan to wear a wig often. For regular wear, a more comfortable fit, and a look that doesn’t immediately scream “fake,” a genuine human hair wig can be a worthwhile investment.

When choosing between a synthetic or a human hair wig, use the information above to educate yourself on the differences between the two, and then evaluate your lifestyle, when and where you plan to wear it, and your budget to make your final decision.