If you are a hair shop owner, having a good understanding of the differences between hair types is a must. These days, there are a lot of synthetic hair types that look like real human hair, which can be overwhelming for retailers. With the knowledge from the experts below, you can spot the differences between synthetic and real hair in no time. 

What is synthetic hair?

Synthetic hair is a widely used material in the wig and hair extension industry. It’s made from man-made fibers such as polyester, acrylic, or polyvinyl, which are crafted to imitate the look and feel of real human hair. Thanks to its affordability and ready-to-wear nature, synthetic hair has become a popular go-to option for many users who want a quick change in hairstyle without breaking the bank.

However, most synthetic fibers are not heat-resistant, meaning they can’t be styled with curling irons or straighteners unless specifically labeled as heat-friendly. This limitation can be a deal-breaker for users who enjoy frequently changing their look.

While synthetic hair has come a long way in terms of realism, it still lacks the natural movement, texture variety, and longevity of real human hair. If you’re aiming for a natural finish that blends seamlessly and allows full styling flexibility, investing in real human hair may be well worth the extra cost.

Compare two types of hair while using it as a wig or hair extensions

Feature	Synthetic Hair	Human Hair
Look & Feel	Imitates real hair, but may lack natural movement and texture	Looks and feels completely natural, with authentic shine and movement
Styling Flexibility	Pre-styled; limited heat styling (unless heat-friendly)	Fully customizable—can be curled, straightened, dyed, and restyled freely
Maintenance	Low-maintenance; holds style after washing	Requires regular washing, conditioning, and styling like real hair
Durability	Lasts 1–3 months with proper care	Can last over a year with good maintenance
Cost	Budget-friendly; ideal for short-term or occasional use	More expensive upfront, but offers better long-term value
Weather Sensitivity	May frizz or become stiff in humidity or heat	Reacts like natural hair—may need anti-frizz or styling products
Color & Texture Variety	Comes in many colors but limited in texture variation	Wide range of natural textures and can be colored to match perfectly
Realism	Advanced fibers look realistic but still detectable on close inspection	Completely undetectable when properly installed
Best For	Beginners, costume use, short-term changes	Professionals, daily wear, and long-term versatility

How to distinguish synthetic hair and real human hair in one go?

Knowing the difference between synthetic hair and real human hair is crucial, especially if you want to make the right choice for your style or business. Here are some quick and reliable tips to help you tell them apart at a glance.

1. Hair Weight

With the same volume, synthetic hair is noticeably heavier than natural human hair, often 2 to 3 times heavier. If you hold equal bundles, the weight difference is a clear and simple way to spot synthetic fibers.

2. Tangle

Synthetic hair tends to tangle much more easily than natural human hair. Keep in mind, this doesn’t refer to low-quality non-remy hair, which also tangles. Natural human hair with intact cuticles aligned properly rarely tangles and, if it does, is easy to detangle. Synthetic hair, however, tends to knot stubbornly and can be much harder to manage.

3. Strand Texture and Shine 

Human hair strands are thinner and have a natural shine that blends seamlessly with your hair. Synthetic hair, while often shiny, can look artificial under close inspection and lacks the subtle texture variations of real hair.

4. Burn Test 

If you’re still unsure, the burn test is a foolproof method. When burned, real human hair turns to ash and emits a smell similar to burning feathers or barbecue. Synthetic hair, on the other hand, melts into a hard solid and gives off a strong chemical odor due to the man-made fibers.

Premium real human hair wigs and hair extensions at HT Hair Factory

At HT Hair Factory, we pride ourselves on offering premium, real human hair wigs and extensions that deliver natural beauty, durability, and styling versatility. Our products are made from 100% authentic human hair, carefully sourced from Vietnamese women and girls. We committed that our hair is ethically certified, NO temple hair, and NO donation!

Our real human hair wigs and extensions blend seamlessly with your hair, thanks to their thin, naturally glossy strands and full cuticle alignment. This means less tangling, easy maintenance, and the freedom to style your hair however you want. With proper care, these high-quality hair extensions can last over a year, providing excellent long-term value.

Choosing HT Hair Factory means choosing confidence and quality. Experience the difference today and elevate your hair game with the finest human hair wigs and extensions on the market. Contact us now via WhatsApp +(84)97 809 1128 to get up to 15% discount!