Hair extensions and wigs have always been popular.  In recent years, wearing these hair enhancements have been seen as stylish and trendy way to show off your hair.  No longer is wearing a wig or hair extension seen as a “dirty little secret” that must be kept away from the public. 

Numerous celebrities openly state that they wear hair extensions, giving the average person at home confidence to go out and buy hair extensions as well. 

While this fashion statement continues to grow, one questions plagues many new buyers:  “which is better?  Synthetic or human hair?  Also, what’s the difference?”

Synthetic Hair

To begin with, synthetic hair is made from man-made fibers such as:  acrylic, polyester, kanekalon, and polyvinylchloride (PVC).  Some of these fibers have specific uses of wear. 

• Polypropylene – Does not hold it’s shape will and heat should not be applied to it. It’s primary use is for braiding.
• Polyvinylchloride (PVC)/ Toyokalon – Is also used for braiding. It holds it’s shape better than polypropylene.  With this fiber, the hair can be curled or flipped at the ends.  However high temperatures can not be applied to it. 
• Kanekalon – Can be used for a variety of wear, such as: hair extensions, wigs, and braids. This type of fiber can withstand high temperatures, it can be easily curled without the fiber melting.  This fiber is very similar to human hair. 

Human Hair

Obviously human hair is prized over synthetic because it gives the most natural look and feel.  Unlike synthetic hair, human hair can be curled at high temperatures.  Furthermore, human hair can last for a long time, depending on care and if the hair cuticle remains intact. 

Remy Hair is when hair cuticles are kept running in the same direction during the collection of the hair.   When the cuticles are in the same direction, tangling is greatly reduced and hair looks and feels smoother.

There are four types of human hair commonly used for hair extensions and wigs: Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and European/Caucasian. 

• Chinese hair’s texture has a tendency to be very straight. Because of it’s straight texture, it can be somewhat resistant to curling and can be harder to style.
• Indonesian hair is easier to acquire and is more affordable to manufacture. It can often be found in ethnic style hair extensions and wigs.
• Indian hair has thinner mass and it’s texture is closer to European textured hair.
• European hair is the most prized. Its fine texture makes it very popular.  Because it has a limited availability, it is more expensive. 

In addition to the look, feel, and price of the hair, you can also apply the "Burning Hair" test to see if the hair you have is Human or Synthetic.  

Step 1:  Get a lighter or match.   

Step 2:  Take a few strands of the hair from the extension or wig. 

Step 3:  Light the lighter or match. 

Step 4: Hold the lit match or lighter to the end of the strands of hair.  Please be careful when doing this.

If the hair turns to ash, it is real Human hair.  If the hair turns to a sticky ball, it is synthetic. 

Both types of hair have their pros and cons.  As a buyer you should be aware of these pros and cons. 

We know that it can be frustrating when trying to decide which type of hair to use.  That’s why Moroccan Indigo uses only premium, 100% Remy, European Human hair.  We strive to make sure all of our hair is from healthy donors.  We want to make sure all of your hair buying experiences at Moroccan Indigo are pleasurable. 

Please be sure to check out all of our hair.