Synthetic or Human Hair – Which One Should You Choose?

Hair extensions have become a very popular salon treatment. They give everyone the chance to achieve their dream hairstyle, with more volume and the desired length in just a short amount of time.

However, many questions come up when it comes to choosing the type of extensions — from the hair type and technique to durability and the impact on your natural hair.

In this post, we’ll briefly explain the key aspects and, most importantly, answer one of the most common questions:

Synthetic hair or human hair – which is the better choice?

Pros and Cons of Synthetic Hair

One clear advantage of synthetic hair is how quick and easy it is to change your hairstyle. You can attach the piece in just a few moments — and do it entirely on your own, without professional help. Synthetic extensions are also much more affordable than human hair extensions and now come in a relatively wide range of colors and styles.

You’ll find options such as synthetic blonde hair, brown, black, and even bold fashion colors.

However, synthetic hair also comes with some noticeable downsides. The lower price usually means lower durability and shorter lifespan. Synthetic extensions are more sensitive to external factors like heat styling or humidity, making them harder to maintain and style.

They don’t hold up well over time, are more prone to tangling (especially after sleeping), feel stiffer to the touch, and often have an unnatural shine that makes them look less realistic.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Synthetic Hair

When you opt for synthetic hair, you need to be aware of certain limitations that don’t apply to human hair extensions. Most importantly:

- no possibility of dyeing or bleaching

- limited tolerance for high heat — blow-drying, straightening, curling, and waving are restricted

- far less responsive to styling — harder to shape and style

- a noticeably different, unnatural shine compared to real hair

In summary, if you need synthetic hair occasionally — for example, for a photo shoot or a special event — it can be a reasonable option. Just make sure to choose the highest quality available, in a shade that matches your natural hair, and that’s easy to brush and manage.

However, if you plan to wear extensions more frequently, want your hairstyle to look natural in all situations, and expect to curl, wave, or straighten your hair regularly — human hair extensions are the clear winner. They’re easier to detangle, softer to the touch, much more style-friendly, and can be heat-styled just like your own hair.

Human hair simply lasts longer and performs better overall. In a direct comparison between synthetic and human hair, human hair extensions come out on top — without a doubt.

There are several popular techniques used to apply both synthetic and human hair extensions. Each method differs in terms of durability, visibility, comfort, and price. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used options:

- keratin bond – involves attaching extensions using heat and special keratin bonds with a dedicated heat connector tool

- tape-in (sandwich method) – uses two wefts with adhesive tape, placed on either side of a thin strand of natural hair close to the roots

laser hair extensions – uses nano-bonds to connect natural hair with extension strands via a laser system

- bio-tape – a wide, double-sided adhesive tape weft is attached between layers of natural hair; also referred to as “bio tapes”

- ultrasonic – uses ultrasonic waves instead of heat to bond the extensions with your own hair; this method creates nearly invisible bonds but is relatively expensive

- easy loop (micro loop or pętelkowa method) – uses hypoallergenic loops and micro-rings to secure the extensions; the rings are flexible and adjustable, allowing repositioning during wear; results last around 3–4 months

- Japanese method – synthetic hair is braided into natural hair using very small braids secured with thin, invisible elastics; tight braiding is required, but long-term wear may stress the hair roots

- injection method – involves attaching hair strands to a skin-like base that is then glued to the scalp; this innovative and realistic technique provides long-lasting results but comes at a higher cost

- mesh integration (siateczkowa) – uses a fine mesh with attached hair that is clipped into natural hair; ideal for concealing thinning or balding areas

- clip on-off – synthetic hair wefts are attached with small clips for easy, temporary wear; make sure the clips and tapes are well hidden under your natural hair for a seamless look

See also selected products:

- Human hair tape-in extensions

- Human hair keratin bond extensions

- Human hair weft extensions

- Human hair clip-in extensions