If you’re on the hunt for some hair extensions, you’ve probably seen both human hair and synthetic hair options - but what is the difference and which should you choose?
It’s not just about the price. Whether you’re shopping for clip-ins, tape-ins, or something more long term like keratin bonds, knowing the difference between human and synthetic hair will help you avoid regret, and choose something that actually works with your hair, lifestyle, and budget.
We’re going to break down what you need to know before buying hair extensions & the key differences between human hair and synthetic extensions.
What Are Human Hair Extensions?
Human hair extensions are exactly what they sound like - extensions made from 100% real human hair.
These make for great extensions as they can be dyed, heat-styled, washed and treated basically like they’re your real hair giving you ultimate flexibility and freedom with your look.
There are a few types of human hair extensions to choose from:
- Remy hair: The highest quality hair, where the cuticle layer is intact and aligned in one direction. This helps for less tangling and a smoother feel).
- Non-Remy hair: Still human hair, but may be processed more and slightly poorer quality.
- Virgin hair: This is unprocessed, untreated hair and usually the priciest of the three.
Extensions made from remy human hair are the top standard as they blend seamlessly, feel natural and hold up over time.
All Maiden Hair Extensions are made from 100% European Remy hair, making sure you and your clients have only the highest quality.
What Are Synthetic Hair Extensions?
Synthetic hair extensions are made from plastic fibres designed to mimic the look and feel of human hair. With the advancements in technology, synthetic extensions can look pretty good at a glance and pass as real extensions to the untrained eye.
But they’re still not quite the same as the real deal.
You can’t dye synthetic hair and most can’t handle heat tools. On top of that, they can often have that tell-tale shine that can make them look a bit too much like a wig.
They’re great if you’re just testing the waters or want something for a one-time event, but they’re not built to last like human hair extensions.
The Real Differences: Human Hair vs. Synthetic
With an understanding of hair hair vs synthetic - let’s look at the details that actually matter when you’re choosing what to buy.
1. Look and Feel
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Human Hair: Looks and feels natural. Moves like your real hair, blends better, and comes in a wider variety of tones (especially when custom coloured).
- Synthetic Hair: Can look shiny or stiff. Not ideal for blending unless your natural hair is already very similar in texture. Can also look like a wig if too synthetic.
2. Styling Flexibility
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Human Hair: Curl it, straighten it, blow dry it, even colour it (though it’s best to let a pro do that). Basically, treat it like your own with full flexibility.
- Synthetic Hair: Most can’t be heat styled or coloured. Some “heat-friendly” synthetics exist, but they still have limitations and lower heat tolerance.
3. Longevity
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Human Hair: Lasts much longer. With good care, Maiden hair extensions can be re-used multiple times and last up to or longer than a year.
- Synthetic Hair: Usually lasts only a few wears to a couple of months, depending on how often you use them and how gentle you are.
4. Care & Maintenance
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Human Hair: Needs shampoo, conditioning, and detangling just like natural hair. The upside? It stays soft and smooth for much longer.
- Synthetic Hair: Easier to maintain (doesn’t absorb oils), but can’t be refreshed the same way. Once it’s tangled or matted, there’s usually no coming back.
5. Cost
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Human Hair: More expensive upfront, but lasts much longer and looks more natural. Think of it as an investment for your future self.
- Synthetic Hair: Cheaper up front, but you’ll likely replace it more often which can lead them to be more expensive in the long term. Good for short-term wear, events, or experimenting with colours/styles.
When to Choose Human Hair Extensions
Go with human hair if you:
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Want your extensions to blend seamlessly with your natural hair.
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Plan to wear them regularly or long-term.
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Want to use heat tools or colour treatments.
- Want a specific shade of blonde extensions or brown extensions.
- Are after a natural look and feel that holds up over time.
Human hair is ideal for semi-permanent options like tape-ins, microbeads, keratin bonds, or wefts. If you’re paying for salon installation, you want the quality to match.
When to Choose Synthetic Hair Extensions
Synthetic hair works best if:
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You’re on a tight budget or want to test out extensions before committing.
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You only need them for short-term use (although we recommend our human clip in extensions instead for the ultimate flexibility & quality).
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You’re okay with limited styling options.
- You want to try bold colours or looks without dyeing your real hair.
There’s no shame in starting/wearing synthetic hair extensions, just as long as you’re aware of the trade offs that these bring.
Quick Comparison Table
Final Thoughts
Human hair extensions are the real deal. They cost a little more, but they’ll give you better wear, more confidence, and a look that feels natural. The flexibility of styling and colouring with human hair is also unmatched.
Synthetic extensions are great for the short term or if you’re just wanting to try out extensions for the first time, but they’re not built for daily wear or versatility.
If you’re ready to upgrade your look and keep things natural, check out our full range of human hair extensions.
