The biggest choice when buying a wig isn't the colour or the length: it's whether you go for human hair or synthetic. The two look, feel, style and last differently, and they sit at very different price points. This guide compares them side by side using real wigs from our store, so you can decide which is right for your budget and how you plan to wear it.
Quick comparison
| Human hair wig | Synthetic wig | |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Natural movement and shine, like your own hair | Can look very natural, with a slightly more uniform finish |
| Heat styling | Yes, most can be curled and straightened | Only heat-resistant fibres, and only light styling |
| Colouring | Many can be dyed or bleached (check each wig) | No, the colour is permanent |
| Styling day to day | Needs restyling after washing | Style is set in, ready to wear |
| Lifespan | Longer with proper care | Shorter |
| Price in our store | $80–$450 | $30–$62 |
Human hair wigs: natural and fully styleable
Human hair wigs are made from real hair, so they move, shine and feel like your own. Most can be heat-styled, and many can be coloured, which makes them the best choice if you like to change your look. With proper care, human hair wigs can last 1–2 years or more.
The trade-offs are price and maintenance: they cost more, and like natural hair, they need restyling after washing.
Human hair wigs in our store:
- 30 Inch HD 13x4 Blonde Body Wave Human Hair Wig ($450): 100% virgin Malaysian hair with an HD 13x4 lace front, in 613 blonde. It can be dyed, bleached and heat-styled.
- Human Hair Lace Front Wig, Pre-Plucked ($450): 100% human hair with a pre-plucked hairline and baby hairs, currently offered as a 30-inch, 13x4 lace, 180% density wig. It can be coloured and heat-styled up to 400°F.
- Voluminous Curly Human Hair Lace Front Wig ($80–$290): 100% human hair, fully hand-woven, 150% density, in 4x4, 13x4 or 13x6 lace and lengths from 8 to 30 inches. Note: this wig cannot be permed or dyed, so choose it for its natural curl pattern.
Choose human hair if: you want the most natural look, plan to wear your wig often, or like to change your style and colour.
Synthetic wigs: affordable and ready to wear
Synthetic wigs are made from man-made fibres with the style built in. The curl or wave holds its shape after washing, so there's very little styling to do. They're also much more affordable, which makes them a low-risk way to try a new colour or look.
The trade-offs: the colour can't be changed, and only heat-resistant fibres can take light heat styling. They also don't last as long as human hair.
Synthetic wigs in our store:
- Voluminous Burgundy Curly Synthetic Wig ($30–$40): a 12-inch wine-red curly style with side-swept oblique bangs, made from heat-resistant fibre.
- Hand-Woven Lace Front Golden Big Wave Synthetic Wig ($60.89–$61.53): golden big waves with side bangs, a hand-woven lace front, lengths from 18 to 40 inches, and a choice of 180% or 210% density with 13x4 or 13x6 lace.
Choose synthetic if: you want a lower price, a ready-to-wear style, or you're trying wigs for the first time.
Lace and density: what the numbers mean
- Lace size (4x4, 13x4, 13x6): the bigger the lace area, the more parting space you get. A 13x4 or 13x6 lace front lets you part the hair across the front; a 4x4 closure is simpler to wear.
- HD lace: thinner lace that blends closer to the skin, for a more natural-looking hairline.
- Density (150%, 180%, 210%): how full the wig is. 130%–150% suits everyday wear, while 180% or more gives a fuller, more glamorous look.
For a deeper explanation, see our guide How to Choose a Wig: Density, Lace Type & Length Explained.
Care tips for any wig
- Wash with sulfate-free shampoo and detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb.
- Store your wig on a wig stand to keep its shape between wears.
- For human hair, use a heat protectant before heat styling.
- For synthetic wigs, use only low heat, and only on heat-resistant fibres.
Find wig-friendly shampoos, oils and accessories in our hair care collection.
Human hair vs synthetic wig FAQ
Which looks more natural?
Human hair usually looks and moves most naturally. A good synthetic wig with a lace front can also look very natural, especially from a distance.
Can I dye a human hair wig?
Many human hair wigs can be dyed or bleached, but not all. Check each product page: for example, our Voluminous Curly Human Hair Lace Front Wig cannot be permed or dyed.
Can I use a curling iron on a synthetic wig?
Only if it is made from heat-resistant fibre, and only on a low heat setting. Standard synthetic fibres can melt.
Can I return a wig?
Yes, within 7 days of delivery, as long as the wig is unworn and unaltered (for example, lace that has not been cut), with tags and in its original packaging. Wigs priced $300 or more are returned only with approval after inspection. See our Refund Policy.
How long does shipping take?
Orders are processed within 1–3 business days, then delivery takes 3–7 business days in the USA or 7–20 business days internationally. Free US shipping is available on most products, and any shipping cost is shown at checkout.
