Lace Wigs And Hair Extensions: Human, Synthetic or Animal?

The hair styling industry has become very complicated since Lace Wigs and hair extensions have surged in popularity. There’s a prevailing sense that many suppliers, styling specialists and consumers don’t have a clue about the underlying facts within the field. It’s certainly not like it used to be.

WIGS SET WOMEN FREE
Back in the sixties, wig shops popped up in every metropolitan area. It was a residual testament to the Women’s Liberation Movement (WLM). Some women found themselves with less time for the upkeep of their appearance due to working out of the home; some discovered the freedom of an increased spendable income and splurged on items that would have previously appeared to be frivolous.

Women who were too busy or too far removed to visit a wig shop could place a catalog order and have the wig delivered right to the door. There were limited styles that came in short, medium (shoulder-length) or long (about six inches below the shoulder). Black, Dark Brown, Light Brown, Auburn, Dark Blond, Ash Blond and Light Blond were the only shades that were offered. There were no in-between shades. They were one-size-fits-all.

WHAT’S IT MADE FROM ANYWAY?
There were no questions about the quality, at that time. Nobody seemed to care about the composition of the wigs. Human, synthetic or animal? It was anyone’s guess. Of course, hind sight and knowledge gained over the years tells us that most of the wigs were synthetic (and possibly animal). They didn't breathe and it only took a short amount of time wearing them for the scalp to begin to itch like crazy. And, they were hot!

There were other telling signs that they weren't made of human hair. The hair was coarse and stiff. It didn't have any bounce to it. Even worse, the wigs slipped and slid with the least amount of head movement. If a woman was wearing a wig and bent her head forward, the wig would slide upward and her own nape hair would be exposed. Turning the head sideways resulted in awkward misalignment near the temples as the wig shifted. It was not a pretty sight!

SYNTHETIC HAIR FINDS A PLACE
Those same telling signs are dead giveaways even today, a half century later. Synthetic lace wigs are hot, itchy, stiff and unsecured compared to Human Hair Wigs. This doesn't mean that synthetic hair can’t be used. However, the best use for synthetics is as an artful blend with human hair. It takes the right ratio and the highest quality synthetics on the market to result in a realistic, natural-looking wig.

Modern synthetics mimic the styling ability and appearance of human hair. The most trusted lace wig manufacturers in the world expertly craft their wigs with an undetectable mixture. However, they are very honest about doing so. They can readily explain the purpose of combining the real with the faux. There is no intention of deception. They rightfully believe that an educated consumer makes the best client; the customer has the right to know what they’re getting.

Consumers should be able to make an educated assessment to determine if their lace wigs are made of human, synthetic or animal hair. While it’s not always easy to tell, even for the experts, it’s good to learn the basics of how to differentiate the various hair types. Here’s a brief overview to help you out.

Human hair has cuticles; synthetic hair does not. Human hair has a natural sheen; synthetic hair has an exaggerated shine. Both can be styled using heat if the synthetic is of modern and high quality. This is what allows for the expert, indiscernible blending of the two. Synthetics are available in assorted thicknesses, similar to human hair.

Human hair can be colored or lightened. Virgin Remy hair is particularly good for these styling procedures. Some synthetics can be dyed but the results are generally unpredictable and inconsistent. For this reason, synthetics are colored in the manufacturing process and ordered by the finished, fully integrated color.

YOUR LACE WIGS ARE MADE OF WHAT? OH MY!

Animal hair is sometimes used in the blending process, too. Yak hair, wanted for the soft, white hair that comes from the animal’s underbelly, is the most widely used in the legitimate market. It can stand on its own when a white or grey wig is needed. It’s a natural substitute because aged hair is typically coarser and has a lower sheen.

Yak hair is also the choice for manufacturing costume wigs. They take and hold colors exceptionally well. They aren't going to pass as the ‘real deal’ on any young person’s head because of the texture and dullness identifiable with hair that’s characteristic of more elderly clients. Horse and dog hairs have considerably more luster.

Animal hair doesn't have the same styling possibilities as Remy or high-quality synthetic hair. It isn't going to hold a tight curl or even a moderate wave. There is even greater shedding than with human hair Hair Extensions if the wig-making process is of inferior quality.

In summary, there’s nothing wrong with incorporating synthetics or animal hair into human hair wigs. They have a rightful place in the industry and have appropriate uses. It’s when they are used inappropriately and deceptively that it becomes a cause for concern. Know the difference!