As the global hair market continues to go through its changes, among its worldwide customer base also exists different, ever-changing consumption patterns, preferences for hair quality, pricing ranges, and performance. To catch up with such changes, hair manufacturers across the industry have introduced multiple hair types up for choosing, however, these diverse variations can still be boiled down to two categories: synthetic weave vs human hair weave.
Despite their popular presence in the market, many hair buyers are still unaware of the differences between synthetic and human hair extensions. As a result, when having to choose between these options, many tend to be hesitant, in doubt, and often end up selecting the wrong hair types – unsuitable for their individual needs. This article will be the help for that, providing you with all the information needed to distinguish the two, as well as discussing their perks and drawbacks to help buyers navigate through this difficult decision.
1. What is Synthetic hair?
To understand the differences between synthetic weave vs human hair weave, every hair buyer must make sure that they have been well-informed with the origin, production and material of both types, before discussing their pros and cons. To work from the ground up, let’s start with synthetic hair – the former option.
Synthetic hair is a man-made hair enhancement item, much like its name, is made from synthetic, chemical-based plastic fiber. Throughout the years, huge improvement has been made in the manufacturing of these specific hair types, with advanced base materials, specialized technologies applied to make the fiber look more convincing and natural – capturing and mimicking the movement, hair sheen of authentic human hair. Hence, in the market, synthetic hair products are considered as the perfect substitute for the classic human hair extensions, as they can copy the natural, gorgeous appeal of our own hair without demanding the same expensive price tag.
In fact, over the years, synthetic hair weaves have been able to secure for itself a stable standing in the global hair market. Indeed, according to Grand View Research, in 2022, synthetic hair extension items have successfully contributed more than 34% of the overall $6.58 billion market revenue, with the most impressive CAGR of 8.7%. Such a number is a clear representation of the growing popularity of this specific hair line, as well as their potential as a business investment. Throughout the period, synthetic hair factories, in an attempt to minimize the flaws and further diversify their offerings, have introduced many synthetic hair variations, such as heat-friendly synthetic hair, and synthetic hair that has been mixed with human hair – offering more choices and options to cater to the different hair needs in the market.
2. What is Human hair?
Discussing the differences between synthetic weave vs human hair weave, most participants would have to agree that, in terms of origin and quality, the latter option – the human hair extensions would definitely be the superior one.
Regarding its origin, human hair extensions are made entirely with human hair – hair cut and collected from authentic, healthy and young hair donors only, without using the involvement of chemicals like the synthetic hair counterparts. Such a difference in hair origin also resulted in a completely distinct hair type compared to the former synthetic option. Indeed, human hair can preserve many desirable traits of our own hair, such as its original protective cuticle layer, hair strength and versatility – offering a more natural, authentic hair option, superior to the artificial, man-made synthetic hair.
Among the pool of options, between synthetic weave vs human hair weave, the latter would definitely be the more prominent, highly in favour choice – entrusted by many hair buyers in the market for its integrity and authenticity. In fact, in that very same research done by Grand View Research, compared to the 34% revenue of synthetic hair, human hair weave’s figures were strictly dominant, taking up to 66% of the total hair market – showcasing its prominent popularity and extremely high market demands. Indeed, for hair businesses looking for their big break in the hair industry, targeting human hair extensions would truly provide a suitable, lucrative jumpstart to introduce themselves to the market. Furthermore, to better meet the different hair preferences regarding pricing and hair quality, human hair suppliers also offer multiple subcategories for their clients:
- Virgin hair: the highest quality human hair – collected from one donor only, offering the most durability and performance.
- Remy hair: the more economical hair line – collected from 2-3 donors, offering a more affordable and widely available hair option.
3. Differences between Synthetic weave vs Human hair weave
For many hair buyers in the market, especially inexperienced, first-time buyers, choosing between synthetic weave vs human hair weaves has been a recurring problem for every purchasing plan made. Indeed, the vague resemblances between them are making the decision-making process harder, while only a few professional hair buyers in the market are fully aware of their differences and are able to distinguish them from each other. Hence, for inexperienced hair buyers, their lack of knowledge plays a crucial role in exaggerating the challenges. However, as similar as the two options may initially seem, they can still be differentiated from each other in many aspects, as can be presented below:
| Synthetic hair | Human hair | |
| Material | Much like its name might suggest, Synthetic hair is made entirely from synthetic material: chemical-based plastic fiber – designed to mimic the natural textures and hair shine of human hair. | Unlike Synthetic hair, human hair is collected strictly from human sources: hair donors, with little to none chemical involvement prior and throughout the production and sourcing. |
| Lifespan | As the strands are made from plastic-base material, Synthetic hair tends to have a short-lasting lifespan:
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Human hair is collected from authentic human donors, hence, it can be as long-lasting as our own hair:
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| Styling versatility | Being made with plastic also means that Synthetic hair would be extremely limiting in terms of versatility:
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Much like our own hair, human hair can allow multiple, repeated styling options for their users:
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| Ability to hold textures | Synthetic hair often comes with their permanent, fixed style and hair look:
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Human hair, when it comes to the ability to hold curls, can be more flexible compared to Synthetic hair: High-quality, pristine human hair can hold its curls and textures for hours to come, and still bounce back to its original texture after washing |
| Appearance | Over the years, Synthetic hair items have improved and innovated their hair look:
In the market, besides the natural-looking Synthetic hair, also exists the fashion-forward options, with vibrant, striking colors rarely seen in human hair market → suitable for those with niche hair preferences |
Human hair extensions can offer the most natural, elegant hair look for their customers:
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| Maintenance | Comparing synthetic weave vs human hair weave, the former would definitely be the more low-maintenance:
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Human hair would definitely be the more demanding, high-maintenance hair options:
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4. Pros & Cons of Synthetic weave vs Human hair weave
Knowing the differences between Synthetic weave vs human hair weave is rarely enough. Indeed, in order to make the most well-grounded decision, as well as preparing yourself before buying any types of hair extensions in the market, you should also be well-informed with the perks and drawbacks of each hair type variation – Synthetic hair and human hair. For personal hair users, this can help you to consider the suitability of the lace for your individual interests, and for hair business owners, this can provide you with the selling points of the products, as well as the potential limitations you need to be aware of.
4.1. Pros & Cons of Synthetic hair
When learning the differences between Synthetic weave vs human hair weave, some of the Synthetic hair’s perks and drawbacks can be presented as follow:
4.1.1. Pros of Synthetic weave
For hair buyers considering purchasing Synthetic hair for their next order, here might be some benefits you can enjoy from using or selling these products:
- Affordability: the plastic fiber used to make Synthetic hair is often much more widely-available compared to the raw hair material making the human hair counterpart. Furthermore, the cost for the materials, as well as its production process is extremely inexpensive → ultimately leading to the low pricing model offered for Synthetic hair we see today.
- Low-maintenance: being made entirely with plastic also means that Synthetic hair is less demanding in terms of hair care – as the strands are stiff and can rarely be damaged by external factors → do not require complex, multiple hair maintenance steps like the human hair weaves.
- Diversity: unlike human hair, Synthetic hair can offer a wide range of color and texture choice – even including rare, fashionable hair colors such as neon green, hot pink,… – color rarely seen in human hair. Hence, they can better cater to customers wanting a unique, exotic hair look.
4.1.2. Cons of Synthetic weave
Despite its numerous benefits, Synthetic hair also comes with its own drawbacks:
- Unnatural look: no matter how advanced they are, Synthetic hair cannot mimic entirely the natural appeal of human hair. The stiff, brittle hair strands, as well as the inflexible, awkward-looking hair shine can easily give it away if observed closely → affecting the aesthetic and hair look of its wearers.
- Short-lasting lifespan: another crucial drawback of using Synthetic hair is their short lifespan – as the strands are coarse and brittle, and lack the natural protective layer to maintain its long-lasting hair performance. In the market, most Synthetic hair weaves often last for 2-6 months only, before needing replacement
- Lack of styling versatility: the plastic material used to create Synthetic hair is extremely heat-sensitive and cannot take on heat-inducing styling. Furthermore, as being made with plastic, it cannot absorb chemicals either, hence, cannot be bleached or dyed freely.
4.2. Pros & Cons of Human hair
When learning the differences between Synthetic weave vs human hair weave, some of the human hair’s perks and drawbacks can be presented as follow:
4.2.1. Pros of Human hair weave
For hair buyers considering purchasing human hair for their next order, here might be some benefits you can enjoy from using or selling these products:
- Natural hair look: being made entirely with authentic hair collected from young donors, human hair can best preserve many traits seen in our own hair, one of which is its natural, elegant and gorgeous look. Indeed, the hair strands are soft, smooth, silky and with minimal tangling or shedding → making the hair as voluminous and gorgeous as it is. Furthermore, its cuticle layer also adorns the hair strands with lustrous, shiny hair sheen → much more natural compared to the artificial shine of Synthetic hair.
- Styling versatility: one major strength that human hair has over its synthetic counterpart is that the hair can be styled freely just like our own hair. Indeed, with the protection from the cuticles, human hair can be styled, curled, and straightened to one’s liking without taking damage. Furthermore, the hair can also be dyed and bleached to offer a more flexible styling range to its users.
- Long-lasting hair use: unlike Synthetic hair, human hair can be used for 2-4 years under proper care – thanks to having its cuticles intact, human hair can withstand prolonged using time, as well as maintaining its original healthy state, nutrients and moisture → making the hair type much more long-lasting than other variations in the market.
4.2.2. Cons of Human hair weave
Despite its numerous benefits, human hair also comes with its own drawbacks:
- More expensive: to produce a decent-quality human hair weave, advance machineries and skilled labour are required. Furthermore, as the availability of high-quality raw hair materials is shrinking globally, producing human hair calls for more resources to be spent → leading to its ultimate expensive pricing.
- High-maintenance: unlike Synthetic hair, human hair requires extensive, thorough hair care routine in order to avoid common issues such as dehydration, tangling and frizziness. Indeed, only if the users follow its strict, complex maintenance steps, can human hair preserve its original state and longevity.
- Easily affected by external factors: human hair – much like our own hair, is often subjected to external factors, such as humidity, high heat, sunlight, causing frizziness, dryness, and fading hair colors. Hence, it also demands for more careful storage and hair use.
5. How to distinguish Synthetic weave vs Human hair weave?
The hair market, as diverse and international as it is, also comes with multiple underlying threats, either from scammers or from unreliable hair vendors, looking for an opportunity to take advantage of the lack of knowledge of many hair buyers out there. Indeed, as human hair is much more popular and considered better quality, numerous hair suppliers often stock synthetic hair and market them as the authentic human hair to save up on the unit cost and acquire more profit for their business. This shady business approach is extremely damaging for the buyers. In fact, for those unknowing of the differences between synthetic weave vs human hair weave, mistakes are almost unavoidable, with many buyers purchasing the wrong hair types, resulting in dire financial losses and ruining reputation and business image.
To avoid falling victim to such a tactic, hair buyers can consider some ways to distinguish synthetic hair from human hair as follow:
5.1. Visual proof
One of the easiest ways to put the authenticity of the hair to the test is to observe closely the visual appeal of the hair by demanding close-up videos, images of the hair and their manufacturing from its suppliers, or go over their product presentation uploaded on their social media account. By doing so, hair buyers could examine the out appearance of the hair, as well as be provided with proof of hair production and sourcing, hence, be more assured of the hair’s legitimate origin. However, this method is only recommended as a basic, standard testing method, rather than a solid one, as in today’s market, many Synthetic hair can look almost identical to human hair, and hair scammers can even steal these proofs from other competitors and claim them as their own to trick the customers.
5.2. Video call
One of the other ways to test the hair’s authenticity is to pay a visit to the actual site of their factory, however, this option is not always possible, as for the long travelling distance and expensive transportation fees. Hence, to virtually visit the production site or the company’s office, hair buyers can arrange for a video call with the vendor, asking them to show you around the office or the factory, asking them to run their finger or a comb through the hair weave to check for any excessive shedding or tangling. This method is easily one of the most effective hair testing methods out there, as it can help buyers to gain the most honest insight of the hair’s production and authenticity, as well as getting to know the vendor providing the hair.
5.3. Hair test
Another effective way to test the hair’s authenticity can distinguish synthetic weave vs human hair weave is to ask for the result of the following hair tests, or perform them yourself for the most honest insights:
- Burn test: burn a small section of the hair, if it burns slowly, curls away from the flame, gives off white smoke, and leaves behind fine, crushable ash, it is 100% human hair; if the hair burns quickly, emits a gray, black smoke, and leaves small, shiny, hard plastic beads, it is most likely synthetic hair.
- Bleaching test: apply bleach to a small hair section, if the hair can lift evenly to at least #613 for Virgin hair or #27 for Remy hair, it indicates pure human hair origin, while synthetic hair cannot absorb chemicals, hence, will not change color at all.
- Washing test: wash the hair in luke warm water, if the hair can still preserve its original textures and color after washing, it is most likely synthetic hair; however, if some of its original textures or color is removed after the washing, it is most definitely human hair
5.4. Sample order
Even if you have performed all the above testing methods, you cannot trust the vendor with your big order just yet. Indeed, before committing to any bulk orders, hair buyers should first place a sample order in smaller quantities first to actually see the hair’s quality with your own eyes. When the package arrives, you can run a wide-tooth comb through the hair to check for tangling and shedding, or perform the aforementioned hair tests on the hair directly. By doing so, you can not only gain the most honest, thorough insights of the hair’s quality and originality, but also look into the vendor’s professionalism and customer service etiquettes.
6. Can I dye Synthetic hair extensions?
Considering the discussion of synthetic weave vs human hair weave, one popular question raised by many hair users in the market is that, can their synthetic hair extensions be dyed or bleached to a different hair color.
Responding to this question, the answer is a simple “no”. Indeed, as previously mentioned, synthetic hair is made entirely with plastic-based materials, hence, the plastic hair strands themselves are chemicals and cannot absorb in or tolerate any chemical-based styling processes like hair bleaching or dyeing. In fact, synthetic hair often comes in multiple color options, with many diverse hair colors from the classic blonde, natural black, to the fashionable, trendy burgundy, orange,… The particular color look that the hair came with is its designated permanent, long-lasting look – it cannot be altered or dyed into a new one even if the hair buyers go out of their way to do so.
One particular type of synthetic hair that can allow dyeing and bleaching is the variation in which the weaves are mixed with both plastic hair fiber and authentic human hair strands. For this specific synthetic hair line, the human hair strands included in the weft can tolerate the chemical and produce the desired color for the users. However, as only a proportion of the hair weave can be dyed, leaving the plastic fiber in its original color, completely unaffected and intact from the chemical – resulting in a messy, undesirable, uneven coloring outcome that cheapens the original hair look.
7. What type you should choose
Comparing synthetic weave vs human hair weave is realizing that, among the two options, there is no “better” one. Indeed, given their distinct features and benefits, it is clear to see that each option comes with its own perks and drawbacks, and as hard as one might try, there is not necessarily a completely superior hair line that is better than the other in every aspect. Hence, when discussing the differences between synthetic and human hair, we are better off to discuss their suitability for our individual business needs, rather than comparing them vaguely.
7.1. Synthetic hair is best for who?
Despite human hair extension being considered the superior option in terms of quality and lifespan, for a vast majority of hair buyers in the market, the affordable, fashionable synthetic hair has managed to become among the most popular go-to hair choices out there. Indeed, having to meet with many skepticism in the global hair industry, synthetic hair still has its own targeted customer base, thanks to its benefits:
7.1.1. Hair buyers with lower budget
espite the improvement made in the global economy and living quality in many regions across the globe, there still exists numerous hair buyers belonging to the middle-lower income class – who possess lower spending power and disposable income to spend on luxurious commodities like hair extensions. Hence, when shopping for hair weaves, they tend to lean forward to cheaper, more accessible hair items that can match their limited budget and personal preferences. For such cases, synthetic hair soon became the most obvious, perfect candidate – offering an extremely competitive, money-saving pricing model to match buyer’s interests. In fact, for as much as $10-$40, customers can get their hands on a decent-quality synthetic weave – cheap compared to the $50-$500 pricing range of human hair. Furthermore, with such low pricing, hair buyers are able to purchase more synthetic hair bundles to match their styling needs – solving the problem with its limited styling range.
7.1.2. Buyers with busy lifestyles
Nowadays, as the busy, bustling lifestyle soon becomes prominent in the modern world, women tend to have less and less time to spend on excessive, complex hair styling and maintenance on a daily basis. Hence, modern hair buyers often show interest in hair lines that do not require too frequent styling and hair care, in order to match with their busy schedule and lifestyles. As a result, the simple, user-friendly, manageable synthetic hair poses as the perfect candidate to meet this specific hair demand, requiring little to none maintenance be done throughout its entire lifespan. Furthermore, given its fixed, permanent hair look, hair buyers would not have to spend an extra time daily to restyle and re-texturize the hair to achieve their desired look – just putting it on and the wearer would be ready for the day.
7.1.3. Buyers targeting niche hair look
One huge advantage that synthetic hair has over human hair is their diversity. Indeed, in this particular hair line, customers can be offered with multiple color, texture options that are rarely seen in the human hair counterpart, such as neon green, neon pink, bright yellow,… These choices can best cater synthetic hair to hair buyers with niche product criteria or those wanting unique, exotic hair solutions to go with their personal aesthetic needs and brand image.
7.2. Human hair is best for who?
Comparing Synthetic weave vs human hair weave, in terms of natural appeal and quality, the latter would definitely be the superior option. In fact, thanks to its ability to deliver the ultimate natural look, human hair has long been praised as the go-to hair line option- widely used by hair users and salon professionals worldwide:
7.2.1. Hair buyers wanting natural-looking hair
In today’s world, the existing beauty standards have been altered by the influence of social media, Western beauty trends and the cosmetic, skin-care industry, leading to a huge shift toward natural-looking, elegant hair look. Hence, more and more women – the main target of these trends, tend to be heavily affected and become more prone to lean toward natural hair enhancement to embrace and elevate their natural look, achieving their desired, trendy appearance. As a result, human hair weaves and their effortless, seamless hair appeal soon become the most suitable candidate for purchasing.
7.2.2. Hairstylists, professionals
Salon professionals, stylists are also another huge market sector for this specific hair line. Indeed, being the person directly working with the hair extensions and applying them onto their client’s scalp, hairstylists are also the one taking direct responsibility of the hair’s final look. Indeed, by using the natural, gorgeous human hair in their installation, hairstylists can have more chances to secure positive customer feedback, as well as ensuring optimal user experience for their clients in the long run. Furthermore, as artisans themselves, salon professionals would not show interest in such a limiting hair line as the synthetic hair, rather, they would be more prone to purchasing human hair, as its styling versatility can offer them with more creative freedom.
7.2.3. Buyers aiming for luxurious hair solutions
Nowadays, given the improvement made in the economy and living conditions in many parts of the world, more and more women are equipped with financial stability and more disposable income to spend on their personal aesthetic and beauty needs. Furthermore, as the availability of hair extensions and other related products have been made possible with the prominence of social media and online shopping, these products are becoming more accessible to the masses. Due to these specific reasons, hair buyers’ standards for their hair items have been raised to a higher level over time, leading to an increasing interest in high-quality, premium product lines. Facing such a consumption trend, human hair, with its performance, longevity and versatility, have soon become the most popular hair line in the market.
8. K-Hair: #1 Vietnamese human hair factory
Discussing synthetic weave vs human hair weave, for clients wanting human hair extensions, one of the most reliable suppliers for this hair line is the well-renowned K-Hair Vietnam. Among the numerous competitors operating in the market, K-Hair has steadily secured its position as one of Vietnam’s most reputable and longstanding hair manufacturers, gradually earning trust and loyalty from wholesale and retail buyers across the globe, thanks to its consistent delivery of premium-quality Vietnamese hair. Over the years, the brand has built for itself a strong global reputation shaped by stable product quality, transparent working procedures, and a professional business approach that places long-term partnership value at the center of every transaction.
- Within the increasingly growing and diversifying number of today’s hair suppliers, K-Hair continues to distinguish itself as a reliable and trusted supplier name, particularly favored for its commitment to supplying 100% Vietnamese human hair that can still maintain its natural shine, softness, and impressive durability. Every hair item is ethically sourced from healthy Vietnamese donors and be kept completely untouched from chemical handling, allowing the hair to preserve its innate strength, versatility, and natural texture throughout the entire production process.
- In terms of hair quality, each K-Hair wholesale hair item is created to allow bleaching, dyeing, and various restyling techniques while maintaining minimal shedding or tangling – a feature that has further backed up the factory’s reputation among a wide range of international clients in the market. On top of that, the brand offers a diverse selection of color options, from classic natural black to bold, standout shades such as blonde, orange, and green, making it an ideal destination for buyers seeking both dependability and extensive customization.
- Thanks to its fully in-house production system, covering everything from raw hair collection to final finishing, K-Hair is able to uphold strict quality control measures while eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. This strategic structure not only secures product consistency but also enables the brand to provide competitive, factory-direct wholesale pricing, allowing clients to enhance profit margins without compromising product standards.
- Alongside its strong product quality, K-Hair is also highly valued for its customer-oriented approach. Clear communication, flexible payment policies, and responsive support across every stage, from consultation and production updates to shipping coordination and after-sales care, all contribute to a smooth, transparent, and reassuring buying experience for wholesale partners worldwide.
Contact For More Information:
- Website: https://khairvn.com/
- Address: 10A, 171 Nguyen Ngoc Vu, Yen Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Phone: +8492 633 2545 (WhatsApp)
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KHairFactoryVN/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KHAIRFACTORYBESTVIETNAMHAIR
- Whatsapp: +8492 633 2545
>>Want a virtual factory visit? Check out this video below, featuring the famous hair influencer – Lovitto Trend!
A Tour Of K-Hair Factory and Hair Test (w/ Lovitto Trend)
9. Conclusion
With the information provided in this article, we hope that we have managed to assist young, ambitious business women in the hair industry about the overall market, tips, and most importantly, the most trusted supplier for lace wigs, as well as the differences between Synthetic weave vs human hair weave. Doing business requires long-term commitment and support from trustworthy business partners, we proudly present ourselves not only as a trusted hair supplier, but also a supportive friend who will always have your back in this competitive industry.
Wanting to start stocking hair for the next big sales season? Contact us through the following link:
- Website: https://khairvn.com/
- Address: 10A, 171 Nguyen Ngoc Vu, Yen Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Phone: +8492 633 2545 (WhatsApp)
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KHairFactoryVN/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KHAIRFACTORYBESTVIETNAMHAIR
- Whatsapp: +8492 633 2545
