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What is Synthetic Hair?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Synthetic hair is material that appears to be human hair but is made from non-human materials. These beauty items are often referred to as fake hair, a weave, and extensions. They are generally used by women to make their hair appear longer, thicker, or a different color. There are several ways that this hair can be attached.

Generally, synthetic hair is used by women who believe that it enhances their appearance. This may be done by making a woman with short hair appear to have longer hair, or to create buns and other styles that would otherwise be difficult due to insufficient natural hair volume. Fake hair can also be used when a woman wants a color change without dying her natural hair.

Hair extensions can be added to make hair appear thicker.
Hair extensions can be added to make hair appear thicker.

There are various qualities of synthetic hair, although most are made from some type of plastic. As such, they tend to respond poorly to heat implements. Many, however, are pre-styled, meaning that a person does not have to worry with using styling implements; she can simply buy fake hair that is already curled or waved as she likes it.

Artificial hair generally does not respond to the same dyes as human hair, but this does not mean that those who use these beauty products are limited in their color choices. Fake hair comes in a wide range of colors, including multiple tones and highlighted hair pieces. Some people attempt to match the fake hair to their natural hair color, but others choose colors that are completely different.

A wig is one way to wear synthetic hair.
A wig is one way to wear synthetic hair.

There are several ways to wear synthetic hair. One way is by wearing a wig, and a full wig is like a cap with hair attached. A person’s real hair is tucked in with the wig covering the top, back, and sides of the head. There are also partial wigs that only cover part of the head.

When fake hair is referred to as a weave, it is usually glued or sewed into the hair. This often involves hair that is connected to a track, which is cut and can be glued to the scalp with specially designed bonding glues. The tracks can also be sewn into the hair with thread. This usually involves braiding a portion of the hair and weaving the thread through the braids to connect the fake hair.

Synthetic hair is also commonly used for braiding. The fake hair that is used for these styles is generally loose. There are various methods of attaching these loose strands to a person’s natural hair to create a braided style.

Discussion Comments

anon993164

Do you know where this human hair is coming from? Why are you tampering with your head? Remember the head is the most important part of the body. Please don't tamper with your glory.

anon983747

I'm thinking of buying a protein fiber hair mannequin and I was wondering if you can use curling wands or flat irons on it? Also how to take care of it and about how long it will last.

anon210445

Can you use hair straighteners on synthetic hair or not?

shoeshopper

italy12- It is true that synthetic hair extensions do not last as long as human hair extensions. This is party attributed to daily washing and heat styling tools. I recommend purchasing a clip-in synthetic hair piece if you desire to have longer, fuller hair. Clip in hair pieces last longer and are less expensive.

italy12

If you are considering getting a hair weave, I would stay away from synthetic hair extensions. Hair extensions are very expensive and synthetic hair does not last very long. It starts to get dry and brittle very quickly and you will have to replace the hair often, which can cost a lot of money. Additionally, synthetic hair extensions do not look natural. It doesn't blend well with your natural hair and is difficult to style.

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    • Hair extensions can be added to make hair appear thicker.
      By: RTDS
      Hair extensions can be added to make hair appear thicker.
    • A wig is one way to wear synthetic hair.
      By: Brian Jackson
      A wig is one way to wear synthetic hair.
    • It may be wise to choose a hair weave that closely matches a person's natural hair color.
      By: VeremeeV_1980
      It may be wise to choose a hair weave that closely matches a person's natural hair color.
    • Synthetic hair may be particularly beneficial to individuals experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy.
      By: prudkov
      Synthetic hair may be particularly beneficial to individuals experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy.
    • Synthetic extensions are typically bonded to natural hair using heat.
      By: tolstnev
      Synthetic extensions are typically bonded to natural hair using heat.