Synthetic or human hair extensions – which should I choose?
Human hair extensions behave like your own hair: they can be coloured, tolerate high heat and last for several months, but they cost more and need more care. Synthetic hair extensions keep their shape and curls after washing, are lighter and cheaper, and are perfect for scrunchies and ponytails that you put on and take off. The rule of thumb: if the hair stays attached to your own hair for weeks – choose human hair. If you just want volume in an updo – synthetic goes a long way.
Synthetic vs human hair extensions – comparison
| Synthetic hair | Human hair | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Fibre that mimics hair | Human hair, ideally Remy with all strands facing the same direction |
| Shape and curls | Keeps its shape even after washing | Styled like your own hair every time |
| Heat | Tolerates lower heat – our scrunchies tolerate up to 160 °C | Tolerates higher heat – our tape-in extensions tolerate up to 210 °C with heat protection |
| Colouring | Can't be dyed or bleached | Can be toned and dyed like your own hair |
| Weight | Light | Heavier per length |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Scrunchies, messy buns and ponytails that you put on and take off | Hair extensions that stay in for weeks, such as tape-ins |
When are synthetic extensions the right choice?
For a messy bun hair piece or a ponytail extension, synthetic is often the smartest choice. The curls and volume stay after washing, so the hair piece looks the same every time you put it on – no curling or blow-drying needed. It's also light, which matters when your own hair has to carry it.
- You want volume in updos – messy bun, bun or ponytail.
- You want it to be quick – on and off in under a minute.
- You have thin hair – lightweight extensions pull less. Read more in our guide hair extensions for thin hair.
All our scrunchies and ponytails are made from vegan synthetic fibre that tolerates heat up to 160 °C, so you can use a straightener or curling iron on a low setting.
When are human hair extensions the right choice?
When the extensions will stay in your own hair every day for several weeks, such as tape-in extensions, they should be human hair. Human hair moves naturally, blends with your own when you wear it down, and can be styled, washed and blow-dried just like your own.
- You want length or volume when your hair is down.
- You often style with high heat – human hair tolerates more, always with heat protection.
- You want to be able to tone the colour so it matches your hair exactly.
Our tape-in extensions are 100% Double Drawn Remy human hair, 50 cm long, and can be reused for up to 6 months with the right care. Double Drawn means the short strands have been sorted out, so the hair is just as thick from the tab all the way to the ends.
How to recognise good hair extensions
- Synthetic: a matte, natural shine – not a plasticky gloss – and a fibre that doesn't tangle the moment you run your fingers through it.
- Human hair: Remy hair where the outer layer of every strand faces the same direction, so it doesn't mat. “Double Drawn” gives an even thickness all the way to the ends.
- Colour: a shade that matches your lengths in daylight. Between two shades? Choose the lighter one.
Care – the differences
- Synthetic scrunchie or ponytail: wash when needed in lukewarm water with a mild shampoo and let it air dry. The shape comes back on its own.
- Human hair tape-ins: wash 2–3 times a week with a shampoo free from harsh sulphates, use conditioner on the lengths only, blow-dry the tabs and always use heat protection.
Read more in our guide how to wash hair extensions. Our Strengthening Hair Bars are gentle on both synthetic and human hair extensions.
FAQ
Are human hair extensions always better?
No. For extensions that stay in for weeks, human hair is best. For a scrunchie or ponytail that you take off every evening, synthetic is often better, because the shape stays and the weight is lower.
Can you dye synthetic hair extensions?
No, synthetic fibre can't be dyed or bleached. Hair mascara can give a temporary change of shade. Human hair can be toned by a hairdresser.
Can you use a straightener on synthetic hair extensions?
Yes, on our scrunchies and ponytails – the fibre tolerates up to 160 °C. Use a low setting and test on a small strand first.
How long do synthetic hair extensions last?
It depends on how often you use them and how you care for them. Our Tangled Scrunchie usually lasts around 3 months with daily use.
How long do human hair tape-in extensions last?
The tabs stay in for 6–8 weeks and the hair can be reused for up to 6 months. Read more in our guide how long tape-in extensions last.
Not sure what suits you? Send us a photo of your hair via contact us and our hairdressers will help you choose.