There are two kinds of hair extensions that can be purchased: synthetic hair extensions and human hair extensions. Synthetic hair extensions are cheaper than natural 100% hair extensions. It is also known to hold styles remarkably well. So if you choose to use rollers to deep curl the hair, the curl on made on synthetic hair can hold its form all day or even days at a time unlike what would happen if the same method was used on human hair extensions.
However, compared to natural human hair, extensions made from synthetic hair can become dangerous under certain conditions and these dangers need to be addressed before you take the plunge and buy the hair. You want to avoid any damage to your own hair at all costs!
Unlike human hair, synthetic hair has little resistance to heat. This means that an individual with synthetic hair extensions should never blow dry the hair using excessive heat. Furthermore, other heating tools like flat irons, curling irons, heated hooded hair dryers and even those created specifically for hairstyling, should be avoided.
If your synthetic extensions are exposed to an exorbitant amount of heat, the hair will burn or melt. This melting can easily mesh with your natural hair and can cause major damage to your hair and scalp. So, if you choose synthetic over natural, you should be very careful whenever you are cooking or working with an oven or stove or if you are near any heated element or area, as synthetic hairs can easily and quickly burn.
Another danger of synthetic hair is that, unlike 100% natural human hair extensions, they don’t allow the scalp or your natural hair to breathe properly. For your scalp this can create a warmer environment, which may cause it to sweat and itch. A scalp that is always moist can become a good breeding ground for fungus and bacteria to grow. Make sure that you fully dry your hair when wearing synthetic hair extensions to avoid mold or fungus damage to your healthy hair.
Synthetic hair can also become matted easily, that’s why it is considered a more difficult type of hair to maintain and style. If you choose to apply this type of hair for extensions, you need to realize that you cannot keep synthetic hair extensions in your hair as long as you would 100% human hair. This is due to the fact that the fibers are quite rough on our natural hair, and in time this abrasiveness can lead to hair breakage and shedding.
Limitations of Washing & Styling Synthetic Hair Extensions:
A person with synthetic hair must be aware that it cannot be manipulated in the same way that 100% human hair can be. Synthetic hair easily loses its silky, smooth look after a few washing. The more the hair is washed the less maintained it looks – unlike human hair extensions. The synthetic fibers of the hair are easily displaced leading to uncooperative hair, so this hair needs extra care while handling it.
This type of hair cannot be dyed so there is less versatility when it comes to styling. Synthetic hair also does not feel as soft – especially after a washing session. It can feel a bit rough to the touch in comparison to human hair extensions.
To make the safer choice, human hair extensions are recommended. 100% human natural hair is not as delicate and offers way more versatility when it comes to styling choices, which makes it a much better choice over synthetic hair. While natural hair is more expensive, it will also last much longer and looks better than synthetic hair.
Just remember, if you are choosing to go down the synthetic hair route for your weave or hair extension braids, be mindful of these things and take the necessary precautions to maintain the hair’s longevity as well as your own. In the end it’s ultimately up to you.
