Short hair for a woman! Well, that sounds highly controversial among many societies and individuals altogether. With short hair up to college level, I always head all these judgments about women who keep their hair short. For me, this is what I like so much, and even now that my hair has grown at least longer, I still feel, back then, with short hair is where I belong.
Why am I saying all these? Well, the topic is hair extensions, how many types do you know? Hair extensions form a vital part of some women’s hairdressing essentials. As their name suggests, they are hair extenders, making your hair appear longer while short in the real sense.
So far today, there is quite a variety you can choose from. The difference majorly reflects on the methodology of use/ application.

Human Hair Extensions vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions
As expected, there is quite a variety for this, whether they are human or synthetic hair. While there could be significant similarities between these two, equally, there are vital differencing facts and features we should understand. Most people will barely confuse these two, especially on accounts of their definition. What typically would bring the confusion is the difference in reality, how they appear especially.
For a clear light shade on these two, let’s look at the key factors holding the differences between them.
Make or Origin Difference
The critical feature bringing the difference between human hair extensions and the synthetic types is the difference in origin.
Human hair, as the name suggests, comes from actual human donors. These extensions, therefore, come with cuticles still intact, and that prevents any tangling chances. From this characteristic defining their existence, the extensions always remain soft, straight, and silky in their appearance as they exist on the human head. They all stay in such a state long enough, one year and even more.
Synthetic hair: These are different. As their name suggests, they refer to hair extensions made from synthetic materials, the blended fiber in particular to imitate natural human hair’s look and appearance. The blend here composes of quality plastic fiber materials that produce a delicate, human hair-like string.
Appearance and Feel
Most of us find the confusion here. If you know how exactly human hair feels and looks, then this will be a coffee establishing the difference.
For those close enough to investigate these two, there are always similarities and different features between them. Color, style, and application forms tend to be similar. The critical appearance difference is how stiffer the synthetic extenders appear. This characteristic makes them less swift in how they move and sway.
When it comes to feeling, synthetic hair extenders tend to be wiry or coarser. Those who have them on can always feel this – always different from ordinary human hair.
Coloring and Styling
When you think of ‘Human hair extensions, always imagine you can treat it the same way you would your natural hair. What I mean is that you can always curl it, blow it, straighten and color it according to your preference. Synthetic hair can never allow most of these.
Typically, you cannot and probably should not bleach or dye synthetic hair. If you intend to straighten it, never think of blowing as an option; it will all destroy it. Plastics are highly vulnerable to heat; your hair might melt away if you try any of the following;
- Ironing to form curls
- Straightening
- Blow drying
These, however, are not all; exposing your synthetic hair extender to sun, harsh hair products, or friction can quickly destroy your hair.
Quality and Longevity
Overly Synthetic hair extenders tend to be of lesser quality and so pricing. Unlike the human hair types, they barely last. Human hair lasts upwards of one year, while synthetic type only 3 to 4 months. Still, there is a significant risk of losing them to factors discussed above, sun, heat, and so on.
The bottom line of these two is that taking good care of any of these is the key. While human hair appears more flexible and durable, there is still much care we need to put on them to ensure they last and maintain quality.
How to Fix a Hair Extender
Typical methods existing for this include;
- Clipping
- Gluing
- Sewing
All these work for both human and synthetic hairs. Out of these methods, there are particular extension applications you can choose. The options available are;
- Tape-in extensions: These involve glue or tape application to stick on your hair. It is not a DIY procedure; hence you will most likely need a hairdresser to ensure you do it correctly.
- Clip-in or clip-on extensions: These are a temporary hair extension method, meaning they are easily applied and removed. Many people use them when in a hurry and have no much time to waste
- Sew-In Hair Extensions/Weave: On this, you will need a thread and needle to fix the extenders.
- Fusion & Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
- Microlink Hair Extensions
- Wigs & Hair Pieces
FAQs
Which type of hair extensions are best?
We always want the best of everything. Between human and synthetic hairs, we always have a choice to make. As it is seen, human hair appears to share more advantages than its alternative, type; however, this also comes at a price. Synthetic hair extenders never last and are always of lower quality compared to human hair types.
What are the longest-lasting hair extensions?
Human hair. They come with the cuticles’ natural human characteristics, which makes them long-lasting and resistant to typical destroyers. The hair does remain strong and non-tangled.
If you are looking for a Zala Hair Extension Review then visit Hair Critics.
Either human or synthetic can always fulfill the purpose. However, with these tough economic times, what you need probably is a long-lasting, quality extender. Look more beautiful and presentable in what thrills and breathes a new vibe into your life.
For longevity and quality, chose human hair extenders – they will give you the best. Synthetic extenders should mostly remain as second options.
*Photos by KoolShooters