How to Tell if a Wig is Human Hair

Written By :

Jane Hubbard

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Wig

Written By

Jane Hubbard

Expert Author

Are you wondering if the wig you’re considering purchasing is made of human hair? It can be difficult to determine just by looking at it, but there are a few key factors that can help you figure it out. In this guide, we’ll go over how to tell if a wig is human hair or not.

How to Tell if a Wig is Human Hair

Determining whether a wig is made from human hair or synthetic materials can be crucial for those seeking a natural appearance and versatility in styling. Human hair wigs are often preferred for their realistic look and feel, but they also have a higher price tag. Knowing how to identify a human hair wig can save time, money, and ensure satisfaction with your purchase.

This guide provides essential tips and techniques for distinguishing between human hair wigs and their synthetic counterparts.

Why Is It Important To Know If A Wig Is a Human Hair?

For starters, human hair wigs are generally more expensive than synthetic wigs. Therefore, it is essential to know if a wig is made from human hair to avoid overspending on a product that may not meet your expectations.

Additionally, human hair wigs offer more styling options and can be washed, dyed, and heat-styled without causing damage. This makes them a preferred choice for those who want to change up their look frequently.

What Will You Need?

You will need a few basic tools and supplies to determine if a wig is made from human hair. These include:

  • A wig stand or mannequin head to hold the wig in place
  • A comb or brush to detangle the hair gently
  • A magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe (optional) for a closer look at individual hairs
  • Water and shampoo (optional) for testing purposes

Once you have these items, you can examine the wig to determine if it is made from human hair.

10 Easy Steps on How to Tell if a Wig is Human Hair

Step 1: Examine the Texture

Start by feeling the texture of the wig. Human hair wigs generally possess a softer and smoother texture compared to synthetic wigs. Run your fingers through the hair strands to see if they feel natural and silky. Synthetic wigs, on the other hand, may feel slightly coarser or unnaturally smooth due to the artificial fibers used. Taking a moment to get a tactile sense of the wig’s material can provide the first indication of whether it is human hair.

Step 2: Check the Sheen

Observe the sheen or shine of the wig. Human hair wigs typically have a natural, subtle shine, reflecting light similarly to natural human hair. Synthetic wigs often have an unnatural, overly glossy finish that can make them appear less realistic. Place the wig under a light source and compare its shine to that of natural hair. This will help you gauge whether the wig’s sheen aligns more closely with human hair or synthetic fibers.

Check the Shine of the Wig

Step 3: Perform a Burn Test

Conduct a small burn test to determine the wig’s material further. Carefully snip a few strands of hair from an inconspicuous area of the wig and use a lighter or match to burn the ends. Human hair will burn slowly, smell like burning hair, and leave a residue that turns to ash. Conversely, synthetic fibers will melt quickly, emit a chemical or plastic odor, and form an intricate bead when cooled. Be cautious and perform this test in a controlled environment to avoid accidents. This test can provide a definitive answer regarding the wig’s composition.

Step 4: Assess the Color

Take a close look at the wig’s color. Human hair wigs tend to have natural variations in color, similar to the subtle highlights and lowlights found in real hair. Synthetic wigs often have a uniform color throughout, lacking the depth and variation of natural hair. If possible, compare the wig against your own hair or other samples of human hair to spot these differences. This step is critical in identifying the authenticity of the wig’s material.

Step 5: Evaluate the Weight

Weigh the wig in your hands to get a sense of its heaviness. Human hair wigs usually feel slightly heavier than synthetic ones due to real hair’s density and natural heft. In contrast, synthetic wigs are often lighter and may feel less substantial when held. This weight difference can be a useful indicator in distinguishing whether a wig is made from human hair or synthetic fibers.

Step 6: Inspect the Ends

Examine the ends of the hair strands. Human hair wigs generally have tapered ends, showcasing slight variations as you would find in natural hair. Synthetic wigs often have blunt, uniform ends, as they are typically cut during the manufacturing process. Look closely at the tips to discern the more natural tapering of human hair versus the artificial finishing of synthetic wigs.

Step 7: Test for Tangling

Observe how the wig responds to tangling. Human hair is more resistant to tangling compared to synthetic fibers, which are prone to matting and tangling, especially at the nape of the neck. Gently comb through the wig with a wide-tooth comb and note how easily it detangles. If the wig resists tangling and knots, it will likely be human hair.

Test for Tangling

Step 8: Water Test

Apply a small amount of water to a section of the wig. Human hair will absorb the water and revert to its natural texture when wet, which could be wavy, curly, or straight, depending on its original state. Synthetic hair, however, will not react to water similarly and typically maintains its shape regardless of moisture. This reaction to water can help you confirm whether the wig is human hair.

Step 9: Examine the Cap Construction

Check the construction of the wig cap. Human hair wigs often come with higher-quality caps that offer more comfort and a more natural look. Features such as lace fronts, monofilament tops, and hand-tied sections are standard in human hair wigs but less so in synthetic ones. Inspecting the cap details can give you additional clues about the wig’s material.

Step 10: Consult an Expert

If you’re still uncertain after performing the above steps, seek a professional’s opinion. A wig specialist or hair stylist can definitively assess the wig’s composition. They have the experience and tools necessary to identify human hair and can give you the assurance you need before making a purchase.

By carefully following these steps, you can confidently determine whether a wig is made from human hair or synthetic fibers, ensuring that your investment meets your expectations.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Smell Test

Sometimes, the most straightforward clues come from our senses. Gently warm a small section of the hair with a blow dryer and take a sniff. Human hair has a distinct, protein-like odor, especially when heated, whereas synthetic hair often emits a plastic-like or chemical smell.

Tip 2: Feel for Moisture Retention

Human hair absorbs and retains moisture more efficiently than synthetic fibers. Moisten a small portion of the wig with water and see how it reacts. Human hair will dampen quickly and keep the moisture for a while, while synthetic hair will be more resistant to soaking water.

Tip 3: Observe Hair Movement

Pay attention to how the hair moves. Human hair has a natural bounce and fluid movement, while synthetic hair can sometimes appear stiffer and less dynamic. Shake the wig lightly or move your head while wearing it to see how naturally the hair behaves.

Observe Hair Movement

Tip 4: Examine for Chemical Treatments

Inspect the hair strands for signs of chemical processing. Human hair wigs might show subtle indicators of previous treatments, such as light dyeing or perming. These treatments often leave minor texture and color anomalies that synthetic wigs, which are manufactured to be uniformly consistent, will lack.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Burning the Hair 

While burning might seem like a surefire to determine the material, it’s extremely unsafe and can damage the wig irreparably. Additionally, the fumes from burning synthetic fibers can be toxic. Instead, rely on safer methods such as inspecting the texture and weight.

2. Refrain from Using Harsh Chemicals 

Testing a wig using harsh chemicals like bleach or dye risks ruining it and can also produce inconsistent results. These substances can alter human and synthetic hair, making it more challenging to identify the wig’s composition accurately.

3. Don’t Rely Solely on Price 

Price can be deceiving as it does not always reflect the quality or material of the wig. Some high-end synthetic wigs can be just as expensive as human hair wigs, while others may be priced affordably due to various factors. Focus on the physical characteristics and construction rather than the price tag.

4. Avoid Excessive Pulling or Tugging 

Forcefully pulling or tugging at the wig strands to test their strength can cause unnecessary damage. Both human hair and high-quality synthetic wigs can withstand a fair amount of tension, so this method is not a reliable indicator. Use gentler methods like the water test or visual inspection.

5. Steer Clear of Heat Overuse 

Excessive use of heating tools such as flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers to test the wig can lead to damage, especially if the wig is synthetic. Human hair can handle some heat, but prolonged exposure can degrade quality. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines about heat styling limits.

Don't Overuse Heating Tools

Conclusion

How to tell if a wig is human hair involves a combination of visual inspection, touch tests, and careful observation of reactions to water and heat.

Each method provides essential clues, from the ease of detangling and water absorption to the subtle, protein-like odor when heated. By following these steps and tips, you can confidently identify the composition of a wig, ensuring you select a product that aligns with your preferences and needs while avoiding common pitfalls that could lead to misidentification.

Whether you’re seeking a natural look, better durability, or simply the right investment, these guidelines will help you make an informed choice.

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