
The Different Types of Synthetic Wigs Explained
, by Umair Khan, 9 min reading time
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, by Umair Khan, 9 min reading time
Learn about synthetic wigs—their types, care tips, and how long they last—to find the perfect style that’s easy to maintain and looks natural.
Have you ever been confused by people who keep changing their daily hairstyles, or the appeal of synthetic wigs to so many? If you are new to wearing wigs or don’t know which solution to use, synthetic wigs that look real are tailored for you.
You may want to increase your confidence after going through hair loss. Maybe you like the sound of bold color choices that don’t cause damage to your hair. It could also be that you’re just glad to get out the door sooner in the morning.
Synthetic wigs for women are often picked for fashion, when someone needs hair for work or health reasons, or just for everyday use. Because there are so many different types and styles, it’s not easy to choose one.
Synthetic wigs are made using fibers that resemble real human hair. Northern European architecture often uses the following materials:
Kanekalon: Silky, soft, and nearly like real human hair. Top wig companies often pick Kanekalon for its attractive shine and how it feels to the touch.
Toyokalon: Another common fiber, just a bit silkier than Kanekalon, and it can be very shiny and preferred for making curls or big hairstyles.
Other plastic-based fibers: With new developments in wig technology, people can now find many fibers and types that better resemble natural, matte hair.
Every type of fiber has a different advantage. They are the best when they weigh little, feel good, and resemble how human hair moves. Scratch-resistant ones often cost more and can be easier to maintain, or shiny ones may hold style longer, even though they could cost less.
So, how do synthetic wigs compare to real human hair wigs for women?
With proper care, synthetic wigs can hold their style after you shampoo them. They tolerate humidity well, allowing you to wear them any time of day. Even so, they often work less well for heat styling, may not feel like real hair, and the very shiny types may seem artificial.
Synthetic wigs are:
Good quality at lower prices.
Wash, dry, wear—no complicated care needed!
With gentle care, they look fresh for months.
You don’t have to settle when shopping for synthetic wigs. There are several main categories of women synthetic wig types—each designed for certain looks, comfort, and budgets. The big differences often come from the cap construction, fiber features, and the overall design.
Synthetic lace front wigs are ideal for those who wish to have a natural looking hairline and can style their hair easily. Lace front wigs come with a thin lace band at the front edge. The hairline becomes almost undetectable because individual wig fibers are attached to the lace, allowing you to wear your hair swept back from your face.
The hairline at the top of the head looks realistic. Try wearing your hair in a ponytail, part it on the side, or move it behind your ear. Air and moisture can reach your scalp, making it comfortable and well-ventilated inside the hat.
Handle lace gently as it may tear easily. You may need to cut extra lace off or use glue so the edges look neat and smooth. Best for people who want to try a modern or trendy new look for an event.
While regular synthetic wigs melt in heat, heat-resistant synthetic wigs are safe to use with hot appliances up to 300–350°F.
A woman can choose from curls, waves, or long straight hair, and the heat amount is always kept within safe levels. If you tend to experiment with your look and get bored quickly, these long wigs are just right for you.
With repeated exposure to heat, synthetic fabric materials degrade more rapidly. How do you know if a synthetic wig is heat-resistant? Check how high the curling iron can go, use some protection cream on your hair, and set it to the minimum temperature.
Monofilament wigs look the most like real scalps and are really comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Each strand of hair is attached to a sheer, thin fabric called monofilament, so you can move the wig’s part whichever way you like.
Looks like your hair is actually coming from your own head. This types of wigs are great for people with sensitive scalps or those going through hair loss because of a medical condition. Flexible styling is easy and doesn't make you look unnatural.
Monofilament wigs usually cost more money because they are made one by one with careful attention. But if you really want your hair piece to look natural, go with lace front wigs or toppers because they make less of a difference in how you secure them.
Synthetic wigs as compared to human hair wigs are an excellent choice if you value affordability, ease of use, instant style, and a wide range of available colors. They require little styling effort and are not affected by the weather.
Here are benefits of synthetic wigs:
Generally cost less than human hair wigs, making them budget-friendly for many wearers.
Easy to care—even after washing—so you don’t need to restyle them frequently.
Pre-styled synthetic wigs keep their original look and shape, saving time in your daily routine.
Available in many colors, lengths, and textures, including bold fashion shades not found in natural hair.
Synthetic wigs resist changes in shape or frizz due to weather or humidity.
They are ready to wear right out of the box and require little to no customization.
However, there are also some drawbacks of synthetic wigs:
Most cannot be heat-styled (unless labeled heat-friendly); curling irons or straighteners can melt standard fibers.
With daily wear, synthetic wigs typically last 4–6 months—less than the lifespan of high-quality human hair wigs.
Lower-quality synthetic fibers may look unnaturally shiny, making the wig appear less realistic.
May not move or feel quite like real human hair, which can be noticeable to the touch and sight.
More prone to static, frizz, and tangling, especially with longer or curlier styles.
How many times you use your synthetic wig and how you take care of it greatly affects their lifespan. Generally, for most synthetic wigs, it last up to 4 to 6 months while using daily. Daily handling, brushing your hair, and being outside speed up the damage to your hair.
When not used often and kept in the right place, a synthetic wig will last for at least one year before it becomes old. A high level of care can lead to longer lasting things.
Are synthetic wigs suitable for daily wear? Looking after your wig with care and good fibers can help it last much longer, but rough handling will cause it to deteriorate sooner.
Do proper synthetic wig care to keep looking fresh, soft, and natural. Like a regular haircare routine, go for washing, conditioning, detangling, and storage will extend your wig’s lifespan and maintain its beauty. Here’s how to do it—based on the essentials:
How often should you wash a synthetic wig? Wash your synthetic wig after every 6–8 wears, or sooner if it looks dull or dirty. Always use a shampoo specifically made for synthetic fibers. Regular shampoos can damage the wig.
Apply a synthetic wig conditioner—focus on the lengths and ends, not on the wig cap or base. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Always detangle before washing and after the wig has dried with awide-tooth comb or specialized wig brush. Gently start at the ends, working your way up to avoid pulling or breaking fibers.
Gently blot the wig with a towel—do not wring. Place the wig on a wig stand to air dry. Never use a blow dryer or expose the wig to direct heat unless it is labeled as heat-resistant.
What are the best ways to store synthetic wigs? Store wigs on a wig stand or in a satin/silk bag to help keep their shape.
Prolonged sun exposure can fade synthetic fibers. Store the wig out of direct sunlight. Avoid hot styling tools unless your wig is specifically heat-friendly.
Following these wig care habits will keep your wigs beautiful for longer.
TillStyle is one of the top synthetic wig brands with practical and comfortable. Adjustable caps ensure a secure fit. The lightweight design makes it easy to put on and take off. Every woman look and feel her best with our selection of high-quality synthetic hair wigs. Our lace front wigs look natural and blend seamlessly with your hairline.
We offer a range of short wigs for women with alopecia or thinning hair. For older women, we have short gray and short white wigs that give comfort and style as a hair replacement. Whether you want a classic style or something modern, our cheap synthetic wigs help you feel confident and ready for any day. Find your perfect wig for comfort and style with us.
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