Synthetic Hair
In general, synthetic wigs may be the best choice if you have a limited budget, have little time or capacity to provide homecare and maintenance or if your hair loss is a temporary condition.
The major benefits are easy care, reasonable price, permanent color, easy styling and usually quick availability. Most synthetic wigs today are made with Kanekalon fiber that holds its shape and color. On the negative side, some synthetic wigs tend to be stiffer and less flowing then human hair. Constant rubbing on the collar or a blouse or exposure to heat causes the fiber to frizz. The base can be itchy (although rare) and synthetic hair cannot be colored or highlighted. The synthetic fiber used in wigs today has improved significantly over the past 10 years.
Synthetic fiber is a by-product of the petroleum industry and is a special type of thermo plastic resin. The biggest advantage to synthetic fiber is that is has memory, meaning when washed it goes back to the style it was created in. You cannot apply any heat and it cannot hold any color (plastic repels, it doesn’t absorb) as it is not porous at all. Generally it is not flammable but will melt from heat. Special curling irons can be used to prevent melting. Steaming the synthetic fiber will remove the frizz, burns and will change the style and erase the memory of the fiber.
Steamers can make a straight wig curly and a curly wig straight. There are some high heat synthetic fibers however; they are far from being perfected. Synthetic fiber wigs are generally lighter than human hair wigs primarily because of the lightweight nature of the fiber used. Long synthetic fiber will tangle easier than human hair will. Human hair will fade and will react to humidity and other weather. Alternatively, the benefits of human hair are it will hold color and withstand heat.
Human Hair
The major benefit of human hair is that the hair can be colored and permed. Also, you can use a curling iron or electric rollers to curl the hair. Heat is not a problem with human hair as it is with synthetic. The human hair also lasts longer than synthetic hair, although the caps of both types of hair last the same (about a year). The drawbacks are that they need the same kind and amount care as growth hair, and are generally more expensive. In time, the wig might become a little thin up top of, but can usually be re-ventilated professionally (if it’s a hand-tied or monofilament).
Should I choose synthetic or a human hair wig?
When choosing a wig, consider first the length of time you will actually need a medical wig. Your hair will begin to grow back very soon after your treatment is completed. Some patients experience re-growth even before completing their chemotherapy. You will need a wig, for a few months at the most. Synthetic wigs offer great value through price, easy daily maintenance durability and appearance.
Synthetic wigs come with fiber memory, built-in wave or curl pattern that holds its style unless the wig is abused (with excess heat or combing while the wig is wet.) A properly maintained synthetic wig will look and wear well for the time you will need it. Synthetic wigs are made with small, light wefts that look like natural hair and they are much easier to style than real hair. You will be spoiled by the ease! Some synthetic wigs are made with a monofilament (transparent) top that looks exactly like your scalp with individual hairs that appear to be growing out of the scalp. The 100% hand-tied wigs look very natural. Always follow the wig maker’s instructions, and use only products made for synthetic hair.
Human hair wigs are more expensive than synthetic wigs and have to be shampooed, dried, styled and conditioned just like your natural hair. They may frizz on humid days and lose their style if they get wet.
Human hair wigs may be permed and colored but be sure to have a qualified stylist perform these services, as wig hair is extremely porous and easily damaged by chemical services.
Leilani Miller
www.medfordsalon.com
