What is the difference between Synthetic and Remy Hair Extensions?
Posted by Aashi Beauty Admin on
What is Synthetic Hair?
Synthetic hair extensions are man-made from plastic and artificial fibres typically from materials such as acrylic, nylon or polyester. These materials are heated and treated to mimic the look and feel of natural hair strands. However, due to the artificial materials being used, it will never be exactly like real human hair.
What is Remy Hair?
Remy human hair is made from a range of real hair, typically from Asian, Indian or European individuals. Remy specifically means the hair cuticles are kept intact, to allow them to be aligned in one direction. This allows the hair to blend in more naturally when being used and helps them remain shiny, silky and the most similar consistency to real human hair.
Aashi Beauty Jet Black Clip-In Hair Extensions
Does it really matter which style of hair you choose?
I know it may seem like they aren’t that different, however, they are! There are many differences between synthetic and Remy human hair. From the texture to durability, to styling options, and versatility, these differences will make a huge impact in your overall experience while using the hair extensions.
What are the price differences between Synthetic and Remy Hair?
Given the artificial fibres and materials used to make synthetic hair, the cost to obtain these materials and produce them allows the prices to be low. Typically, synthetic hair can range anywhere from $50-$90 per set.
Remy Hair is ethically sourced from individuals and organizations and has a higher cost to obtain the materials needed to produce the extensions. Given the high quality of hair needed, the prices can be costly. Real Remy hair can cost anywhere from $100-$500+. When it comes to extensions, you are paying for the quality, not quantity.
How long do extensions last?
Typically, synthetic hair extensions will last anywhere from 1-3 months at the most. Given, you are wearing them as are, and are not using hot tools, or additional styling products. Synthetic hair extensions will not last long term as they are made from materials that naturally fall apart easily.
Remy human hair extensions will last anywhere from 10 months to 1 year, if not longer! Remy extensions are made with high-quality hair and have been treated to ensure they blend naturally and will be long-lasting. Of course, depending on how often you heat style it and how you take care of it can have an impact on its longevity.
Can you use hot tools to style hair extensions?
If you like the smell of burning hair, then you can absolutely use hot tools on synthetic hair extensions! Hot tools will cause damage to the extensions resulting in them falling out of the clips, cracking and burning, and melting the hair. You will notice the ends being frayed instantly. This style of hair is not meant to be styled with hot tools and is usually made with the intention of wearing it in that specific style. So, let’s say you get synthetic hair extensions that are curled, and you want to straighten them. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to, as it will burn the hair and make it stiff and hard to work with. Additionally, using any type of styling product on the extensions can add more damage, and it's difficult to wash, dry and prep synthetic hair.
Since Remy hair is real human hair, you can absolutely use hot tools to style it. We always recommend treating Remy hair like your own. So, before using hot tools remember to use styling products that will protect the hair, and prevent heat damage. However, just like our own hair, using hot tools and styling products still can cause some damage. The great thing about Remy hair is that you can wash, dry, prep and style it, as you would with your own hair.
Model is using the 32mm 1.25" Titanium Wand Barrel to style her hair
Can I dye the extensions?
You can not dye synthetic hair extensions as they would fall apart. Again, the materials used to create this style of hair are plastic and artificial materials that are not durable for any sort of alteration. It’s also important to note that synthetic hair colours will usually be warm-toned shades that can look unnatural.
When it comes to Remy hair, you can dye it as it is real hair. However, we always recommend doing so through a professional hair stylist as they know how to treat and care for hair extensions. Furthermore, we recommend doing a small patch test first to ensure the extensions can handle the dye. Remy hair extensions that come in various colours have been dyed to help achieve that colour, however, the quality of the hair remains the same.
How versatile are extensions? Can we style them in various ways?
Synthetic hair extensions are not versatile in terms of styling options. As mentioned earlier, this style of hair will come pre-styled in a specific way, either curled or straight. But, this style of hair is meant to remain that way. Styling them can cause stiffness and be hard to manage.
With Remy hair, you have versatility as it is human hair. This means you are able to style in a variety of ways. You can curl them, straighten them, and use them for braids, buns, ponytails and more! One thing that will be challenging at first is figuring out how to clip in the extension to ensure they don’t show when styling. And, don’t forget to use heat protection products!
Do these hair extensions look and feel natural?
Synthetic hair will not look and feel natural. They will have a different shine, be harder to blend in, and feel rougher compared to Remy hair. Synthetic extensions will not move the same way your natural hair does.
Remy hair looks and feels natural as they are 100% human hair. Remember, this style of extension is made with the cuticle of the hair still intact, to allow them to align it with the natural direction of our hair. Overall, they will feel silky, smooth, not tangle as easily, and be easy to work with.
How can you tell the difference between Synthetic and Remy Hair?
Synthetic hair will have an unnatural tone, shade and shine. They will tangle quicker due to the unnatural texture and blend. They won’t withstand the heat from hot tools and will burn or melt more quickly. It can be challenging to run your fingers or a brush through the hair smoothly. And, this style of hair will feel rougher and dryer.
Remy hair will feel smooth, and silky and have a natural shine to them. They can be heat styled and won’t burn as easily. The hair will feel just like your own real hair.
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