Why Are Human Hair Wigs More Expensive?

Have you ever wondered why wigs made of human hair cost more than those made of synthetic hair?  Or why does a wig that boasts real strands have to cost the earth?  Despite the seemingly endless arguments about price tags in wig enthusiast circles, there is far too frequently a dearth of knowledge regarding the enormously fascinating, both anecdotally and monetarily, field of hair wigs.

At last, we are presented with a chance to demystify the puzzling price discrepancy between human hair and synthetic wigs. The Alopecia Network Experts are ready and eager to help. Now, join us to see what factors make human hair wigs so expensive and you can have the confidence to spend wisely!

Type Of Hair Used in Human Hair Wigs

When it comes to human hair wigs, the type of hair used can vary based on the source and quality. Here are the most common types of hair used in human hair wigs:

European hair:

European (Caucasian) hair is a popular hair type used to make wigs as they are strong and easy to style, but not easy to get since there are fewer donors. That's the reason why European hair is more expensive.

Asian hair:

Asian hair has historical ties to women supporting themselves by selling their hair, and China's prominence in wig exports maintains the practice. The ongoing collection ensures a steady supply and lower prices for human hair wigs.

Some manufacturers use intact-cuticle ponytail hair from Indian or Chinese women, yielding higher-quality wigs with superior styling options and volume than European hair.

Brazilian Hair & Peruvian Hair & Malaysian Hair 

Brazilian hair is popular for its natural-looking texture and body. Peruvian hair is prized for its softness and silkiness. While Malaysian hair is known for its natural shine and straight texture. They are generally mid-range in terms of cost.

Mongolian Hair: 

Mongolian hair is valued for its thickness and versatility. The prices can vary but are generally mid-range to slightly higher in cost.

The Craftsmanship Behind Human Hair Wigs

Now, let's delve into the intricate craftsmanship that goes into creating human hair wigs. This meticulous process is a key reason for their higher price tag.

1. Sourcing Premium Hair:

The first step in crafting a high-quality human hair wig is sourcing premium hair. This hair must be ethically and sustainably obtained, ensuring that it's healthy, unprocessed, and of the highest quality.

Hair may be sourced from various regions globally, each with its unique characteristics. We've told you above how European, Asian hair, and other hair differs.

2. Sorting and Preparing Hair

After sourcing, the hair goes through a rigorous sorting process. Skilled artisans carefully select hairs based on length, texture, and color to ensure a consistent and natural appearance in the final wig.

Once the hair is sorted, it's thoroughly washed and conditioned using special shampoos and oils to keep it healthy. This process also helps create a uniform color across the wig.

3. Hand-Knotting

One of the most time-consuming aspects of creating human hair wigs is the hand-knotting process. Each hair strand is individually tied to the wig cap, mimicking the way hair grows from the scalp. This painstaking work requires exceptional skill and precision to create a seamless, natural-looking wig.

4. Customization

Human hair wigs offer a wide range of customization options for wearers to create a beautiful and natural look.

For example, wearers can adjust the cap size to fit their measurements. Adding a lace front allows for more realism with the look of a natural hairline, add an adjustable strap inside to secure your wig and get a glueless installation, design an M cap to fit your ear shape, and you can even see the pre-everything wigs that come with pre-cut lace, pre-plucked hairline, pre-bleached knots. Additionally, the color of the hair piece can be altered and multiple shades can be blended together to establish a seamless result.

5. Aftercare

The final step in the wig-making process is aftercare. A good quality human hair wig requires regular care and maintenance to keep its style and appearance fresh. This includes using special products for cleaning, conditioning, styling, and protecting the hair from heat damage. With proper care, your beautiful human hair wig can last for years. 

Reasons Why Are Human-Hair Wigs More Expensive?

Because of the superior quality of human hair and the time and expertise involved in their production, wigs made from real human hair tend to cost more than their synthetic counterparts. The following are some of the reasons why human hair wigs are more expensive:

1. Cap material used in wig

When it comes to wearing a wig, the wig cap is essential for providing a secure and comfortable fit. The potentially expensive nature of human hair wigs is, in part, due to the high-quality materials such as mesh or nylon that form them. These materials help to provide superior breathability and comfort, providing a secure and comfortable fit that lasts. 

Synthetic wigs usually create an uncomfortable fit due to cheaper materials used in production — they are also less durable over time in comparison to human hair wigs, resulting in them being more affordable. Therefore, human hair wigs are indeed generally deemed the more expensive option among both.

2. Length and color of the wig

The length and color of the wig also affect its pricing structure. If a wig requires more time or effort to achieve a desired look, then its cost will be higher. Human hair wigs provide room for customization: dyeing, bleaching, blow drying, or curl styling to obtain a personalized style to fit the buyer's needs. 

The texture of the wig is another influential factor. For example, a natural-looking straight wig will be less expensive than a curly one owing to the complexity of its texture. Crafting a unique style via proper care routines can add to the cost, making the wig more expensive than usual.

3. Multiple Manufacturing Process

When producing a human hair wig, multiple steps must be completed. Hair collection, hair sorting, dyeing, bleaching, and sewing all come into play. Creating these wigs requires several experienced professionals to come together to craft the wig in its entirety, which is why they tend to be costly. 

Running through the disinfecting process before creation; liquids are used to wipe the strands to rid of potential lice, parasites, and dandruff, and guarantee sanitary hair. Not only are contaminants removed, but the smell of the strands is also washed away to ensure an un-offensive scent. Afterward, grooming, highlighting, and coloring pieces may be included to satisfy the customer's desired look.

4. Wig Construction

Crafting a quality human hair wig takes great care. Each strand must be artistically stitched—placed in particular areas to result in a uniform, completely indistinguishable finished look.

For optimum accuracy, this process is usually carried out manually, yet specific machines can occasionally help too. Technicians take utmost consideration when deciding which densityof hair is best; typically choosing between 150% to 200%, which in turn, marginally raises the cost.

5. Hair appearance, comfort, and texture

Human hair wigs offer an unsurpassed naturalistic look and feel. Not to mention, the quality of the strands is unparalleled, designed to work in tandem with different hairstyles—from short to kinky. 

Human hair wigs are durable since they are made from real human hair and able to last optimally longer than their synthetic counterparts, as well as providing more styling possibilities. 

We’re talking options like curling, straightening, or whatever unique look you desire to achieve. Also, hair dye and highlights are quite safe, without the fear of damage. All in all, human hair wigs can provide a dopamine load of versatility and endless possibilities, really delivering on their true value.

6. Versatile Styling Method

Human hair wigs offer unparalleled versatility when it comes to customizing your look. Through the use of heat equipment such as curling irons and flat irons, you can change up your style as often as you'd like. Unlike synthetic fibers, human hair can bear heat with excellent resistance, ensuring your style keeps its shape.

Additionally, you have the option of perming or coloring your human hair wig, giving you endless possibilities when it comes to creating the look that's right for you. All of these perks come at an initially higher price tag, but the real value lies in the longevity and dynamism offered by this investment.

7. Long lifespan

Last but not least, human hair wigs boast a longer lifespan compared to their synthetic counterparts. They can theoretically last for two to three years when properly maintained. This means that action must be taken to care for your wig, following every instruction. 

Regular upkeep will give you that assurance knowing that the wig is in good shape and helping preserve your look for years ahead. When it comes to demonstrating value for money, human hair wigs demonstrate an unbeatable breadth of reliable service that transcends the periods of any synthetic wig.

All things considered, the higher initial cost of purchasing a human hair wig is justified by its versatility and long lifespan. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy your wig for many years to come! Investing in quality is always worth it and with human hair wigs, you'll be sure to get your money's worth. 

What Is the Average Cost of Human Hair Wigs?

Questions like "How much are human hair wigs" will come to mind when you are getting ready to shop. Prices of these types of wigs range considerably since length, type, and quality all play a part in the cost. The worse the overall quality, the cheaper the wig. 

Premium human hair wigs typically range from $400 to $1000. On the contrary, more affordable options can be found with mid-range wigs costing somewhere between $100 to $400. 

With whichever option you pick, it's essential to note that investing in a high-quality wig for a higher price can potentially last you longer. If properly cared for and maintained, your new wig's value can be sustained over a longer period. Regardless of your budget, its quality should be your focus!

How to Distinguish Whether a Wig is 100% Human Hair?

It might never be easy to tell the difference between a synthetic wig and a human hair one. Human hair wigs usually look more natural since they are made from real human hair. Synthetic wigs on the other hand can often feel unnatural and lack movement. To help make sure you get what you pay for, here are some key things to consider:

• Check the label of the wig for words like “100% human hair”, “real Remy hair” or something similar.
• Run your fingers through it to feel for a silky and natural texture. If it's smooth yet slightly wiry, that's likely human hair.
• Important Step: Do a quick burn test on a tiny hair sample to verify that it is 100% human. Cut off a little cluster of hair and torch it over a flame. When human hair is burned, it turns into ash-like flakes and has a smoky odor. It melts into a sticky mass with a strong chemical odor if it comes into contact with synthetic fibers.