Buying a wig can be confusing and disorienting, especially if it's your first time. With so many new terms associated with hair and wigs, some wig seekers simply don't know where to start. The purpose of this blog is to demystify the world of wigs so that you can shop with knowledge and confidence. Whether you are a wig veteran looking to try something new or a newbie who has never worn a wig before, you can learn everything you need to know about human hair wigs here.

Human hair vs. synthetic hair vs. natural hair

When we use the term real human hair, it seems like you can take it literally, right? You take hair from a person's head and make a wig out of it, and that seems pretty simple. But in reality, there are several different ways to treat human hair, which change the way it looks and feels to the touch, including how long it lasts, and how it is best cared for.

Let's start with the basics. Human hair wigs are completely different from synthetic wigs, where the fibers are produced by humans and are unnatural. Real or natural can be used to refer to human hair, but be aware that not all real or natural hair is human; many real hair wigs come from animals, such as yaks, which have a hair structure very similar to human hair. In short, when buying a 100% human hair wig or real hair wig, check that your wig is clearly described as human hair. 

Human hair wigs

In order to understand what it means for hair to be called "human hair", we need to understand a little more about the structure of the hair itself. 

Human hair can be divided into three layers. The inner medulla - the innermost layer of the almost invisible hair shaft - is soft and fragile and has little to do with the way the hair behaves. The middle layer is called the cortical layer - it contains all the keratin and proteins that give the hair its strength and is where dyes and perms create chemical reactions. The outer cuticle - is made up of many small translucent cell layers that overlap like scales or shingles on a roof.

Artificial wigs and top-worn wigs take special care to protect the cuticle by making sure that all the scales are facing the same direction. This is because the cuticle protects the inner cortex from the outside world. When all the cuticles are facing the same direction, brushing and styling will push them tightly against the cortex. Closing the cuticle not only protects the hair but also allows light to reflect cleanly onto the hair strands, giving them a shiny, healthy luster.

An artificial wig or toupee is a hairpiece in which all cuticles are arranged face down. The hair is usually taken directly from the donor's head and tied together in order to maintain this natural state. Because of this attention to detail, human head wigs are the most long-lasting, with a fantastic shine and a natural look and feel.

Native Hair

Although virgin hair and synthetic hair are terms often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two completely different things. Virgin hair is always unprocessed and untouched by chemicals. There is no chemical structure that has been modified using dyes, perms, bleach, etc. Virgin hair wigs and semi-finished wigs are usually Remy's, but remy human hair wigs can be virgin, but not necessarily are. 

Non-Remy hair

Non-human hair is almost always chemically treated. Because the cuticles are facing up and down, it takes a tremendous amount of effort to rearrange them, so the hair is treated in an acidic solution that strips the cuticles from the cortex. A layer of silicone is then applied to restore some shine. This process has a benefit - hair without cuticles is easier to color, but non-Remy wigs can be easily damaged, don't hold color as well, and don't last as long. For your wallet, non-Remy wigs are ideal for those who like to change their style often.

Choosing your human hair wig

When choosing the right human hair wig or hair extensions for you, you can refer to the following suggestions.

Non-human hair wigs are easy to color and come in a variety of shades. They are relatively inexpensive and perfect for people who like to experiment with different looks. But they don't last very long, they don't stay shiny like other wigs, and they don't look as natural.

Artificial hair wigs are long-lasting (up to a year!) ) and can hold their style very well and have a nice shine. They can be styled with heated styling tools like curling irons, just like your real hair can be styled. They can be harder to color and have a narrower range of shades than non-Remy wigs. Often more expensive, these wigs may be the main product you use.

Virgin hair is unprocessed and looks very natural. Human hair wigs are long-lasting and can be heat styled, they are thinner and more expensive than chemically treated hair.

Virgin hair is the highest standard of human wigs. From clip-in wigs to bust wigs and top-worn wigs, they are of top quality and you can style them as if they were your own real hair If you are looking for a wig that will last and maintain its quality, then it is of a quality that is worthy of its slightly expensive price tag.

When considering a wig purchase, the most common question should be should I choose a real human hair wig or a synthetic wig? Both types of wigs have their pros and cons, but with Donmily's 100% human hair wigs, you can rediscover and create your own personal style. Each individual hand-tied strand is guaranteed to be real human hair, so it can withstand the heat of various styling tools and has the look and feel of natural hair. Human hair wigs can be custom cut, styled and colored to your specifications and can give the appearance of naturally grown hair thanks to the latest wig technology we offer. Whether you prefer curly or straight hair, you'll find the perfect match for you in our selection of wigs.