At Locks of Hair, we offer 100% real human hair extensions that exceed the quality and performance of synthetic hair extensions. Our human hair extensions provide a natural look and feel, blending seamlessly with your own hair for a flawless finish. Choosing between real human hair and synthetic hair extensions depends on your lifestyle, budget, and styling preferences.
Human hair extensions offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to use heat tools, dye, and apply chemical treatments just as you would with your own hair. Shop with us to discover top quality hair pieces that help you express yourself confidently every day.
What are synthetic hair extensions?
Synthetic hair extensions are man made cosmetic products crafted from artificial fibers designed to replicate the appearance and texture of natural hair. Unlike human hair extensions, these products are manufactured from various plastic polymers and synthetic materials that are specifically engineered to mimic the look and feel of real hair while maintaining their own unique characteristics.
The most significant advantage of synthetic extensions lies in their pre styled nature. The curl pattern, texture, and overall style are permanently set into the fiber during manufacturing, which means your extensions will maintain their shape and style even after washing. This eliminates the need for daily styling and makes synthetic options perfect for those who want a consistent look with minimal effort.
The affordability factor cannot be overstated when comparing synthetic hair to human hair alternatives. While maintaining a professional appearance, synthetic extensions typically cost 60-80% less than comparable human hair products, making beautiful hair transformations accessible to a much broader audience.
Types of synthetic hair extensions
Clip-in synthetic extensions
Clip-in extensions represent the most popular and user-friendly option for those new to hair extensions. These temporary pieces feature small clips sewn into wefts of synthetic hair that can be easily attached to your natural hair in seconds. The clips are designed to grip securely without causing damage, making them perfect for daily wear or special occasions.
Most clip-in synthetic extensions come in lengths ranging from 12” to 24”, allowing you to choose the perfect length for your desired look. The variety of available textures includes straight, wavy, curly, and even crimped options, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your natural hair pattern or create a completely new style.
The beauty of clip ins lies in their versatility and convenience. You can apply them in the morning for a full day of volume and length, then remove them before bed with no commitment or professional installation required. This makes them ideal for people who want to switch between different looks or only wear extensions occasionally.
Tape-in synthetic extensions
Tape-in extensions offer a semi-permanent solution that provides a more seamless integration with your natural hair. These extensions feature thin wefts attached to medical-grade adhesive tape strips that are sandwiched around small sections of your own hair. When properly applied, the tape lies flat against your scalp, creating an invisible attachment that moves naturally with your hair.
Professional application is highly recommended for tape-in extensions to ensure proper placement and longevity. With correct installation and care, these extensions can last 6-8 weeks before requiring removal and reapplication. The invisible nature of the attachment method makes tape-ins particularly popular for those who wear their hair up frequently or in styles that might expose other types of attachments.
The semi-permanent nature of tape-in extensions makes them perfect for those who want consistent length and volume without the daily application process required by clip-in options. However, this commitment also means you’ll need to invest in professional installation and removal services.
Halo and wire extensions
Halo extensions represent one of the most innovative developments in synthetic hair extensions. These single-weft extensions are attached to a transparent wire or fishing line that sits on the crown of your head like a halo, requiring no clips, tape, or adhesive to stay in place.
The wire system distributes the weight of the extensions evenly around your head, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. This design is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive scalps, fine hair, or scalp conditions that make traditional attachment methods uncomfortable.
Installation is incredibly simple - you simply place the halo on your crown and blend your natural hair over the wire to hide the attachment. This makes halo extensions perfect for adding instant volume without any commitment or risk of damage to your natural hair. They’re also ideal for those who want to add thickness to thinning areas or create fuller-looking hairstyles.
Benefits of synthetic hair extensions
The primary appeal of synthetic hair extensions lies in their exceptional cost-effectiveness. Compared to human hair extensions, synthetic options are typically 70% less expensive, making quality hair transformations accessible to virtually any budget. This significant cost difference allows you to experiment with different styles, lengths, and colors without making a substantial financial investment.
The pre styled nature of synthetic fibers eliminates much of the guesswork and daily maintenance associated with hair extensions. Whether you choose curly, wavy, or straight synthetic hair, the texture will maintain its pattern wash after wash without requiring heat styling or professional treatments. This consistency means you can wake up with perfect hair every day, regardless of weather conditions or your styling skills.
Color consistency represents another major advantage of synthetic extensions. Unlike human hair that can fade, change color, or become brassy over time, synthetic fibers maintain their original color throughout their lifespan. This makes them perfect for bold, fantasy colors that aren’t naturally occurring or for maintaining a precise color match with your natural hair.
The lower maintenance requirements of synthetic extensions make them ideal for busy lifestyles. There’s no need for regular conditioning treatments, expensive salon visits, or specialized products. Basic care with sulfate-free shampoo and proper storage is sufficient to keep your synthetic extensions looking their best.
Immediate availability is another significant benefit, especially for unique colors or styles. While human hair extensions often require ordering and processing time, synthetic options are typically available in stock with instant access to hundreds of color variations, including vibrant fantasy shades impossible to achieve with real hair.
How to apply synthetic hair extensions
Clip-in application process
Mastering the clip-in application process is essential for achieving a natural, seamless look with your synthetic extensions. Start by thoroughly brushing your natural hair to remove any tangles, then create a horizontal part approximately one inch above your neckline. This will be the foundation for your first weft placement.
Begin with the widest piece, typically the four-clip weft, and position it close to your roots along the horizontal part. Open all clips simultaneously, position the weft against your scalp, and snap the clips closed firmly. The clips should grip your hair securely without pinching your scalp. If your hair is particularly fine or straight, tease the roots slightly to create texture that helps the clips hold better.
Work your way up your head, creating new horizontal parts every 2-3 inches and adding smaller wefts. Place the three-clip pieces on either side of the four-clip base, followed by two-clip pieces higher up. Finally, add the single-clip pieces near your temples for face-framing volume. Take time to blend each weft with your natural hair using your fingers or a brush.
The key to a natural look is proper blending and ensuring that no clips or wefts are visible. Let down small sections of your natural hair to cover each weft, and use a curling iron or straightener on a low heat setting to blend the textures if necessary. Remember that synthetic fibers have heat limitations, so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before applying heat.
Professional installation methods
Professional installation becomes necessary for more permanent synthetic extension methods like tape-ins, sew-ins, and fusion bonding. These techniques require specialized training and tools to ensure both optimal results and the health of your natural hair.
For tape-in installation, professionals section the hair methodically, placing each tape-in piece strategically to create even distribution and natural movement. The process requires precise placement to avoid visible tape lines and ensure the extensions lay flat against the scalp. Professional installation typically takes 1-2 hours and requires maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks.
Sew-in methods involve creating a braided base using your natural hair, then sewing synthetic wefts onto this foundation. This technique provides excellent security and longevity but requires professional expertise to ensure the braids aren’t too tight and the wefts are properly distributed for natural movement.
The importance of professional installation cannot be overstated when it comes to the health of your natural hair. Improper installation can lead to breakage, scalp irritation, or damage that takes months to repair. Investing in professional services ensures optimal results and protects your own hair throughout the extension-wearing process.
Care and maintenance of synthetic extensions
Proper care is crucial for maximizing the lifespan and appearance of your synthetic hair extensions. The artificial fibers require different treatment than natural hair, and following specific care guidelines will help maintain their quality and prevent premature deterioration.
Brushing technique plays a vital role in preventing tangling and maintaining the integrity of synthetic fibers. Always use a wide-tooth comb or brush specifically designed for extensions, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Never brush wet synthetic hair, as the fibers are most vulnerable to damage when saturated with water.
Storage methods significantly impact the longevity of your extensions. When not wearing clip-in extensions, store them in their original packaging or hang them on a wig stand to prevent tangling. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or areas with humidity, as these conditions can degrade the synthetic fibers over time.
Washing synthetic extensions requires gentle handling and specific products. Use cool water and sulfate-free shampoos to avoid stripping the fibers or causing excessive tangling. Gently swish the extensions in the water rather than rubbing or scrubbing, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Never wring or twist the extensions while wet.
Heat styling limitations are perhaps the most important aspect of synthetic extension care. Most standard synthetic fibers cannot withstand temperatures above 180°F, while heat-resistant varieties can typically handle up to 350°F. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before applying any heat, and use a heat protectant product designed for synthetic fibers when styling.
Detangling requires patience and the right technique. Work on small sections at a time, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently separate tangled areas. For stubborn knots, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner designed for synthetic hair and work through the tangle slowly to avoid breaking the fibers.
Synthetic vs human hair extensions
Understanding the differences between synthetic and human hair extensions helps you make informed decisions based on your lifestyle, budget, and styling preferences. The cost comparison remains the most significant differentiator, with synthetic options costing 60-80% less than comparable human hair extensions.
Durability presents another key difference between the two options. Synthetic extensions typically last 3-6 months with proper care, while high quality human hair extensions can maintain their appearance for 6-12 months or longer. However, the lower initial investment in synthetic extensions often makes replacement more economically feasible.
Styling versatility varies dramatically between synthetic and human hair. While human hair can be colored, permed, and heat styled repeatedly without damage, synthetic fibers have limitations in terms of chemical processing and heat tolerance. Standard synthetic extensions cannot be dyed or chemically treated, though some heat resistant varieties allow for limited styling options.
The best use cases for each type depend on individual needs and circumstances. Synthetic extensions work perfectly for occasional wear, experimenting with new styles, or maintaining a consistent look with minimal maintenance. Human hair extensions suit those who style their hair frequently, want maximum versatility, or require extensions for long-term daily wear.