Whether you wear wigs for fashion, to boost your confidence or medical reasons, there are so many natural looking styles to choose from.
But first, you need to decide… should you go for a synthetic hair or human hair wig?
In this blog, we’ll keep it simple and walk you through the differences between each, plus we’ll show you some of the best-selling styles our customers love in both categories.
What Is a Human Hair Wig?
A human hair wig is made from real human hair. That means it moves naturally and looks and feels just like real hair.
Pros:
- You can curl, straighten and dry it using heat
- You can wash it just like your own hair
- When using the correct human hair products, it can last 9-12 months or more
Cons:
- Needs more styling and care
- More expensive than synthetic wigs
What is Remy Human Hair?
Remy hair is real human hair that has been collected and processed with the cuticles still intact and aligned in the same direction (from root to tip). When all the cuticles face the same direction:
- The hair is smoother and less likely to tangle.
- It has a natural shine
- It lasts longer than non-Remy hair (with proper care)
Key Features of Remy Hair:
- Real human hair (usually from India, China, or Southeast Asia)
- Cuticles are not stripped
- Collected carefully to keep hair strands aligned
- Can be styled and heat-treated
What is European Human Hair?
European hair refers to human hair that is naturally finer, softer, and lighter in texture — often coming from donors in countries like Russia, Ukraine, Poland, or other parts of Europe.
It is considered one of the highest-quality types of human hair in the wig and extension market.
Key Features of European Hair:
- Natural softness and silkiness
- Finer strands than Asian hair types
- Often unprocessed or "virgin" hair
- Very high-end and usually more expensive
So, What's the Difference?
|
Feature |
Remy Hair |
European Human Hair |
|
Source |
Mainly Asia (India, China) |
Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine, etc.) |
|
Texture |
Slightly thicker |
Finer, softer, silkier |
|
Cuticle Alignment |
Always aligned |
May or may not be Remy-aligned (check!) |
|
Availability |
More common |
Rarer, premium quality |
|
Price |
High, but more affordable than European |
Most expensive option |
What Is a Synthetic Wig?
A synthetic wig is made from artificial fibres designed to look like natural hair. Some newer ones are incredibly realistic.
Pros:
- Low maintenance - it keeps its style after washing using the fibre products
- Budget-friendly and easy for those new to wearing wigs
Cons:
- Most can’t be heat-styled
- Doesn’t last as long - usually 2–4 months with regular wear
Quick Comparison - Synthetic vs Human Hair Wigs
|
Feature |
Human Hair Wig |
Synthetic Wig |
|
Look & Feel |
Most natural |
Very realistic (high quality) |
|
Styling |
Heat-style, dye, restyle |
Usually pre-styled, limited heat use |
|
Maintenance |
Needs more care |
Easy to care for |
|
Lifespan |
9-12+ months |
2–4 months |
|
Price |
Higher cost |
Lower cost |
Best-Selling Human Hair Wigs
Here are some popular human hair wigs that people absolutely love:
Yara – Ellen Wille (Perucci Collection)
This gorgeous shoulder-length bob combines luxury with comfort, featuring a natural lace front, monofilament top, and lightweight cap construction. Designed for realism and wearability, the Yara wig is ideal for everyday elegance or special occasions.
Zora – Ellen Wille (Perucci Collection)
The stunning Zora wig is made from Remy human hair that's been knotted in the direction of the individual hair's growth. This adds to the naturalness and gives the finished wig a beautiful, high-quality edge.
Obsession – Ellen Wille (Pure Power Collection)
The Obsession wig is one of Ellen Wille’s best-selling long human hair lace wigs, renowned for its craftsmanship and luxurious feel. Each strand is carefully knotted in the natural direction of growth, creating exceptional movement and a salon-perfect look.
Sympathy Deluxe – Gisela Mayer
The Sympathy Human Hair Mono Lace Deluxe wig by Gisela Mayer is a fabulous long style with hair measuring 50cm. It has made using the finest Remy Human Hair and can be curled or straighten using heated products.
Margot – Jon Renau
Margot is a stunning human hair, lace front wig that features a lightweight hand-tied cap. Made with 100% Remy human hair, this long bob is light density to recreate the most realistic, airy movement.
Best-Selling Synthetic Wigs You'll Love
Synthetic wigs have come a long way! Here are top picks that offer both style and comfort:
Affair Hi – Ellen Wille (Hair Society Collection)
Affair is elegant with a slight wave. Both lightweight and low density featuring a hand-tied cap construction. A beautiful, ready-to-wear style with heat-friendly fibres.
Cameron Lite – Jon Renau (SmartLace Lite Collection)
Part of the ‘Lite’ Collection meaning low density. With natural movement and a super lightweight cap makes this wig feel like your own hair.
Hollie – Jon Renau (HD Collection)
Many of our customers praise how lightweight and comfortable it feels, especially for a hand-tied, monofilament style. This is a heat-defiant synthetic wig, which means you can style it with low heat tools - great for versatility!
Ginger Mono Lace Deluxe Small – Gisela Mayer
Designed for smaller heads, this wig is natural and comfortable with a monofilament top and lace front. The fibre is low density ensuring a breathable and lightweight feel.
Beauty Reign – Gabor
Tis shoulder-length style has round-brushed soft waves with just the right amount of volume. This Tru2Life® Heat-friendly Synthetic style offers many styling options.
So, Which Wig Is Right for You?
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Choose a human hair wig if you want maximum realism, love styling and don’t mind some maintenance and styling.
- Choose a synthetic wig if you want easy wear, less maintenance and an affordable price.
Many Joseph’s Wigs customers choose both - a synthetic wig for everyday wear and a human hair wig for special occasions or longer use. You’re not limited to one or the other!
Trust in Joseph’s Wigs
Wigs are more than just hair - they're about feeling good, feeling like yourself and finding comfort in your look.
Whether you go for a high-end human hair wig like Obsession or an easy-care synthetic style like Cameron Lite, the most important thing is to choose what feels right for you.
If you need help choosing the perfect wig, we’re here to help! Browse our range of wigs today or get in touch with Stuart & Claire.
