uni wigsWhen you decide to do a cosplay, it seems like every detail has to be perfect. From finding the perfect shoes to either hand sewing or finding a designer to create your outfit, there is a LOT that goes into it. One thing that is highly debated upon within the cosplay community is whether human hair or synthetic hair is best for a cosplay wig.
To really make the decision on which one to choose, it’s important to think of how you’re going to use the wig. Every situation is different, and every budget is different, so no one can truly tell you which choice is going to be best for you or your cosplays. We can help make your decision a little easier though!
We’ve laid out some of the top pros and cons between synthetic cosplay wigs and real human hair cosplay wigs.
Synthetic Hair Wigs for Cosplay
Synthetic hair is an inexpensive way to change up your look and nail your next cosplay. After all, some cosplays just depend on hair color and texture. Who would guess you were Ariel without bright red hair?
Synthetic wigs are easy to style, and they’re weather resistant. Whatever way they are styled is the way they’re going to stay despite humidity, rain, or other unfavorable weather. This is great in muggy Comicon conference rooms! They’re pretty low maintenance and the limited amount of upkeep required makes them an awesome choice for cosplayers with disabilities.
On the negative side of things…
Synthetic wigs stay the way they are made. This means no straightening them, no dying them a different color, and no alterations. Because the fibers are synthetic, hair dye will either melt the wig or not attach to it at all resulting in wasted money and dye. Any kind of heat tool is discouraged, as the heat will melt it. Some synthetic wigs can’t even be worn while cooking due to the risk of heat damage.
For an occasional cosplay they may work but for one that you plan on doing regularly, a synthetic wig isn’t going to last. Synthetic wigs tend to last around four to six months if you’re wearing it every day. They also come weirdly shiny, which is unnatural and can be fixed with a dry shampoo but is bothersome, nonetheless.
Human Hair Wigs for Cosplay
Human hair wigs have all of the pros and cons you’d expect out of something that is, well, human.
These wigs are versatile which makes them great for cosplaying. They can be colored, cut, curled, straightened, permed, even blow dried! They look and feel like real hair because they are real hair. Their texture is the same and they come in a variety of different textures, from curly to straight and everything in between.
If you’re looking for a wig to use for multiple cosplays, a human hair wig might be for you simply because of how much longer they last when compared to synthetic hair wigs! On average, a human hair wig is going to last one to three years with daily use and proper care, which is 2 to 3 times longer than a synthetic!
Sounds too good to be true, right? There are some things to consider.
Like human hair, human hair wigs require a lot of upkeep. You have to really take care of them otherwise they’ll ruin. The weather can cause them to frizz up, just like your regular hair would. Things like moisture in the air, dryness, heat, etc. can impact how your human hair wig is going to look that day. Just like human hair, you can be at the jurisdiction of the weather.
You also have to style human hair wigs, which is really time consuming and is something that some people don’t want to do. Synthetic hair wigs come prestyled and bounce back to their shape easily after being washed. Human hair wigs have to be restyled pretty much every time you wear them.
The final element to consider is cost. Human hair wigs are definitely an investment, as they come from an actual person’s head! Unlike synthetic hair, materials for human hair wigs are a bit hard to come by which drives up cost. Is it an investment you’re willing to make?
So, Which Option is Best for My Cosplay?
This is a really personal question, and it comes down to a few important factors.
How Versatile is the Wig?
Is this a wig you’ll be able to wear for multiple cosplays, or are you looking for something for one specific look? Are you going to wear it ten times or are you using it for a photoshoot?
Something like the Black Pearl or Pure Passion wigs above are great options for recurring cosplays. The Black Pearl is a plain black wig that can be used for characters like Wonder Woman, Snow White, Esmeralda, Fullmetal Alchemist, Sailor Moon, Jasmine, or even Snow White! Pure Passion is a fiery red that is perfect for cosplaying Ariel, Jessie from Team Rocket, the Queen of Hearts, or Jessica Rabbit. When you’re looking at colors like these, investing in the better quality is a good option because you know they’ll be reworn.
Who wants to buy ten black wigs a year?
Budget
On that same note, budget is an important thing to consider. Maybe it’s not the right time for you to invest in an expensive human hair wig and all you can do right now is synthetic, that’s okay!
While it isn’t going to last as long as a human hair wig, with proper care you can make it last as long as possible. We only stock the best quality synthetic wigs so you can rest knowing that even if you go synthetic, you’re going with a good option. We’re not throwing you out there with a dollar store wig!
Choose What is Best for YOU
It’s a personal decision and is one that you have to make for yourself based off of your current situation and circumstances. Whatever decision you make, know it’s the right one and we are here every step of the way to make sure you look fabulous!
