6 Practical Tips to Identify Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair

1. The Burn Test

Cut a small strand of the hair. Using tweezers, hold the strand over a non-flammable surface and carefully light it with a lighter or match.

• Human Hair: Burns slowly, emits a distinctive odor similar to rotten eggs, and leaves behind ash that can be crumbled.
• Synthetic Hair: Melts quickly, emits a chemical or plastic-like smell, and forms a hard, bead-like residue.

2. Texture and Feel

• Human Hair: Feels soft and smooth to the touch. When you run your fingers through it, human hair should have a natural texture without feeling overly slick or plastic-like.
• Synthetic Hair: May feel smoother or coarser depending on the quality of the fibers. Some synthetic hair can have a slight plastic feel.

3. Sheen and Shine

• Human Hair: Typically has a natural sheen that is not overly shiny. It should reflect light in a similar way to natural hair.
• Synthetic Hair: Often has a uniform, sometimes overly shiny appearance. This is especially true for lower-quality synthetic fibers.

4. Heat Test

• Human Hair: Can withstand heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons. However, it’s important to use heat protectant products to prevent damage.
• Synthetic Hair: Most synthetic hair cannot be styled with heat tools. Heat-resistant synthetic fibers can tolerate low to moderate heat, but it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

5. Water Test

• Human Hair: When wet, human hair retains its natural texture and appearance. It may also take longer to dry compared to synthetic hair.
• Synthetic Hair: Often dries quickly and may not retain water in the same way. It can also return to its pre-styled shape after washing.

6. Color and Dyeing

• Human Hair: Can be dyed and chemically treated. It will absorb color and respond to dye similarly to natural hair.
• Synthetic Hair: Cannot be dyed with traditional hair dye. Attempting to color synthetic hair can damage the fibers.