Human Hair vs. Synthetic Locs & Extensions: What’s the Real Difference?

Extensions can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 when you walk into a hair salon. Why is there such a big difference? The material is what makes the difference. It's either soft and natural or stiff and plastic. Let's look at what you get with each type so you can spend your money wisely.

What Each Kind Is Really Made Of

Hair extensions made from human hair come from real people. Someone grows out their hair and then sells it to a supplier. The supplier cleans it, sorts it by length and texture, and makes sure it's safe to use. When you install it, it acts just like your own hair because that's what it is—real human hair.

Synthetic extensions are made of plastic. Kanekalon is the most common type. It's the same stuff that's used to make those colorful braiding hair packs you see at beauty supply shops. Factories make these fibers and shape them into strands that look like hair. Real hair has tiny scales that overlap, like roof shingles, that let it absorb moisture and styling products. Synthetic fibers are tubes made of smooth plastic. That's why one absorbs water and the other repels it.

The Difference in How They Look and Feel

You'll see what I mean about the shine if you go outside on a warm day with synthetic locs. The plastic shines like a brand-new car hood, creating an obvious artificial look. Human hair softly catches light, just like your own hair does. Each strand has a slightly different color, which makes it look natural.

You can also tell by touch. Compress a loc and then release it. It springs back naturally if it's real hair. Synthetic locs stay stiff, like when you squeeze a piece of rope.

When you run your fingers through real hair, you can feel a little bit of texture and variation. Synthetic either feels too smooth, like a plastic tube, or has a fake crimp pattern that repeats about every inch or so.

The difference is even more noticeable after a month of use. There will be some frizz at the roots of your human hair locs where the new hair is coming in. That's normal and looks good. Learning how to properly maintain your roots is a key part of the long-term loc journey.

Either synthetic locs stay strangely straight (which makes them look fake) or they fall apart all at once (because the plastic coating wore off).

The Burn Test: An Easy Way to Verify

The seller who sold you the extensions online might say they are made of real human hair. In 30 seconds, here's how to make sure:

Pick up a single strand from the box. Hold it with tweezers and light the end with a standard lighter.

• Real human hair: Catches fire right away. A small orange flame burns it. It smells like burned chicken feathers or hair singed by a curling iron. There is gray ash left over when the flame goes out. Touch it and it crumbles to powder.
• Synthetic fiber: It pulls away from the flame instead of burning. It might curl up into a ball before it melts. It smells like burning plastic, like a melted shopping bag. It turns into a hard black or brown plastic bead when it cools down. You can't crush it. The plastic is solid.

This test provides reliable results in most cases. I've seen packages that said "human hair blend" but were actually made of synthetic hair. The burn test revealed it right away.

How They Feel on Your Head

It happens every week: "I took out my synthetic locs after two weeks because I couldn't stand them anymore." This is why that happens:

A full head of shoulder-length synthetic locs weighs about 4-5 pounds—roughly the same as a bag of sugar. Human hair locs of the same length? Maybe two to three pounds. By the end of the day, your neck knows the difference. However, it's worth noting that these weights can be an overestimation, as many full sets of synthetic locs weigh closer to 1-2 pounds.

When synthetic locs get wet, like when it rains or you work out or swim, the twisted core soaks up the water like a sponge. Those locs that used to weigh 4 pounds now weigh 6-7 pounds. They take hours to dry all the way through. Human hair dries in about half the time.

The worst part is the itching. Most people with synthetic locs start scratching constantly within a week. That's because manufacturers coat the fibers with alkaline chemicals to prevent mold and heat damage. These chemicals irritate your skin. Your scalp might turn red, develop small bumps, or start flaking. Some people even get a rash across the front of their hairline. Human hair is just hair, with no chemical coating. Your scalp is free to breathe. For those with sensitive skin, our 100% human afro hair bulks provide a natural, irritation-free material for creating or extending locs.

What You Can Do With Each Type

When you use real hair extensions, you can:

• Flat iron them at 350–400°F
• Curl them with hot tools, and the curls will last for days
• Bleach them from black to blonde with an expert stylist
• Use normal shampoo, conditioner, and hair products
• Dye them any color with box dye from the drugstore
• Use deep conditioners and hair masks

With synthetic extensions, you can't:

• Use heat above 180°F (and even that's risky for most types)
• Bleach them; the bleach will break down the plastic
• Dye them with normal hair dye
• Use products with oil in them (they make synthetic hair sticky)

In this real-life example, let's say you get black locs and then decide three months later that you want honey blonde highlights. With human hair, you make an appointment with a stylist. They will bleach and tone sections of your locs, and you're done. Probably $150 to $200 total. With synthetic locs, you have to take them all out, buy blonde ones, and pay to have them reinstalled. It will cost you $300 to $400, plus you'll need to start over with new locs. It's important to distinguish between different types, as some modern heat-resistant synthetic fibers can tolerate temperatures up to 350°F. For more details on the coloring process, you can read our guide on how to safely color your dreadlocks.

Pick the One That Makes the Most Sense for You

Choose synthetic if:

• You want locs for a two-week trip to Jamaica
• You're new to the loc look and want to try it out for a month
• You need a costume or a specific look for a performance or photoshoot
• You can only spend $100 to $150 right now

Choose human hair if:

• You want locs that last a year or more
• You have a sensitive scalp or have had itching issues with synthetic hair in the past
• You want to be able to color or style them with heat
• You work out a lot or live in a hot climate (they're lighter and cooler)
• You swim frequently (they handle water much better)

At Daixi Dreadology, we create only permanent human hair locs. All of our extensions are handmade from real human hair. You can get thick locs (normal size), thin locs (microlocs), or extra-fine locs (Sister locs). We customize each set to match your hair's texture and thickness. Because our locs are already fully matured, you don't have to go through the awkward first year when they look messy and uneven. Right after installation, your locs look like they've been growing for years.

Choosing Between Human Hair and Synthetic Locs

It's easy to understand: For short-term styles that last a few weeks or months, synthetic locs work fine. If you want something that will last and look natural, human hair extensions are the best choice. It costs more at first, but it saves you money in the long run, and the product works like real hair because it is real hair.

Take a moment to think about how you really live. Do you work out? Do you swim? Do you like to change the color of your hair? Want to keep your locs for years instead of just a few weeks? How honestly you answer these questions will determine which type of extension is best for you.

Visit Daixi Dreadology if you're ready to invest in locs that look natural and last. We'll help you find what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I bleach or dye my Daixi human hair locs?

Yes, they are real human hair, so they will take color the same way your own hair does. You should see a professional colorist, especially if you want to go lighter. It takes skill to bleach without causing damage. If you want to change the color from brown to dark red, you can use box dye at home. Just follow the instructions on the package, like you would with your own hair.

Q2: How can I be sure that the extensions are made of real human hair?

Perform the burn test described earlier in this article. It's simple, quick, and provides reliable results in most cases. Real human hair turns into ash that you can crush. Synthetic melts and turns into a hard plastic bead. Another thing to look at is the price. If someone is selling $40 "human hair" locs, that's a red flag. It costs more to source and process real human hair.

Q3: Can I swim with human hair extensions?

Yes, you can swim with them. When they get wet, they're much lighter than synthetic fibers because they absorb less water. Right after swimming in a pool, rinse them with plain water to remove the chlorine. Rinse off the salt water after swimming in the ocean. After that, either let them air dry or use a dryer on low heat. Don't leave them wet for extended periods—that can lead to unpleasant odors. Following a proper washing and drying routine is essential for keeping your locs healthy and fresh.

Note: Prices, timelines, and product lifespans mentioned in this article are general estimates and may vary based on location, usage, and product quality.