Wondering how to know an original human hair wig before buying? You’re not alone. Every day, thousands of people spend their hard-earned money on what they think is an original human hair wig—only to discover it’s synthetic or a cheap blend. Frustrating, right? I’ve been there. And honestly? It stings. The good news is that spotting a fake original human hair wig isn’t rocket science. Once you know what to look for, you’ll never get fooled again.
Why Does It Matter If Your Wig Is Real Human Hair?
Before we get into the tests, let’s talk about why this even matters.
Original human hair wigs:
- Last 1-3 years with proper care
- Can be styled, colored, and heat-treated
- Look incredibly natural
- Move and flow like your own hair
- Feel soft and silky
Synthetic or fake wigs:
- Last only 3-6 months
- Melt or frizz with heat
- Often look shiny and unnatural
- Tangle easily
- Feel plasticky or rough
When you’re paying N20,000 to N500,000+ for a wig, you deserve the real thing.
10 Ways to Know If a Human Hair Wig Is Original
1. The Burn Test (Most Reliable)
This is the gold standard for identifying original human hair wigs.
How to do it:
- Take a small strand from an inconspicuous area
- Hold it with tweezers
- Burn the tip with a lighter
What to look for:
| Real Human Hair | Synthetic Hair |
|---|---|
| Burns slowly | Burns quickly and melts |
| Smells like burning hair | Smells like burning plastic |
| Turns to ash | Forms a hard ball or bead |
| Ash crumbles easily | Residue is sticky or hard |
Note: Only do this if the seller allows it. Most confident sellers won’t mind.
2. The Water Test
Real human hair absorbs water. Synthetic hair doesn’t.
How to do it:
- Sprinkle a few drops of water on the wig
- Watch what happens
Real hair: Water gets absorbed, and the hair may darken slightly.
Fake hair: Water beads up and rolls off like on a raincoat.
Simple, yet effective.
3. The Touch and Feel Test
Your fingers know the difference—even if your eyes don’t.
Original human hair feels:
- Soft and silky
- Smooth when you run your fingers through it
- Similar to your natural hair texture
Synthetic hair feels:
- Slightly rough or waxy
- Overly smooth in an unnatural way
- Plasticky or rubbery
Trust your instincts here. If something feels “off,” it probably is.
4. The Shine Test
This one’s visual.
Natural human hair has a subtle, soft shine. It reflects light gently and looks dimensional.
Synthetic hair often has an unnatural, glossy shine—almost like a Barbie doll’s hair. It looks “too perfect” and uniform.
High-quality synthetic wigs are getting better at mimicking real hair, but the shine usually gives them away.
5. The Tangle Test
Run your fingers through the wig multiple times.
Real human hair:
- Tangles slightly (just like your natural hair would)
- Detangles easily with gentle brushing
- Doesn’t feel sticky
Synthetic hair:
- Tangles excessively
- Creates frizz and knots quickly
- Sometimes feels sticky when tangled
A little tangling is actually a good sign—it means the hair is real.
6. The Heat Test
Grab a flat iron or curling iron.
Real human hair:
- Responds to heat
- Holds curls or straightens well
- Doesn’t melt or smell like plastic
Synthetic hair:
- Melts, frizzes, or burns
- Gives off a chemical smell
- Changes texture permanently
Important: Some synthetic wigs are labeled “heat-resistant,” but they still can’t handle high temperatures like real human hair can.
7. Check the Price
Let’s be honest—original human hair wigs aren’t cheap.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Typical price ranges:
| Wig Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 100% Human Hair Wig | N100,000 – N500,000 |
| Human Hair Blend | N50,000 – N150,000 |
| Synthetic Wig | N20,000 – N100,000 |
8. Examine the Roots and Tips
Look closely at the hair strands.
Real human hair:
- Has natural variation in thickness
- Roots may be slightly thicker than tips
- Has natural-looking ends
Synthetic hair:
- Uniform thickness from root to tip
- Ends look blunt or perfectly cut
- No natural variation
Nature isn’t perfect—and neither is real hair. That “imperfection” is what makes it authentic.
9. The Bleach and Dye Test
If the seller claims it’s 100% human hair, ask if it can be bleached or colored.
Real human hair: Can be dyed, bleached, and lifted multiple shades.
Synthetic hair: Won’t absorb dye properly. Bleach will damage or melt it.
Some sellers even provide color-treated samples to prove authenticity. Ask for one.
10. Check Reviews and Seller Reputation
This applies especially to online shopping.
Before buying:
- Read customer reviews (look for photos!)
- Check the seller’s rating and history
- Look for verified purchase reviews
- Search for complaints on forums or social media
If multiple buyers complain about “plastic feeling” or “not real hair,” walk away.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Keep your guard up if you notice:
❌ Prices that seem too low
❌ Vague product descriptions
❌ No return policy
❌ Stock photos only (no real customer photos)
❌ Seller avoids answering questions about authenticity
❌ “Human hair blend” marketed as “100% human hair”
Questions to Ask the Seller Before Buying
Don’t be shy—ask these questions:
- Is this wig 100% human hair or a blend?
- Where is the hair sourced from?
- Can I do a burn test on a sample?
- Is this virgin, Remy, or processed hair?
- What’s your return policy if the wig isn’t authentic?
A trustworthy seller will answer confidently. A shady one will dodge or get defensive.
Human Hair Types You Should Know
Not all human hair is equal. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Virgin Hair: Never chemically processed. Highest quality.
Remy Hair: Cuticles aligned in one direction. Smooth and tangle-free.
Non-Remy Hair: Cuticles not aligned. More affordable but tangles more.
Processed Hair: Chemically treated for color or texture. Lower quality.
SHOP YOUR BEST HUMMAN HAIR COLLECTIONS HERE
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to identify an original human hair wig isn’t just about saving money—it’s about getting what you deserve.
You work hard for your money. You deserve quality.
So next time you shop, remember these tests:
- Burn test
- Water test
- Touch and feel
- Shine check
- Heat test
- Price check
- Seller research
Take your time. Ask questions. And never settle for less than authentic.
You can find your perfect wig on our website here click here to see our wigs collections
