Why Are Human Hair Wigs So Expensive?

Human hair extensions are hair that has been collected by donors or made from synthetic fibers to make into weaves, wigs, and hairpieces such as buns, ponytails, and pieces. They can be quite expensive especially if you are looking to buy quality. However, behind its pricing, there are numerous factors involved. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why human hair wigs are more towards the pricey side. 

Different Types of Hair Extensions

There are different types of hair extensions that you can purchase in the market and each varies in terms of price. 

1. Tape-In Extensions 

These are pre-taped and then are glued or taped together on either side of your own hair. You would need a hairdresser to apply these extensions to your hair as it needs to be aligned with your roots and it is applied with a heated tool that heats up with glue.

If you want to remove these hair extensions, you will need to have the glue removed with a glue remover and have them re-installed. 

This process takes about 40 minutes – 1 hour to apply and if the extensions are in a good condition, you can reuse them. 

Treatment of Tape-In Extensions 

With tape-in extensions, you need to be careful when using conditioners and other hair products because it can damage the tape and cause it to come off or slip off. There are special shampoos and conditioners that stick to your hair. 

2. Fusion & Pre- Bonded Hair Extensions 

These hair extensions are also known as bonding or pre-bonding, and they are fused to natural hair by having them applied by a hairdresser. It takes 3-4 hours to apply. Another type of application for pre-bonded hair extensions uses a heat clamp to melt the glue to the natural hair. 

Treatment for Fusion Hair Extensions 

You can use the same products as you would on your normal hair, but these hair extensions need repositioning every 2-3 months depending on your natural hair growth. As there are different chemicals used in the glue it can cause hair loss, breakage, and even scalp irritation. These extensions are semi-permanent and are kept in for 4 months, but this varies depending on your natural hair type and growth process. 

3. Micro Link Hair Extensions 

These are also known as micro bead hair extensions or micro loop hair extensions. They are applied by attaching tiny wefts of hair to small sections of the natural hair using a small silicone-lined bead. Use a special tool to secure the bead to the hair and tighten it to hold it into place. If these extensions are not installed properly, they can be damaging to the hair. 

This means that they may be tightened too much or cause pressure and pull on the roots, also if they are not removed properly your natural hair can be pulled out. It takes about 2-4 hours to apply. 

Treatment for Micro Link Hair Extensions 

Micro-link extensions can be washed just the same as you would wash your natural hair. The same styling products can also be used. Just as the Fusion extensions, they need to be repositioned every 2-3 months as your natural hair grows and moves the micro link beads from the scalp. These extensions are semi-permanent as they can last up to 4 months.

4. Wigs and Hair Pieces

There are a variety of wigs and hairpieces that are available and can be applied to hair depending on where you need to put it. Wigs are made to belong and cover your whole head, while hairpieces can be made in buns or ponytails. Wigs act as a replacement for your hair and can be used when people experience hair loss, go bald or simply want to change their hairstyle without making major changes to their natural hair. 

Treatment of Wigs and Hair Pieces 

Washing these types of extensions depends on how real or synthetic they are. If looked after properly, these can last up to 1 year.

5. Clip-in Hair Extensions 

These extensions are hair strands that have been contoured and attached to a base of either fabric or silicone. Clips are then attached to the base to make them ready to use. 

These are easier to apply than the other hair extensions as you just must clip them into your natural hair. The clips are easy to open and close and do not snag on your hair when you use them. However, these hair extensions aren’t permanent as the other hair extension types because they can be easily removed and re-installed depending on how you want your hair styled. 

They take about 5-15 minutes to clip in and can be done at home without the help of a professional. No chemicals are used such as glues or tapes so there aren’t damages done to your hair as with other hair extensions. 

Treatment of Clip- In Hair Extensions 

These are low maintenance and only need to be washed every 15-20 weeks depending on usage and product build-up. Can last anywhere between 3-6 months and even a year.

6. Sew- In Hair Extensions – Weaves 

First, braid the natural hair into cornrows before the weave can be applied. These extensions need to be inserted by a professional as you’d need to use a needle and thread to sew it into your natural hair. The process can take up to several hours. It can also put a strain on the scalp as it needs to be sewn tight to ensure that it remains intact. 

Treatment of Weaves 

The scalp needs to be moisturized the nape as well and the edges of the hair at least once a week. Use deep conditioning products. The weaves need to be washed in a special protein product that minimizes damage and weakening of the hair. The weave can be removed every 6-8 weeks. 

Why Are Human Hair Wigs So Expensive? 

Cultivating the Strands

There is a special process that human hair goes through to ensure that they are worth the cost. Remy Human Hair is a top-quality human hair wig. This wig is made by using unprocessed hair from donors that had healthy, long, and full hair. These are usually taken from young women who do not have any split ends or grey hair. The hair is collected in such a way that each strand is facing the same direction with the roots on one end and the ends on the other.

Chemical Treatment

After the hair is collected it is then disinfected with a professional liquid chemical and device that is used to remove any possibility of lice or other diseases from the hair and to erase any smells that the hair might have.

Once the disinfection process is done, the hair needs to go through a dying process depending on what the designer wants the wig to look like. After the hair has been colored, the designer will then work on a combination of different colors that will be a part of the style of the wig. These include highlights, lowlights, ombre color, or mixed colors.

Each color combination needs to be tested and kept a record of each formula and the steps followed to ensure that the next wig has the same consistency. Once the wig is completed, it is used as a sample to make a color ring for the wig that will be used as a guide to help the next wigs look the same.

Wig Craftsmanship

Another aspect that makes these wigs so expensive is that they are hand-tied to cap. In crafting the wig, each hair must be hand-tied into the cap base and make a knot. A full lace wig requires about 40 hours of work to be completed.

A higher density wig between 150-180% will also need more time as there is more hair to tie into the cap. If a monofilament top or a silk top must be added to the wig cap, it can be double the standard time to complete.

Factors That Influence The Hair Extensions Price

There are various factors that are added when setting a price for a human hair wig. 

These factors include: 

• The weight and the length of the hair- the more hair that is used and the longer it is the more expensive it will be. 

• The process of getting the hair

• Wefting - the clean hair is put into bundles and goes through a sewing machine that adds a single thread stitch across four inches below the top of the hair. The hair then goes through several machines that secure the thread and remove all hairs above the threaded line. The last machine then attaches the thick weft line. 

• Quality - Brazilian hair extensions are one of the best on the market. This hair is super soft, flows nicely, and has a natural shine. 

Key Takeaways! 

Human hair wigs are a better option than using synthetic hair extensions. It all depends on your budget and the type of extension you want to use. Visit the Juvabun website to see detailed information on human hair extensions and what will work best for you.