1. The Burn Test (Most Definitive - DO WITH EXTREME CAUTION AND ONLY ON A SMALL, DISCREET STRAND!):
* Human Hair:
* Burns with a small flame.
* Smells like burning hair or feathers.
* Leaves behind a brittle, black, ashy residue that can be crushed easily.
* Self-extinguishes when the flame is removed.
* Synthetic Hair:
* Melts quickly and smells like burning plastic.
* Forms a hard, sticky ball of plastic or a hard bead.
* Continues to burn unless you blow it out.
* Leaves behind a hard, artificial residue.
IMPORTANT:
* Use a small, discreet section from the ends. You don't want to damage the entire set.
* Perform the test in a well-ventilated area.
* Have a fire extinguisher or water nearby just in case.
* Only do this if you're comfortable and understand the risks.
2. The Look and Feel Test:
* Human Hair:
* Feels soft, smooth, and natural to the touch.
* Tends to have varying textures and thickness, just like natural hair. May have slight imperfections.
* Blends well with your own hair.
* May tangle, but usually less than synthetic hair.
* Synthetic Hair:
* Feels unnaturally smooth, sometimes even plastic-like or wiry.
* Has a uniform texture and thickness, often appearing too perfect.
* May have an unnatural shine.
* Tangles easily and can be difficult to comb through.
* Often comes in very vibrant or unnatural colors that may be difficult to find in real hair.
3. The Heat Styling Test:
* Human Hair:
* Can be styled with heat tools (curling irons, straighteners, blow dryers) just like your own hair.
* May require heat protectant to prevent damage.
* Synthetic Hair:
* Will melt or burn with heat. *Heat-resistant synthetic hair* *can* withstand some heat, but usually only at lower temperatures (check the manufacturer's instructions). Even then, it may still be damaged or change texture with heat. If unsure, test on a small section first!
* Will not hold a curl or straighten effectively.
4. The Water Test:
* Human Hair:
* Absorbs water and gets wet like your own hair.
* May change texture slightly when wet (e.g., become wavier).
* Synthetic Hair:
* Water tends to bead up on the surface.
* Dries much faster than human hair.
* Doesn't usually change texture significantly when wet.
5. The Price Test:
* Human Hair:
* Significantly more expensive than synthetic hair.
* Expect to pay a premium for quality human hair.
* Synthetic Hair:
* Much cheaper than human hair.
6. The Tangle Test:
* Human Hair: Tends to tangle, but not as severely. Can usually be brushed out easily.
* Synthetic Hair: Tangles very easily and the tangles are often difficult or impossible to remove without damaging the hair.
7. Ask the Seller (But Verify):
* A reputable seller should be able to tell you the origin of the hair and provide details about its processing. However, don't solely rely on their word; use the other tests to verify.
Important Considerations:
* Hair Type: Even within human hair extensions, there are different grades and types (e.g., Remy, Virgin, Brazilian, Indian). These factors will affect the hair's quality, price, and how it behaves.
* Synthetic Hair Quality: Some high-quality synthetic hair can mimic the look and feel of human hair quite well. It might be more difficult to distinguish without the burn test or heat test.
In summary, if you're unsure, perform the burn test on a small, discreet section. If you're uncomfortable with the burn test, carefully consider the look, feel, and price of the extensions and compare them to known examples of human and synthetic hair.