Just as there are fake Louis Vuitton bags and Ray Ban sunglasses, there are also fake hair extensions.
The issue is that some suppliers will try to fool buyers into thinking they’re getting the “real deal,” only to end up with sub-par extensions that are anything but top-tier. That said, it’s super important to know how to spot fake hair extensions (and get your money back).
Spotting fake hair extensions is easier than you might think. You can tell that hair extensions are fake if they’re cheap, come from an unknown brand, and the lengths are uneven or have damaged cuticles. Artificial extensions will melt in the presence of heat (flame or hot iron), while human hair will singe off.
Don’t fall prey to the fakes – learn to spot fake hair extensions and never worry about getting ripped off!
Different Ways to Spot Fake Hair Extensions
Spotting fake extensions is essential to avoiding lackluster strands (and wasted cash). That said, you can use any (or all) of these methods to determine whether or not the hair extensions are fake.
1. Melts, Not Singes
The quickest way to know whether your extensions are real or fake is to perform the burn test. You can do this by running a flat iron over a section of the extensions or holding them over an open flame. If the hair melts, it’s artificial. If it singes off like natural hair, it’s real.
2. Low Price Tag
Of course, you can’t always use the burn test – for example, if you’re considering purchasing from a salon or a beauty store. (They won’t appreciate you taking a lighter to their products, and you’ll likely get kicked out!)
So what else can you do?
The next best option is to check the price tag. Fake extensions will be cheaper because they’re, well, fake. So, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
When it comes to hair extensions, you get what you pay for, so don’t hesitate to shell out the extra bucks.
3. Unknown Supplier
There are many well-known hair extension brands, including Kinkistry, Glam Seamless, and Luxy Hair (to name a few). If you look at a package of hair extensions and don’t know the supplier, there’s a greater chance of ending up with fakes.
Always purchase from reputable brands to avoid ending up with fake hair extensions!
4. Poor Packaging
Natural hair extensions are almost as valuable as gold (OK, not exactly, but anyone who adores hair extensions will claim that it is!). That said, they get the “royal treatment” when it comes to packaging.
Take a good look at the packaging. High-quality, natural human hair extensions are typically vacuum-sealed to protect the strands. They’re also laid out or tied into a ponytail, again, to ensure they’re kept in tip-top shape until they’re worn.
If your packaging looks a little rough around the edges, it may signify that the hair’s fake (and doesn’t deserve the five-star treatment).
5. Perfectly Even Ends
The strands should be slightly uneven if you’re buying real human hair extensions. With that in mind, take a gander at the ends of the hair extensions. If they’re perfectly even in an unnatural manner, I wouldn’t buy them – they’re fakes!
6. Damaged Cuticles
One of the biggest pros of Remy human hair extensions is that the cuticles are left intact, which means the hair flows in the same direction. This produces an all-natural and glamorous aesthetic that’s discreet and fabulous.
Do these hair extensions leave the cuticles intact? Does all of the hair fall in the same direction? Then it’s real. If not, you’re working with fake hair extensions that have damaged cuticles. They won’t produce a gorgeous, natural appearance. Ditch ‘em, girl!
7. Shedding
While all hair extensions will have some shedding, fake hair will shed right out of the gate. So, open your package of hair extensions. Do you already see noticeable shedding? Then it’s fake and should be taken back to the store immediately.
8. Excessively Thin Strands
Natural human hair extensions will have thicker strands compared to fake ones. So, run your fingers through the hair strands. Are they thin and almost rough? Then they’re likely fake.
Real extensions will not only be thicker, but they’ll be noticeably soft and luxurious, too – which is why they do not tangle or knot up nearly as often as “artificial” hair extensions.
FAQs
Now you are locked and loaded with all the best ways to determine whether or not your hair extensions are fake. No more artificial mishaps for you! If you want to keep learning about this topic, here are a couple of frequently asked questions to look at.
How can you tell if you have cheap hair extensions?
Cheap hair extensions will look and feel unnatural, almost like doll hair. They’ll have a noticeable and bizarre shine and be rough to touch. They’ll tangle easily and will be challenging to untangle and take care of. Also, the hair will be thin, especially at the ends.
Do hair extensions look fake?
Natural human hair extensions do not look fake, especially when they’re installed correctly and carefully maintained. Synthetic (artificial) extensions tend to look a little more unreal. Yet, they’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings and don’t look as obvious as they used to (thank goodness).
Does synthetic hair feel fake?
Synthetic hair tends to have a faker texture compared to natural human hair extensions. While more expensive synthetic strands will be smoother and silkier, cheaper options will have a wiry and undesirable texture – almost like the hair you’d find on a doll.
You Can Spot Fake Hair Extensions Instantly!
With a few simple tests and tips, you can spot fake hair extensions – and avoid a styling nightmare. The best way to test for fakes is by using the burn test. However, if you can’t do this, check the price tag, supplier, packaging, and hair. Thin, shedding hair that looks almost too perfect is fake.
How do you spot fake hair extensions? Do you have any tips?
