Synthetic hair has been used for decades in the form of wigs, crochet styles, and braids. It's a staple that is used worldwide because of its versatility and variety. While we can dedicate a post to the many advantages of using it, we are here to tell you why you should be washing your synthetic hair before installation.
But first: What exactly is synthetic hair made of? Synthetic hair is not real hair. Instead, it is made of plastic fibers that are designed to resemble human hair. Synthetic hair is often treated with a base that is alkaline. This base can cause irritation for some people. "If you're using synthetic hair for a protective style, it's always treated with a chemical over the hair that causes that itchiness that happens on the scalp that kind of makes it unbearable," says Whitney White, YouTube vlogger and Melanin Haircare founder.