The global wig and hair-extension market is estimated to be worth over $10 billion by 2023, so it’s no surprise that the demand for synthetic wigs has risen in the last couple of years. Because of its low price, versatility, and the ethical issues surrounding human-hair harvesting, synthetic wigs have been a clear choice for many. 

Environmentally, the ultra-fine strands of plastic and chemically derived materials such as petroleum, acrylic, and PVC are not biodegradable. With that being said, where do they even go after it gets too dirty to use?

To many outsiders, wigs might not seem like a big deal. However, for the people that do wear wigs, it may be for cancer, alopecia, to protect their natural hair, or to even switch it up. Braiding hair specialist Afi Emily Attipoe stated, “Taking care of your natural hair is the most sustainable option, but protective styling is paramount, particularly in [certain] weather. Some hairstyles work better with synthetic hair due to its texture [and] variety.” 

Unfortunately, real human hair lasts much shorter than the lifespan of synthetic hair, and the best disposal practice is widely unknown because there are no clear instructions on the package. Beth Summers, co-director of Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) says, “Regulations are needed on all hair products, synthetic or real. A fair-trade and transparent supply chain with proper health and safety legislation for the manufacture, use, and disposal of synthetic hair is required.”

The biggest wall between sustainability and quality in wigs is pricing. A majority of the ethically-sourced natural human hair wigs are way over fifty dollars, which is out of many people’s budgets because they aren’t practical. However, synthetic wigs made essentially out of plastic are much cheaper—from less than twenty dollars. Since plastics are so cheap, most people don’t consider the effects it brings: chemicals, pollution, waste, and health impacts. 

In another effort to reuse synthetic wigs more recently, places called “wig banks” are being created. For those who are financially limited, certain community-driven companies such as Simply Wig in the UK take donations of used wigs, which are then washed and reconditioned before reselling at an affordable price. 

On the other hand, taking proper care of the wig is extremely crucial. Making sure to regularly wash, brush, and condition the wig makes it last longer and look better. 

Since they can’t be recycled as easily as soda cans, water bottles, or metal, try donating them to local hairdressers to fix up and give away to cancer patients or give them to the theater or local school for costume/stage use. In the end, making sure to be proactive about spending, buying, and having the knowledge of taking proper care has the ability to reduce the overall global waste problem by a fraction. 

Photo Courtesy of ALIBABA.COM