Wig Fibres Explained: Kanekalon, Synthetic and Human Hair

The fibre decides how a wig looks, how it feels and how much heat it takes. Every product page on Luxegan names the fibre. This guide explains the four names you see most often, Kanekalon, high temperature synthetic, low temperature synthetic and human hair, and what each means for styling and care.

Fibre names at a glance

Kanekalon

Kanekalon is the brand name of a modacrylic fibre made by Kaneka. Braiders use it for box braids, twists and cornrows because it takes a braid and holds the pattern. It has a light matte finish rather than the shine of cheap plastic fibre. Our Kanekalon braided wigs name the fibre in the listing.

High temperature and low temperature synthetic

Suppliers grade synthetic fibre by how much heat it takes. A high temperature grade tolerates the hot water setting and limited heat. A low temperature grade does not take heat tools at all. The grade is on each product page, in the Fibre line of the description. When the listing gives no heat limit, use no direct heat.

Human hair

Human hair takes more heat than synthetic fibre and some human hair wigs take colour or a perm, as the listing says. It costs more and weighs more. See our human hair wigs.

Heat and the hot water setting

Many braiders seal synthetic braid ends with hot water instead of a flat iron. Dip only the ends in hot water, not boiling, for 10 to 20 seconds, then let them cool. Do this only on high temperature or Kanekalon fibre. Never do it on a low temperature grade. Our Kanekalon braided wig guide has the full method.

Safety

Keep synthetic wigs away from open flames, ovens and high heat. Do not use a lighter to seal the ends. If a cap or fibre irritates your skin, stop wearing the wig.

Which fibre should you choose?

• For braided styles on lace caps, choose Kanekalon or a high temperature synthetic.
• For a short crochet or headband wig you wear and leave alone, a low temperature synthetic is fine.
• For a wig you want to colour or restyle, choose human hair.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kanekalon real hair?

No. Kanekalon is a synthetic fibre made to look and feel like braiding hair.

Is Kanekalon the same as high temperature fibre?

Not always. Kanekalon is a fibre brand. High temperature is a grade that suppliers put on many synthetic fibres. Read the listing for both.

Is a flat iron safe on a synthetic wig?

Only if the listing gives a heat limit, and only at that limit. Many braided wigs are better set with the hot water method.

How do I know which fibre a wig uses?

Open the product page and read the Fibre line in the Details list.

Browse Kanekalon braided wigs, knotless braided wigs and box braided wigs.