Synthetic vs Human Hair Dreadlocks: What’s the Difference?

If you’re considering dreadlocks for the first time, or switching from one type to another, the biggest question usually sounds like this: synthetic or human hair?

Both can look amazing, but they are very different in price, feel, maintenance, weight, installation logic, and how long you can comfortably wear them.

The short version: synthetic dreadlocks are usually better for temporary styles, color experiments, lighter wear, and beginners. Human hair dreadlocks are usually better for long-term or permanent dreadlock plans, but they require more commitment and often cost much more.

In this guide, I’ll break down the real differences in a simple, practical way — so you can choose what actually fits your lifestyle instead of choosing based on one pretty photo and blind optimism. Pretty photos are dangerous little demons like that.

If you’re new to synthetic sets, you may also want to read First Time Installing Dreads? Read This Before You Do Anything. It explains what is normal, what is not, and how to avoid beginner panic.

1) What Are Synthetic Dreadlocks?

Synthetic dreadlocks are usually made from high-quality synthetic fiber, most commonly kanekalon. They are designed to look like dreadlocks, braids, twists, curls, or a mix of textures depending on the set.

Synthetic dreads are usually installed temporarily using braid-in methods. Your natural hair is braided with the extension, so you can wear the style for several weeks and then remove it without permanently locking your own hair.

They’re popular because they’re:

• Lighter than many people expect.
• More budget-friendly compared to human hair dreadlocks.
• Great for temporary styles — weeks, not years.
• Often reusable if cared for properly.
• Available in many colors, lengths, and textures.
• A good choice for people who want transformation without permanent commitment.

You can explore structured everyday styles in the Synthetic Dreadlocks collection, or browse more classic straight options in the Straight Dreads collection.

If you want something softer and more textured, you may also like Boho Dreads or Curly Dreads.

2) What Are Human Hair Dreadlocks?

Human hair dreadlocks are made from real human hair, sometimes donor hair. They can be used for permanent dreadlock extensions, repairs, lengthening existing natural dreads, or creating a more long-term dreadlock look.

Human hair dreads often feel more natural to the touch and can blend well with real dreadlocks. They may be preferred by people who already have permanent dreadlocks or want a long-term extension method.

But human hair dreadlocks are usually:

• More expensive.
• More demanding to source and prepare.
• Better suited for long-term wear.
• Less ideal if you want frequent color changes.
• More of a commitment than temporary synthetic sets.

Human hair dreadlocks can be beautiful, but they are not automatically “better” for everyone. If your goal is temporary style, easy color change, and removable volume, synthetic dreadlocks may make far more sense.

3) Look & Feel: How Different Do They Really Look?

In photos, both synthetic and human hair dreadlocks can look stunning. The difference is usually in shine, texture, density, and movement.

Human hair naturally behaves like hair because it is hair. It can feel softer or more organic to the touch, especially when blended into existing natural dreadlocks.

High-quality synthetic sets, however, can look extremely natural — especially when you choose the right color blend, thickness, texture, and volume. A well-made synthetic set does not have to look plastic or fake.

For example, this bestseller shows how natural synthetic blends can look: Boho-Chic Dirty Blond & Dark Blond.

Boho and mixed-texture synthetic sets can also look more dimensional than simple uniform dreads because they combine dreads, braids, curls, and accent textures. If you want to understand that aesthetic better, read the Boho Dreads Guide.

If you’re unsure how structure affects volume and realism, it helps to understand the difference between single-ended and double-ended dreadlocks.

4) Weight & Comfort: What’s Better for Sensitive Scalps?

This is one of the most important differences.

• Synthetic dreadlocks are often lightweight and well-balanced when made from good fiber.
• Human hair dreadlocks can feel heavier, especially when long, dense, or wet.

Comfort depends on several things: fiber quality, dread thickness, length, installation tension, section size, and how many pieces are installed.

If you have a sensitive scalp, lightweight synthetic options are often more comfortable for temporary wear. They can give you the look without making your first experience feel too intense.

If you are worried about tension, safety, or natural hair damage, read Are Boho Dreads Safe for Natural Hair?. The same basic logic applies to synthetic dread extensions in general: correct tension, balanced weight, and gentle removal matter more than panic.

If you are choosing a first set and do not know how much volume is reasonable, use the Dread Calculator before ordering.

5) How Long Do They Last?

Synthetic dreadlocks:
Usually worn for around 4–8 weeks per installation, depending on hair growth, scalp comfort, tension, and maintenance. They are temporary and removable, but many sets can be reused if removed and stored properly.

Human hair dreadlocks:
Designed for long-term wear — often months or years — with regular maintenance. They are usually chosen by people who want a more permanent dreadlock journey rather than a temporary transformation.

This is the main lifestyle difference. Synthetic dreads are great if you want change, flexibility, and the option to remove them. Human hair dreads are better if you want to commit long-term.

For synthetic wear time and beginner expectations, read Essential Care Tips for Synthetic Dreadlocks.

6) Maintenance Level: What’s Easier?

For most beginners, synthetic dreadlocks are easier to maintain because they are temporary, structured, and removable.

Fully dreaded synthetic sets hold their structure well and usually do not need much daily styling. You mainly need to care for your scalp, sleep with the set protected if needed, avoid aggressive friction, and remove the set on time.

Mixed synthetic styles with loose curls require more daily care. Curls can tangle, frizz, or lose definition if they are not protected from friction.

Human hair dreadlocks need a different kind of maintenance. Because they are intended for longer-term wear, they may require regular root maintenance, washing routines, palm rolling, separating, tightening, or professional care depending on the method and hair type.

If you're comparing effort levels, see Low Maintenance vs High Maintenance Dread Sets.

If you’re considering textured blends, it’s also helpful to understand how loose curls behave over time: Boho Dreads With Curls vs Without Curls.

7) Price: Why Is Human Hair More Expensive?

Human hair costs more because sourcing, sorting, preparing, and making human hair dreadlocks takes more money and time. Real hair is a more expensive material, and long-term dreadlock extensions often require more specialized work.

Synthetic sets remain more accessible while still being handmade and customizable. They allow more people to try dreadlock styles without paying human-hair extension prices or committing to a permanent change.

This does not mean synthetic dreads are “cheap” in quality. A good handmade synthetic set still needs proper fiber, structure, color blending, section planning, and finishing.

If you’re curious how sets are made and why structure matters for durability, you can see the Behind the Scenes of MiraDreadlocks creation process.

8) Color Freedom: Synthetic Dreads Are the Fun Option

One of the biggest advantages of synthetic dreadlocks is color freedom.

You can try blonde, brunette, copper, black, green, red, pastel, fantasy tones, ombré blends, natural highlights, or high-contrast styles without bleaching or dyeing your natural hair.

This is especially useful if your natural hair is fragile, damaged, or you simply do not want to chemically change it. Synthetic dreads let you experiment with color and then remove the set when you want something different.

Human hair can be dyed or toned in some cases, but it is more expensive and less forgiving. Color correction on human hair extensions can also become a whole expensive circus. Synthetic color is more straightforward: choose the color you want, wear it, remove it, change it next time.

If you want earthy textured color ideas, read Forest & Witchy Boho Dreads.

Synthetic vs Human Hair Dreadlocks: Quick Comparison

So… Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no universal “better” option — only what fits your lifestyle.

Choose synthetic dreadlocks if you want:

• temporary dreadlocks;
• easy color changes;
• more affordable handmade options;
• lighter temporary wear;
• a beginner-friendly first install;
• reusable sets;
• boho, curly, fantasy, or mixed-texture styles;
• the freedom to remove the style after several weeks.

Choose human hair dreadlocks if you want:

• a long-term or permanent dreadlock journey;
• real hair texture;
• extensions for existing natural dreadlocks;
• a higher-budget option;
• ongoing maintenance instead of temporary installs.

If you want flexibility, reusability, and comfort, synthetic dreadlocks are usually the easiest starting point. If you’re ready for a long-term commitment and don’t mind more upkeep, human hair dreadlocks may be worth the investment.

Quick Checklist

• Want temporary + easy care → synthetic.
• Want long-term commitment → human hair.
• Sensitive scalp? → choose lightweight styles and moderate volume.
• Love changing colors? → synthetic is your best friend.
• Want a first-time test before committing? → synthetic.
• Already have permanent dreads and want long-term extensions? → human hair may fit better.

If you are still unsure how many synthetic dreads you need, read How Many Synthetic Dreads Do You Need? or use the Dread Calculator.

Final Thoughts

Synthetic and human hair dreadlocks are not enemies. They simply serve different goals.

Human hair dreadlocks make sense when you want a long-term or permanent dreadlock path. Synthetic dreadlocks make sense when you want freedom, color, transformation, temporary wear, and the ability to change your style without locking yourself into one decision for years.

For most beginners, synthetic dreads are the easier, more flexible starting point. You can test the look, understand the weight, experiment with color, and decide what you actually like before committing to anything permanent.

Browse available handmade styles in the Synthetic Dreadlocks collection, explore softer Boho Dreads, or check the Behind the Scenes page to see how MiraDreadlocks sets are created.

Frequently Asked Questions