If you’re thinking of investing in a hair topper, I realise that there’s probably a lot about them that you’re dying to know! That’s why I’ve put together this handy guide to everything you ever wanted to know about hair toppers.
Here’s the lowdown.
What are hair toppers?
A hair topper (you might also see them referred to as a ‘wiglet’) is a hair piece designed to cover hair thinning or loss that occurs on the top of the head. They are lightweight, easy to fit, and they come in different styles, sizes, colours, lengths, and textures.
What are hair toppers for?
They are a hair loss solution for women who have hair thinning or loss on top of the head, but they are also great for women with really fine hair who want a bit of volume and oomph!
What makes hair toppers different from wigs?
Wigs cover the whole head and hair toppers only cover a specific area, usually the top or front of your head. Wigs cover your natural hair, whereas toppers blend in with your own hair and your own hair is still visible.
What are toppers made from?
They usually have a monofilament (a fine mesh), lace, or silk base and the hair can either be human hair or synthetic hair. Toppers are usually handmade and take around two weeks to make.
How do I choose the right size base for me?
Check out our last blog which has a handy guide on how to measure your hair loss and find out what size base you need.
How do I style my hair topper?
Ideally, you would lay it on a mannequin head and spray it with water, then style it the way you want. After toppers have been styled the same way for a little while, they will usually start to just fall into that shape.
Why does my hair topper have short hairs on the top?
This is called the hair return and it’s a necessary part of the hair topper production process. Say you have an 18-inch topper. This would usually be made with 22-inch long hair which is looped through the base of the topper, so four inches is left on top. This creates more volume on top and leaves you with tapered ends which are easier to blend in with your natural hair. You can blend the shorter hairs in with the rest of your hair using water and a comb, or by running your straighteners over it.
How often should I wash my hair topper?
When it comes to washing your hair topper, it doesn’t need to be washed as often as your natural hair. I would say wash it every two weeks, and believe me, you can get away with this because the topper won’t get greasy as it doesn’t pick up oils from the scalp like your own hair does. Washing your topper too often will dry it out.
How long do hair toppers last?
If you wear your topper every day, it can last for between 6 months and a year if you take good care of it. Taking good care of your topper means using sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners, deep conditioners, and other nourishing products like argan oil and serums to keep the hair hydrated and soft. When you aren’t wearing your topper, it’s a good idea to store it in a box to keep it free from dust.
Can I colour my topper to match my natural hair colour?
Most of the time, I’d recommend that it’s okay to dye your topper darker, but I wouldn’t advise you to bleach it lighter as it can damage the hair and dry it out.
What does a hair topper cost?
It depends on the size of the base, the lengths and thickness of the hair, and whether or not you choose human hair (which is more expensive but also lasts longer and helps you achieve a natural look). The cost of their individual hair topper is something I would always talk to my guests about during the consultation, as well as answering any other questions they have.
Are you considering getting a hair topper?
At Salon La Reine, we are specialists in hair loss solutions like wigs, toppers, and hair systems, that can help you disguise any hair thinning or loss while your natural hair grows back.
At your consultation, I’ll answer any questions you have and I’ll help you find the perfect hair loss solution that suits your lifestyle and needs.
Get in touch with me via our contact page, or alternatively, you can DM me on Facebook or Instagram.