Nov 06, 2024

Have Thinning Hair or Hair Loss? Try a Topper. A HerWigCloset Guide to Alternative Hair Solutions

Watch this video for a quick primer on hair toppers!

Hair toppers are a great option for women experiencing either hair loss or hair thinning, and are quickly growing in popularity. If you’re unfamiliar with this versatile hair piece, read on to learn more.

What is a hair topper?

Before and after putting on a topper. 

A hair topper is a hair piece that is placed on a thinning or balding area on top of the head. It can be used to add volume to thin hair or add coverage to areas of hair loss.

Why choose a topper over a wig?

Although wigs are a more traditional option to treat hair loss, they cover the entire scalp. If your hair loss or hair thinning is localized only to the top of your head, a topper can be a more affordable, breathable, and natural looking option.

Who should use one?

On the underside of the topper you can see the pressure-sensitive clips and lace base.

Toppers stay on your head by clipping onto your bio hair. Using a topper with too small a base size will mean there is not enough hair for the clips to attach to. This may end up damaging your hair and worsening the hair loss. If a topper does not provide adequate coverage, a wig is a better option.

Human Hair vs Synthetic

Toppers come in both human hair and synthetic options. We recommend and only carry human hair toppers as its overall benefits outweigh the costs. Although synthetic options are more affordable, they’re also more difficult to blend with your existing hair. Synthetic hair tends to be shinier compared to human hair which can make it look less believable. Furthermore, human hair is easier to style and dye to match your natural hair texture and color exactly.

How to choose the right topper for you

First measure your area of hair loss or thinning with a fabric tape measure from front to back and side to side. Add about 1 inch to each measurement (ex: if your measurements are 2”x3”, you would need a topper that measures at least 3”x 4”.) This extra allowance ensures that your topper has enough healthy hair to clip on to.

Next measure your hair length from the top of your head to the bottom of your hair. This will be the length of your hair topper. If your hair is between the lengths we provide, we recommend choosing the longer length. A topper can be shortened but cannot be made longer.

Choose a topper color that either matches your current hair color or if no match is available, a color that is slightly lighter than your own. This is because we do not recommend bleaching your topper as it can damage both the hair and the base. Dying the topper is a gentler, less damaging option. Make sure to bring your topper to an experienced hair stylist for the best results.

How do I wear a hair topper?

Demonstration of how to clip and blend your topper with your bio hair

Before clipping the topper to your hair, make sure to change its hairline so that it aligns with your own. First, apply heat protectant to your topper. Use your fingers or a comb to make the new hair part and hold the hair in place with your hand. Use a blow dryer and apply heat directly to the new parting line for at least 8 seconds or until the hair is very warm to the touch. (Use caution to avoid blow drying your fingers. It can be very hot.) Turn off the dryer and hold the hair in place until it cools down.

Once you’re satisfied with the hair part, open each of the clips and place the topper on your head. Align it with your own parting line. Pull the topper taught from the left and right sides and use the open clips to scoop underneath your own hair on either side of the area you are covering. Snap the clips into place. Next, hold the topper in place with one hand in the front and the other hand, gently pulling the topper taught at the back. Use the scooping motion again to place the clip underneath your hair and snap in place. Use a comb to tidy the topper and blend with your own hair.

Suggestion: if your topper is the right color, but doesnt seem to blend in well with your own hair, try taking it to an experienced stylist. It may need a trim or additional blow dry before it matches your own hair perfectly.

What are “European Hair Toppers”? Would they suit me?

Here's a selection of some of our 10-inch toppers.

European hair toppers are made with hair sourced from European countries. This hair tends to be finer and blend more naturally for people of European descent. As most hair for wigs and toppers are sourced from Asian countries, the hair texture and thickness may not match European users as seamlessly. If you are of European descent or have a finer hair texture, European hair toppers may suit you well.

Hopefully we've answered all your questions! If you're stuck and need help, feel free to reach out to us using the purple chat button on the corner of our page.