Often called a “push-up bra for your hair,” hair toppers are smaller, wig-like pieces that add volume and density to thin or thinning hair. They help conceal patchy or balding areas that regular hair extensions and styling tricks can’t hide.
When shopping for a hair topper, there are several things you need to keep in mind. These tips will help you avoid typical hair topper-buying mistakes.
Human Hair
Hair toppers for women help conceal female patterns; filling in the bald spots on a woman’s head can prevent baldness, thinning hair, and other types of hair loss. Unlike a full wig or hair extension, they are lightweight and designed to blend in with a woman’s natural tresses.
Human hair is the most common material used to create women’s hair toppers; it looks natural and authentic. However, this type of hair topper is typically pricier than synthetic options as it takes more effort to create high-quality products that are durable and long-lasting.
Some hair lovers dye their hair topper to match their natural tone and ensure it blends perfectly with their strands. If you opt to do this, ensure that your hair topper is professionally trimmed first so that it is cut at the same length as your strands. Be sure to take care of your topper by washing it regularly with specialized wig shampoo and conditioner. It is recommended to avoid exposing the fibers to excessive heat or direct sunlight to ensure their protection against damage.
Synthetic
Synthetic hair toppers are made from artificial fibers that can be less expensive than their human-hair counterparts. They are typically pre-set and come in a style such as straight, wavy, or bouncy blow-dry style. They hold their shape well and can be worn without washing or styling, making them an excellent choice for those short on time. However, they have a limited lifespan and cannot be restyled using heat tools such as curling wands or hair dryers.
Synthetic hair toppers, adjunct wigs, and hair extensions by augmenting the fullness and length of one’s existing hair. They also work well to hide bald spots or thinning areas, although they are not a solution for total hair loss (that’s where a full wig comes in handy). As with all hair types, brushing your new topper frequently is essential to prevent tangles and breakage. To avoid the appearance of noticeable “their-not-my” hair, selecting a hue that closely matches the color of your hair is crucial.
Lace
Lace is a delicate fabric used in various clothing, jewelry, and accessories. It’s also a popular base material for hair toppers because it provides the most natural-looking appearance. However, it’s a delicate material that needs to be treated carefully.
The most common type of lace hair topper is a lace front piece. These types of hairpieces are usually worn to cover a receding or thinning hairline, providing a realistic appearance that’s hard to detect. These types of lace toppers require more maintenance than others because they have visible knots on the base of the hairpiece, but these can be bleached to make them less noticeable.
Use texturizing products like sprays or powders to make your lace hair topper look more natural. These products add grip to the hair strands, which makes them appear thicker and more voluminous. You can also experiment with temporary hair color sprays, which offer a non-permanent solution for coloring your hair topper. However, it’s best to seek the advice of a qualified hairstylist who deals with hairpieces if you’re considering a permanent color change.
Colors
Hair toppers are available in various colors to complement your skin tone for a seamless appearance. You can even use temporary hair dye sprays or hair chalk to experiment with different shades without making a permanent commitment.
You may also take your hair topper to a qualified hairstylist who specializes in dealing with hairpieces to add highlights or lowlights for a more natural and unique look. They will be able to assess the material of your topper and provide expert advice on achieving a beautiful color transformation with minimal damage.
You can also style your hair topper for a more natural look by combing it to the side or creating a zig-zag part. It is a great way to create more dimension and visual interest while adding extra volume to your scalp. Another great way to make your hair topper look more realistic is using a wig clip to secure it. It is a quick and easy way to keep your hair topper firmly in place while working, exercising, or socializing.
Styles
Unlike full-head wigs, hair toppers for women are light to wear and can be styled in many ways. Add flair with decorative pins or brooches, or keep it simple with ribbons or bows.
You can add texture to your hair topper using texturizing products like gels or sprays. These products will give your hair a thicker and more voluminous appearance. Another way to make your hair topper look more natural is by using teasing or backcombing techniques.
Most of the time, you’ll need to cut and blend your new topper with your natural hair to achieve a seamless look. It’s best to visit a professional stylist with experience working with these hairpieces. A stylist will help you trim and shape the topper to your liking and blend it into your natural hair for a more unified look. They will also offer advice on how to care for your hair topper for a longer lifespan.
