How to Wear a Hair Topper

Are you noticing more strands on your brush and less on your scalp? Do you feel your hair's volume isn't what it used to be? If these questions resonate with you, you may be considering a hair topper to provide you with extra volume and density. 

This article will walk you through the essential steps on how to wear a hair topper. We'll discuss how to prepare your existing hair, how to correctly put on your hair topper, and how to style it to look both natural and seamless. 

By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge needed to make your hair topper work flawlessly for you.

Preparing Your Hair for a Hair Topper

Before you can fully enjoy the benefits of a hair topper, it's important to start with clean hair to ensure your scalp feels fresh while wearing the topper, especially if you’re dealing with hair thinning or a widening part.

"I  like  to  have  freshly washed  hair  under  my  topper  because  then  my  topper  stays  clean  and  I  don't  have  to  wash  it  as  often." shares Amy, a Daniel Alain customer.

Here’s how best to prepare your hair:

Using Hair Products If your hair is extremely fine, applying a small amount of styling product can provide extra grip for the topper’s clips. This helps prevent the topper from slipping without relying solely on the cleanliness of the hair.

Consider Volumizing Products Using a volumizing shampoo or a light conditioner after washing can help add some volume to your hair, which not only enhances the overall look but also provides a better base for the topper, helping to keep it securely in place without moving around.

Securing Your Hair Topper for a Natural Look

Correct attachment helps you achieve a natural appearance and ensures your topper is comfortable all day long. Amy wears a Trend topper from Follea by Daniel Alain, to manage her thinning hair and shares:

"My consultant brought in some toppers and the instant she put it on my head it felt like I could breathe. This was something I could wear and not freak out!”

Here’s how you can secure your hair topper correctly:

• Open the Clips Begin by opening all the clips on the underside of the topper. This prepares it for a secure attachment to your natural hair.

• Align the Part Carefully align the part of the topper with the part in your natural hair. This step is crucial for ensuring the topper looks as natural as possible.

• Secure the Front Clips Place the front clips about 1/4 inch behind your front hairline and gently snap them closed. This helps avoid any visible demarcation at the front and ensures the topper blends seamlessly with your natural hair.

• Attach the Back Clips Work your way towards the back of your head, securing each clip in place. Make sure to catch enough of your natural hair in the clips to keep the topper stable. Avoid clipping too tightly to prevent discomfort or strain on your natural hair.

• Blend with Natural Hair Use a rat tail comb to gently pull some of your natural hair around the front hairline over the edge of the topper. This technique helps conceal the front edge and enhances the integration of the topper with your natural hair.

• Brush Through Finally, brush your natural hair and the hair topper together to ensure they blend smoothly and eliminate any visible lines between them.

Amy says that her toppers are comfortable enough to forget she’s wearing one, but advises, “if it’s causing you pain, then you’ve probably clipped it in too close to your scalp. You’ll need to go back in and release those clips and re-attach them more loosely, away from your scalp.”

Styling and Maintaining Your Hair Topper

Styling your hair topper can be fun and empowering. "Being able to style my topper with my natural hair gives me so much more confidence. I’m pretty disappointed I didn’t find this option sooner," explains Kim, who has experienced hair thinning since her mid-twenties. 

One of the great advantages of a human hair topper is the styling versatility. Just like your natural hair, you can use styling tools such as straighteners and curling wands to achieve any look you desire. Whether you’re straightening your natural hair to match the sleek texture of your topper, or curling both to create a seamless blend, you should always use a heat protectant to preserve the integrity of the hair and ensure your topper continues to look vibrant and healthy.

Amy uses a straightener on her natural hair because, “the European hair toppers I routinely wear have a soft, smooth texture and I want my bio hair to match.”

To maintain your topper and keep it looking fresh, follow these tips:

• Regular Washing Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and wash your human hair topper as needed. For our Follea products, we suggest washing your piece every 7 - 10 wears. Using a gentle shampoo and hydrating conditioner will ensure it stays looking its best.

• Proper Storage When not in use, store your topper on a mannequin head or in a silk bag to prevent tangling and dust accumulation.

• Night Care Avoid sleeping in your topper to prevent unnecessary wear and tear and tension to your natural hair.

Troubleshooting Common Topper Issues

Even with practice, you might face some common mistakes when you first start wearing a topper. "I didn’t want my topper sitting too far forward or too far back. I had to learn exactly where to place it for the most natural look," shares Amy.

Here are some quick fixes:

• Adjust the Clips Sometimes, simply adjusting the clips can prevent slippage.

• Ask Family and Friends Your trusted family and friends know you best. Ask for their opinion if you’re unsure of the correct placement in the beginning.

• Consult a Specialist If issues persist, consider consulting a specialist who can customize your topper for a perfect fit.

What's Next for Your Hair Topper Journey?

If you’re uncertain about hair toppers and possibly more familiar with wigs or extensions, you may be unclear about how a topper could enhance your look. We hope this article has equipped you with the right knowledge on how to wear a hair topper.

Ready to take what you've learned and apply it? We recommend exploring more about hair toppers to ensure you make the right decision for you. Dive into our resource 5 Tips for Choosing Your First Hair Topper for further guidance and inspiration. Your journey to fuller, more natural-looking hair is just beginning—are you excited to see where it can take you?