Are Human Hair Toppers Worth the Cost?

Are you experiencing hair shedding, a thinning crown, or bald spots you wish weren't there?

Maybe you're concerned about seeing an increasing number of strands in your hair brush or shower drain and you don't know when, or if, the shedding will end.

If your hair loss experience is leaving you low in confidence and not feeling like your best self, chances are, you're looking to make some changes. And if you've tried numerous treatments to regrow your hair and you're not seeing the results you were hoping for, or the results are taking too long to show, it might be time to reconsider your options.

In our two decades in the hair industry, here at Daniel Alain, we have seen our customers achieve an instant boost of self-confidence through wearing our human hair wigs and toppers. Human hair toppers can provide the coverage and volume you desire, and we have created the most natural-looking pieces that blend seamlessly with your existing hair. As experts in the alternative hair industry, we understand the struggles that come with hair loss and are here to help.

Human hair toppers might be considered an expensive solution to your hair loss. They’re often made from high-quality, natural hair and require skilled craftsmanship to create a completely natural piece that looks and feels like a real head of hair. While the cost may be a barrier for some people, it’s important to consider the benefits a human hair topper can provide.  In this article, we will explore whether the benefits of human hair toppers are worth the cost, and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your unique situation.

What is a human hair topper?

If you’re new to wigs and toppers, you might not know the difference between the two. Indeed, many of our customers come to us looking for a wig and don’t even know that toppers exist. While a topper isn’t right for everyone, it can be the perfect solution for someone with partial hair loss looking for more volume and coverage than their existing hair can provide.

One of our customers, Emily V. was the perfect candidate for a human hair topper after experiencing hair loss and has been wearing a human hair topper from Daniel Alain for two years. “I’ve always had thin hair,” she explains, “but more recently suffered from hair loss due to some medical issues. My hair loss made me feel very self-conscious. It really affected how I felt about myself.”

A human hair topper is a hairpiece designed to cover a specific area of hair loss on the top of the head. Unlike wigs which cover the entire head, a human hair topper is designed to blend seamlessly with your existing hair. Since it’s made from real human hair, it can be styled, colored, and parted just like your bio hair. Human hair toppers offer a non-surgical, low-maintenance solution to hair loss, and are becoming increasingly popular among people who want to restore their confidence and feel like themselves again.

“I love the versatility of my human hair topper,” Emily exclaims. “My topper gives me the coverage I need, it’s easy to take on and off, and it works really well for my busy lifestyle.”

How much does a human hair topper cost?

At Daniel Alain, we understand that our human hair toppers can be a significant investment. Our prices start at $1242 for the smallest size, shortest length, and darkest color. As the base size, hair quality, and hair length increase, so does the cost. Color is also a determining factor when it comes to price - the lighter the color, the higher the cost. Our most expensive topper is $7030 for the largest size, longest length, and lightest color.

“My topper from Daniel Alain cost around $3000,” explains Emily. “For me, it’s well worth the price. If I had to estimate, I’d guess that over the last five years I’ve probably spent at least $5000 on over the counter medications, hair consultations at my dermatologist’s office, shampoos, serums, scalp massagers, and injections. I wish I had found my hair topper sooner. It could have saved me a lot of money.”

We aim to be transparent with our pricing, so you can make an informed decision about whether a human hair topper is the right choice for you. It’s important to keep in mind that while the cost may seem hefty, human hair toppers offer a natural-looking and versatile solution to hair loss that can have a significant impact on your confidence and self-esteem.

Why is a human hair topper so expensive?

Hair quality

The quality of the hair used to make a human hair topper can significantly impact the overall cost. High-quality hair that has undergone minimal processing and chemical treatments is more expensive than hair that has been treated and processed.

The origin of the hair, whether it’s from Europe, China, or India, can also affect the price. European hair is extremely rare and considered the most desirable due to its sleek appearance and smooth texture, making it much more expensive than hair from other regions. 

The hair industry is unfortunately largely unregulated which leaves brands free to make claims about the quality of the hair used in their products. With this in mind, we recommend looking into what people are saying about a particular brand’s pieces before you make a purchase. Check out what people are saying online, find out about how a piece looks and feels after being washed and worn, and read real customer reviews.  

At Daniel Alain, we use only the highest quality 100% European human hair to make toppers that look and feel as natural as possible. While this may increase the cost of our pieces, we believe the final result is worth the investment for people looking for the most natural solution to their hair loss. Reading Cynthia’s review of the Daniel Alain Style topper will give you a good idea about the real-life pros and cons of wearing one of our pieces.

Hair length and color

The cost of a human hair topper also depends on the length of the hair used to make it. Longer hair requires more time and effort to grow and is therefore more expensive to purchase. As a result, human hair toppers made with longer hair are more expensive than those made with shorter hair.

Hair color can also affect the cost of a human hair topper. Darker hair is simply more easily sourced and requires less processing than lighter hair. If your overall goal in a topper is for it to look completely natural, you will need to choose a color that best matches your existing hair. The lighter your existing hair, the more you will have to pay for a topper.

Construction of the topper

The construction of the topper’s base will also affect the cost of a human hair topper. The base is the part of the topper that sits on the wearer’s head and attaches to the existing hair. There are different types of bases, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

One popular type of base is the lace top, which is used in our Petite topper and Trend topper collections. The lace top is constructed from a thin, breathable material that allows the scalp to breathe and feels lightweight on the head. A lace top does not provide a completely natural look, as the lace material can be seen through the hair and on close inspection, does not mimic the appearance of a real scalp. This is a more affordable option because less effort and materials are required in its construction.

In contrast, a skin top provides a much more realistic appearance, as it is designed to look like a real scalp. The base is made from multiple layers of fabric that closely match the color of the wearer’s skin. Our Style topper and Chic topper collections both feature a skin top that gives the illusion of real hair growing from the scalp. However, this more realistic appearance comes at a cost, as the construction process is more complex and more expensive to produce.

Factors to consider when choosing a human hair topper

Now that you have some understanding of what determines the cost of a human hair topper, how do you use that information to decide which one is right for you? Let’s talk about the important factors you should consider when choosing a human hair topper.

Budget

First and foremost, budget. As with any major purchase, it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping to ensure you find a topper that fits within your goals and expectations. If you need it, look for a company who offers financing options or a military discount that will help towards the cost. 

Desired look

The desired look is another important factor to consider when choosing a human hair topper. Do you want a topper that looks completely natural and blends seamlessly with your existing hair? If so, hair quality, length, color, and texture will all contribute to the overall look of the topper, and you will likely have to pay more for the most natural look.

Hair quality

Consider a topper made from high-quality human hair that is soft, healthy, and tangle-free. Though they may look good brand new, cheaper hair toppers are much more likely to tangle and frizz after a few wears or washes. Lower-quality hair is also more prone to breakage, which can result in a shorter lifespan.

Topper longevity

Look for a topper that is well-made and designed to last. Cheaper toppers have a shorter lifespan, while high-quality toppers will last several years with proper care and maintenance.

Lifestyle

Finally, consider your lifestyle when choosing a human hair topper. If you’re very active or spend a lot of time outdoors, you will want to ensure your topper stays in place and withstands the elements. If you have a busy schedule and don’t have a lot of time to spend on styling and maintenance, choose a topper that is easy to care for and requires minimal upkeep.

Emily attests to being able to wear a human hair topper to the gym, and for a variety of activities. “I’m a professional figure skater and coach. I take tap, ballet, and jazz dance lessons. I visit the gym daily and take part in pilates, kickboxing, and TRX classes,” she says. “I wear my hair topper for all of these activities and I’ve never been worried about it falling off.”

Is a human hair topper worth it for me?

We know that losing your hair can be an emotionally challenging experience, and it’s important to explore all the options when it comes to finding a solution. Human hair toppers are a popular choice for anyone experiencing hair loss or thinning, but they can also come with a significant cost. So, are human hair toppers worth the cost?

After exploring what goes into the cost of a human hair topper, and the factors to consider when choosing the right one for you, the decision ultimately depends on you and your unique situation and needs. For people experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, a human hair topper can give an instant boost of confidence and self-esteem, as well as a completely natural look and seamless appearance. Reading more about how to find the best human hair topper will help you in your decision-making process.

While the cost may be a significant investment, the benefits they provide are well worth it for many people.

If you are interested in learning more about our human hair toppers and how they can help you restore your confidence, you can make an appointment for a free consultation with our team of experts. We know hair loss can feel like an isolating experience. But we are here to guide you, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the perfect topper for your needs.