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How to Maintain Your Human Hair Topper

May 2nd, 2023 | 13 min. read

How to Maintain Your Human Hair Topper

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Are you considering a human hair topper and researching everything you can about how to wear, care for, and maintain your piece? If you’ve been suffering from hair loss you will want to be certain that the solution you choose easily fits in with your everyday life and that you will be able to keep your hair looking its best for years to come. Investing in an expensive human hair topper can be a significant financial commitment, and you will want to know how to take proper care of it and ensure you get the most out of your investment.

 

We have worked with thousands of customers and helped them find the best human hair topper for them. Here at Daniel Alain, we understand that providing our expertise and support doesn’t end as soon as the purchase has been made. Helping our customers navigate their everyday lives wearing one of our human hair pieces or showing them how to maintain and style their new hair, means our customers have the skills they need to keep their topper looking its best year after year.

 

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about maintaining your human hair topper. We’ll cover everything from washing, conditioning, and drying it. You’ll also discover tips for dealing with tangles and knots, storing the hair topper, and maintaining it when it’s not in use. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and tools you need to take good care of your human hair topper, extend its lifespan, and keep it looking beautiful and healthy for as long as possible.

 


 

Understanding human hair toppers

 

What-is-a-topper

 

A human hair topper is a hairpiece designed to cover the top of the head and is particularly helpful for people experiencing the early stages of hair loss or thinning hair. It’s typically made from high-quality human hair attached to a base that can be secured to the scalp using clips, tape, or other adhesives. A hair topper is designed to blend seamlessly with your existing hair and provides volume and coverage where you need it most.  

 

Human hair toppers are available in various styles to match different hair colors and lengths, making them a popular choice for people who want to enhance their hair’s natural appearance or address their hair loss.

 

To find the best human hair topper, you’ll need to consider several factors, including hair type, color selection, base size, and construction. Your topper should blend seamlessly with your natural hair, so you’ll also want to consider having it cut and styled to suit your overall look.

 

High-quality human hair toppers are made from 100% real human hair, allowing them to be colored and styled just like natural hair. The best human hair toppers are made from 100% European hair which is considered the most desirable hair type due to its smooth, sleek texture. In comparison to human hair, synthetic toppers are cheaper, but look less natural, don’t last as long, and can be more challenging to style. Choosing a premium-quality human hair topper means you know it will last longer and maintain its natural look and feel even after several years.

 


 

Maintaining your human hair topper

 

Your human hair topper will require care and maintenance to keep it looking and feeling its best. Though you’re sure to figure out your own best practices with time, here are some helpful tips that will get you started on the right footing.

Washing your human hair topper

 

Patricia Wrixon, founder of The Salon at 10 Newbury in Boston, one of the most prestigious and highly regarded hair replacement centers in the US, has helped women with hair loss for 30 years. With her team of expert stylists, The Salon at 10 Newbury offers a range of alternative hair options to help women address their hair loss concerns, and is dedicated to providing on-going support and education to new wig and topper wearers. 

 

Salon-10

 

“A human hair topper should last 2 to 4 years with proper care and maintenance,” explains Patricia. “And it should be washed, shampooed, and conditioned every 7-10 days.”

 

Before you wash your human hair topper, it’s important to detangle the hair using a detangling comb or brush to gently remove any knots or tangles from the hair. Start at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the top to avoid pulling or breaking the hair.

 

Step 1

 

Dip-topper-in-water

 

Shampoo the hair: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of salon-grade shampoo. Gently immerse the topper and dip it in and out of the water, running the solution through the hair with your fingers.

 

Step 2

Shampoo the base: Put a small amount of shampoo on your fingers and with a circular motion, gently remove any makeup build up or sweat from the base.

 

Step 3

 

Run-product-through-hair

 

Shampoo the hair for a second time: Refill the basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of salon-grade shampoo.  Dip the topper in and out of the water for a second time, running the solution through the hair with your fingers.

 

Step 4

Rinse the shampoo: Refill the basin with fresh lukewarm water. Dip the topper in and out of the water a few times to rinse the product from the hair. Make sure to remove all the shampoo, and avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can cause tangling and matting.

 

Step 5

 

Run-fingers-through-hair

 

Condition the hair: Refill the basin with fresh lukewarm water and add a small amount of salon-grade conditioner. Run the mid-lengths and ends of the topper through the water, keeping the topper base out of the water.

 

Step 6

Rinse the conditioner: Dip the topper in and out of the water five times to rinse the product from the hair. Refill the basin with fresh water and dip the topper in and out five more times. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.

Drying your human hair topper

 

“The best way to dry a Follea topper by Daniel Alain is to place it on a mannequin head and simply let it air dry overnight. If you want to blow dry a piece, do it when the topper is already dry,” says Patricia.

 

Step 1

 

Wrap-topper-in-towel

 

Pat the hair dry: Use a soft towel or a microfiber towel to gently pat the topper dry and absorb any excess water. Avoid rubbing the hair topper as it can damage the fibers and cause tangling.

 

Step 2

 

Combing-topper

 

Part the hair: Using a comb, part the hair as desired and allow it to dry in place.

 

Step 3

 

place-topper-on-mannequin-head

 

Air dry the hair: Place the topper on a mannequin head and pin it in place.

 

Step 4

 

Heat-protectant

 

Once your hair topper is dry, it can be styled using a curling wand or a straightening iron to help it blend with your existing hair. “We always recommend using a high-heat protectant,” advises Patricia. 

 


 

Maintaining the longevity of your human hair topper

 

We understand that human hair toppers are a significant purchase so you’ll want to protect your investment and keep it looking its best for years to come. Regular maintenance can prevent damage and keep your topper looking natural.

Brushing your human hair topper

 

Combing and brushing your hair topper is an important part of maintaining it. Human hair toppers can be a little more prone to tangles since they’re not getting the lubricating benefits of the scalp’s natural oils. And if you’re planning on wearing your human hair topper to the gym, or for vigorous exercise, you’ll need to take extra care to keep it smooth and conditioned.

 

Use a wide-tooth comb or brush with soft bristles to gently detangle the hair, and start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. If you do encounter a knot, don’t tug or pull at the hair to avoid causing damage or shedding. Instead, gently use your fingers to separate the hair or use a detangling spray to help loosen the knot. 

 

While human hair toppers are likely to last several years, over time, you may find it needs some extra care and attention to keep it looking its best. Having your piece trimmed will remove any dry, damaged ends caused by excessive heat styling. Similarly, your topper may need color touch-ups to help maintain the color and prevent fading. This can help the topper blend seamlessly with your existing hair and keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Just be sure to consult with a professional stylist to ensure you get the best results.

 

trimming-topper

 

“While at home treatments are an easy way to maintain your topper, it’s important to take your piece to a salon that’s experienced in working with hairpieces and wigs if you want it cut or colored,” advises Patricia.

Storing your human hair topper

 

Opening-Daniel-Alain-Wig-1

 

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and lifespan of your hair topper. When you’re not using it, store your topper on a mannequin head to maintain its shape and prevent tangling. Avoid direct sunlight, heat, and humidity, which can cause damage to the hair. For long-term storage, we recommend placing it inside a velvet pouch (each Daniel Alain purchase comes with one!), or box to protect it from dust and debris. 

 


 

Is a human hair topper right for me?

 

If you’re new to the world of alternative hair, maintaining a human hair topper may seem like a daunting task. You might even feel confused, or apprehensive about caring for such an expensive item. However, hair toppers can be an effective, simple solution to hair loss for the right person, and with guidance and knowledge, maintaining a human hair topper can be an easy process.

 

We hope that this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of maintaining your human hair topper. If you think a hair topper might be right for you and you’re curious about the human hair toppers we make and sell, reading about which Daniel Alain human hair topper is right for you may help you as you narrow down your choices.

 

If you have any questions or concerns about our pieces and feel ready to speak to one of our experienced consultants, you can schedule an appointment for a free consultation. We are passionate about helping our customers regain their confidence and feel beautiful again, through wearing the hair of their dreams.