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Struggling with hair loss and desperately seeking a solution to regain your confidence? Maybe you feel embarrassed and self-conscious about your hair, and perhaps even avoid social activities to avoid drawing attention to your scalp. We understand the emotional toll hair loss can take on individuals, especially women, who desire a natural-looking and beautiful way to address their hair concerns.
At Daniel Alain, we specialize in premium-quality human hair wigs and toppers, and we have established ourselves as industry leaders and experts. Our mission extends beyond selling products; we aim to change the narrative surrounding wearing hair. We celebrate the newfound confidence of our customers and act as expert guides, assisting anyone navigating their own hair loss journey, regardless of whether they choose our pieces or those from other companies.
In this article, we aim to demystify any confusion you may have about purchasing a hair topper by providing unbiased knowledge and factual insights. Whether you’re in the early stages of researching hairpieces or have been exploring options for some time, we are here to help you make the best, informed decision for your specific needs. By understanding the differences between synthetic and human hair toppers, we promise to equip you with the tools to confidently choose a solution that suits your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Hair Toppers Vs Wigs: Understanding the Differences
When exploring solutions for hair loss or thinning hair, it’s important to understand the difference between a hair topper and a wig. While both serve as an effective option for enhancing your hair’s appearance, they cater to different needs.
A hair topper is designed to target a specific area of hair loss, such as a thinning crown, a widening part, or bald patches, by providing coverage and volume precisely where it’s needed. A hair topper should blend seamlessly with existing hair and create a natural and undetectable look.
A wig, on the other hand, covers the entire head and provides a complete hair transformation. At Daniel Alain, many of our customers are curious about whether they need to shave their head to wear a wig. In fact, a wig allows a wearer with existing hair to tuck it up underneath the cap or to wear it loose around their shoulders and blend in with the wig hair.
If you’ve decided that a hair topper is the right solution for you, it’s important to remember that the decision-making doesn’t end there. The next step is to select between a synthetic or a human hair option. The choice will depend on various factors such as your budget, desired look, styling versatility, and maintenance preferences.
Taking a close look at the characteristics of synthetic and human hair toppers will empower you to make the right decision that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Synthetic Hair Toppers
Synthetic hair toppers are made from artificial fibers designed to mimic the appearance and texture of natural human hair. These fibers are typically made from various synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, or kanekalon.
Advantage #1: Synthetic Toppers are very affordable
Synthetic hair toppers are manufactured in factories and produced on a large scale, making them a popular choice for people who are mindful of their budget. The price of a synthetic topper varies based on factors such as the quality of the fibers and the construction of the base, but generally, they fall within the range of $50 to $300. While some higher-quality synthetic toppers may be priced higher, they remain considerably more affordable compared to human hair toppers.
Advantage #2: Synthetic Toppers Retain Style and Shape
One of the characteristics of synthetic hair toppers is their ability to retain their style and shape. The fibers used in synthetic toppers are preset and ‘fixed-in’, meaning they will maintain their desired look even after washing or exposure to various weather conditions. This feature eliminates the need for daily styling, making synthetic toppers a convenient option for people who prefer a confident look day after day.
Disadvantage #1 : Synthetic Toppers Do Not Offer the Most Natural Look
Synthetic toppers lack the natural look and feel of real hair, especially under bright lights or sunlight, where synthetic toppers can appear shiny and artificial. The fibers also have limited movement and flexibility making synthetic toppers appear stiff and inflexible when worn. This lack of natural flow and bounce can further add to the hairpiece looking fake and unnatural.
Disadvantage #2 : Synthetic toppers cannot be styled
One of the best ways to help a topper blend in with your existing hair is to style both the topper hair and your own hair. Doing this will help to produce the most consistent and seamless look. A drawback of synthetic toppers is that they cannot be restyled with heat tools in the same way that human hair toppers can be.
The synthetic fibers used to create the toppers are made from plastics that cannot withstand high temperatures from curling wands, straightening irons, or hair dryers. Even heat-friendly synthetic toppers have to be treated far more gently than human hair toppers. If you enjoy creating loose, beachy curls for a special occasion, or straightening your hair for a sleeker look, a synthetic topper may not be the best option for you.
Disadvantage #3: Synthetic toppers have a limited lifespan
Another downside to synthetic toppers is their limited lifespan. While they’re generally more affordable than their long-lasting human hair counterparts, synthetic toppers are likely to last only a few months before the fibers start to break down.
Exposure to heat, sunlight, and friction can cause the synthetic topper to become tangled or lose its shape and style over time. Regular care and maintenance can help extend the life of your synthetic topper, but it’s important to keep in mind that a synthetic topper will need to be replaced regularly.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Human Hair Toppers
Human hair toppers are made from real human hair. It’s important to note that there are different hair types used to make wigs and toppers, each with its own characteristics and varying degrees of quality. The best hair toppers often come from European sources and are known for their natural sheen and lustrous texture.
Advantage #1: Human hair toppers have the most natural look
Human hair toppers are considered to be the most natural-looking option for anyone looking to add volume or coverage to their existing hair. This is because human hair has a natural texture and movement that synthetic fibers simply cannot fully replicate.
Advantage #2: Human hair toppers can be customized
Human hair toppers can be colored or cut to match your existing hair color and length. In fact, at Daniel Alain, we recommend having some customizations done to your human hair topper as this will help you achieve the most natural look.
Consider having layers, face-framing pieces, or bangs cut into your human hair topper. You can give your human hair topper color treatments and add a root, low-lights, or money pieces around the face. Anything you can do to your existing hair can be done to your human hair topper.
Advantage #3: Human hair toppers have a long lifespan
The lifespan of a human hair topper can vary depending on the quality of the hair and the care given to it. At Daniel Alain, we advise our customers to expect our toppers to last about 2-4 years, and often even longer, with proper care and maintenance. Regular washing and conditioning, storing the topper properly when not in use, and avoiding excessive heat styling will help you get the most out of your topper for years to come.
If you have a very active lifestyle and wear your topper while working out or at the gym, you will need to wash your topper more often to keep it looking its best.
While human hair toppers are more expensive than synthetic toppers, the long lifespan can make them a cost-effective option over time.
Advantage #4: Human hair toppers can be treated like natural hair
One of the biggest advantages of human hair toppers is that they can be treated in the same way as natural hair. If you enjoy styling your hair, playing with accessories, and switching up your look from day to day, a human hair topper will allow you to explore every option. If you’re planning to use heat styling tools on a topper, we always recommend using a high-quality heat protectant to keep it looking its best for as long as possible.
Disadvantage #1: Human hair toppers are expensive
Human hair toppers are more expensive than synthetic toppers due to the higher cost of sourcing and processing the hair. High-quality human hair that requires minimal processing and chemical treatments is rare, and this drives up the cost of an exquisite human hair topper.
The cost of a human hair topper also depends on the length and color of the hair. Typically the longer and blonder the hair, the more expensive the piece will be. At Daniel Alain, our Follea toppers start at $1242 for the smallest base size in the darkest color.
While human hair toppers may be more expensive upfront, they can be a better long-term investment due to their durability and natural look. With proper care, the best human hair topper can last for several years, which means they’re likely to be extremely cost-effective in the long run.
Do I want to know more about Follea human hair toppers by Daniel Alain?
If you’re facing the emotional challenge of hair loss, you may be desperate for a solution to help you regain your confidence. The struggle of losing your hair is overwhelming and we understand the pain and frustration you may be feeling.
We hope we’ve provided some useful information as you explore synthetic and human hair toppers and are looking into the advantages and disadvantages of each.
If you would like to know more about our range of premium-quality human hair toppers that provide the most natural and seamless look, we encourage you to make an appointment for a consultation with one of our experts. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect solution tailored to your needs. By taking your first step towards making the hair of your dreams a reality, you will be on your way to finding the perfect hair solution that empowers you to shine with confidence.