The 2024 Ultimate Guide to Hair Toppers

Are you struggling with hair loss, a thinning crown, or bald patches? Do you feel self-conscious about your appearance and wish you could have fuller, healthier hair? You’re not alone. Hair loss affects millions of women worldwide, and it can have a significant impact on your confidence, mood, and quality of life. However, there’s no need to suffer in silence or resort to drastic treatments that have no guarantees. With the right information and guidance, you can find a solution that suits your unique hair loss situation.

As the leader in the hair replacement industry, Daniel Alain has helped thousands of people regain their confidence and zest for life. Our team of experts has extensive knowledge and experience in the hair industry, and we understand the challenges that come with hair loss. We are committed to provisioning personalized and compassionate support to each of our customers. 

In this 2024 Ultimate Guide to Hair Toppers, we will share everything you need to know to make an informed decision about how to deal with your hair loss experience. From the different hair types and base sizes available to tips for matching the topper with your existing hair, and ideas for customizing your look, we’ve got you covered. We will also provide tips and tricks on how to wear, care for, and style your human hair topper, so you can look and feel your best every day. Reading this Ultimate Guide will give you a clear understanding of hair toppers and how they can transform your look and life.

What is a hair topper?

A hair topper is a hairpiece that is designed to cover a specific area of the scalp where hair loss or hair thinning occurs and is made from real human hair. Human hair toppers are available in a range of colors, lengths, textures, and sizes and they can be customized to blend seamlessly with your existing hair.

When you’re picking the right hair topper for you, you’ll want to make sure it provides volume and coverage in the areas you need it. For instance, full-coverage toppers are designed to cover the entire scalp, while smaller toppers cover only a specific area, such as the crown or the sides.

Human hair toppers are designed for people with existing hair, and the hair should match perfectly in color, texture, and length. Toppers are attached to the head with clips or adhesives depending on the wearer’s preference.

Is a hair topper right for you?

Knowing whether a wig or topper is the right option for you can be a challenge and we know that a topper isn’t right for everyone. Although we recommend having a consultation with a professional who specializes in wigs and toppers, in general, we advise our customers that if they have strong hair at the front hairline and strong enough hair throughout the scalp to support the clips, then a topper might be a good choice for you. 

Daniel Alain customer, Kelly, has been wearing our Follea human hair toppers for 11 years after suffering from hair loss caused by radiation therapy to treat squamous cell carcinoma. Kelly has a large bald spot on the top of her head where her hair will never grow back.

“I was left with a bald patch on the top of my head and a thin layer of hair around the face,” explains Kelly. “It was very difficult to lose my hair. I looked so different and I didn’t feel like myself.”

Kelly’s topper covers her bald patch, leaving her remaining existing hair exposed. Because her topper matches the color and length perfectly, it looks completely natural and realistic. “Nobody can tell this is not my natural hair,” says Kelly.

Like Kelly, you may be an ideal candidate for a topper if you’re in the beginning stages of hair loss and are noticing a loss of density along your part line. Additionally, if you have bald patches on the top of your head and a strong front hairline, a topper may work well for you. 

How to find the best hair topper

Synthetic vs Human Hair Toppers

Synthetic hair toppers are made from synthetic fibers that have been chemically processed and treated to look like natural human hair. Although they’re an affordable solution to hair loss, they don’t offer the most realistic look. 

Human hair toppers, on the other hand, are made from real human hair and are considered to be the most natural-looking option for anyone looking to add volume or coverage to their existing hair. 

Though there are advantages and disadvantages to both synthetic and human hair toppers, synthetic fibers cannot fully replicate the texture and movement of real human hair. For the most realistic look, a human hair topper is hands down superior in every way.

“Human hair toppers are the best option if you want to achieve the most natural look,” explains Patricia Wrixon, founder of the Salon at 10 Newbury in Boston, one of the leading hair replacement centers in the US.

Hair Topper Base Size

The best hair toppers will blend seamlessly with your existing hair and provide coverage where you need it the most. When looking for the best hair topper for you, you should make sure the base of the topper is big enough to cover the problem area.

Hair toppers are available in a range of base sizes to ensure you find the right fit for your specific hair loss needs. For example at Daniel Alain, our smallest size, the Petite topper, measures 2.5” x 5.25” and is perfect for someone in the early stages of hair loss or just starting to notice some thinning. Our largest size is the Style topper which measures 6” x 6.5” (and 6” x 7.5” by special order) is a good choice for someone with more severe hair loss.

Hair Topper Base Construction

As you research your hair topper options, you will eventually have to decide between a silk top and a lace top. Lace tops, such as our Petite and Trend collections are lightweight and breathable but do not give a true scalp appearance. A silk top like our Style collection has a completely natural scalp appearance along the part and looks like a real head of hair. Generally, silk top pieces cost more because of the extra materials, time, and manufacturing process they take to create.

Topper Hair Color and Length

The color and length of the hair topper need to match your existing hair as closely as possible so that it looks the most natural. Synthetic toppers can’t be cut or colored, but a human hair topper can be treated exactly the same way as natural hair, meaning it can be trimmed and shaped to suit your style, and colored to match. We recommend taking your piece to a stylist who is experienced in working with human hair wigs and toppers.

“If the topper hair is too short, you will see the existing hair coming through the piece. If it’s too long, it will be thin at the ends. The secret to a natural look is having the topper trimmed to blend in,” explains Patricia.

Getting used to a new look

Most of our customers fall instantly in love with their new look, and others may take longer to get used to having more hair than before. An important thing to consider before purchasing a hair topper is that it can sometimes take some time to get used to. If you’re not used to having a lot of hair, wearing a topper and seeing your reflection in the mirror can feel uncomfortable or awkward. We recommend taking your time, experimenting with different hairstyles, and using accessories to make your piece feel more like a natural part of you.

“When I started wearing my topper, there was a transition period. But once I got used to my topper, my confidence grew,” says Marlo, a real-life Daniel Alain customer who has been wearing one of our human hair toppers for two years.

Styling your hair topper

While a synthetic hair topper cannot be styled with heat tools, a human hair topper can be styled in the same way as natural human hair. You can use a curling wand or straightening iron on a human hair topper and achieve any updo or look you desire. If you’re not used to having a full head of hair to work with, you may want to spend some time in front of a mirror, practicing, and creating your favorite looks. We know you’ll gain confidence in no time.

We recommend using a high-quality hairbrush to keep the flyaways and tangles at bay, and if you’re heat-styling your human hair topper, always use a high heat protectant. 

“When I started wearing my topper, I found myself using accessories to make it look and feel more like me,” explains Marlo.

Maintaining your hair topper

Synthetic toppers last just a few months, but a human hair topper will last several years with proper care and maintenance. Regularly washing, drying, and caring for your hair topper will keep it looking its best and ensure you’re getting value for your money. If you’ve spent a significant amount on a hair topper you will want to protect your investment for years to come.

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

Am I ready to discover more about hair toppers?

If you’re experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, the emotional toll can be devastating. Finding an effective solution with guaranteed results can be challenging, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable and struggling. For the right person, a hair topper can be a game changer, but it can also be difficult to find the right piece for you.

If you’re considering a hair topper, we hope you’ve found this guide informative and helpful. We’ve spent decades leading the way in the alternative hair industry, and we are passionate about sharing our expertise with anyone who needs it. Doing your research and having the best information at your fingertips will ensure you know what to look for when choosing a human hair topper.

Want to know more about hair toppers or wondering which Daniel Alain human hair topper is right for you? We recommend downloading our free Topper Buying Guide. It’s packed full of information, real customer experiences, and professional advice. We want you to feel happy and confident about your purchase and excited about the new adventures ahead!