Welcome back, friends! So glad to see you again and tackle a new topic together. Today I want to talk about human hair toppers and their pros and cons. Hair thinning and hair loss can be a challenging experience, to say the least. I know that by this point you’ve looked into SO many options and you might be feeling super overwhelmed with all your choices. Let me take the mystery out of how and why to choose a human hair topper! Follow along as I discuss the product that changed my life for the better and gave me the beautiful hair I craved for years.
Understanding Human Hair Toppers
Human hair toppers are a great solution if you are experiencing hair thinning or loss, especially on the crown or top of your head. They are hairpieces made from real human hair that blend with your own hair, giving you instant volume and coverage. Think of them as half wigs. They come in various styles and every size, length, and shade imaginable to match your own hair strands perfectly. They attach easily with clips or tape for a secure fit. I think they are the ultimate accessory for a quick, confidence-boosting transformation!
There are a few reasons why I think human hair toppers are the best choice over synthetic fibres. Most importantly, they provide a much more natural look and will blend seamlessly with your real hair if you do it right. Synthetic fibres are shinier and sometimes have a plastic-y look to them (think “Barbie” – still gorgeous, but unrealistic). Human hair toppers can also be styled the same as your natural hair. Colour, curl, straighten – whatever! You can experiment with your hair without worrying about damaging your topper with heat tools. And lastly: longevity. With proper care, they’ll stay in pristine condition much longer than synthetic alternatives.
What is the Most Realistic Topper?
When it comes to hair toppers, the quest for the most realistic look can feel like a fairy tale. The good news? There is a “happily ever after” – and it all comes down to the construction and material of the topper. So, we’re looking for high-quality materials here, and human hair toppers are the creme de la creme when it comes to your options. They offer the natural look and feel that synthetic hair just can’t quite match. They move and shine just like your own hair, which makes them perfect for blending. We also need to consider the construction of the hair topper, because we want our scalp to appear as natural as possible. What are your options here, you ask? Let’s talk about them!
Skin top toppers
This style has a plastic base that hides the knots attaching the hair to the “scalp” of the topper and mimics your own scalp. This creates the illusion of natural hair. This feature allows you to achieve an effortlessly natural look, whether you’re styling your hair up, down, or somewhere in between. Skin top toppers provide a snug, comfortable fit that feels like a second skin and makes them it virtually undetectable. While these are equally as breathable as silk, skin top toppers are a little more fragile and therefore might need to be replaced more frequently.They also usually only allow you to part your hair in one place and one direction.
Check out this video from Sarah Wears Hair – she is comparing the hair topper I have (Courtney Upgrade Mono Topper) with the Aura Skin Top Topper. Which is your favourite? I think the Aura is going to be my next topper!
Silk top toppers
This style features a silk base that creates an incredibly realistic scalp appearance. You can part your hair to the left, right, or middle, and see nothing but a natural-looking scalp! The silk material mimics the look of your skin, making it nearly impossible for anyone to see that you’re wearing a topper. Silk top toppers also boast completely invisible knots, making the hair look like it’s growing right out of your scalp. It’s perfect for those up-close moments when you want to keep your hair secret, secret.
Mono base toppers
A third option is a mono-based topper. Mono, or Monofilament Base Tops are made with a semi-transparent mesh into which individual strands of hair are tied in order to mimic natural hair growth. This can be a single or double layer.
Looking for additional expert knowledge on the types of human hair toppers out there? I am partial to Uniwigs, since that’s the company I bought my own topper from and I LOVE it. But if you want to do even more research, you could check out Superhairpieces and Daniel Alain too.
How Long do Human Hair Toppers Last?
On average, human hair toppers toppers can last at least 6-12 months, sometimes up to 18 months. That’s over a year of fabulous hair days! The longevity of your topper heavily depends on the quality of the hair used and how it’s made. High quality human hair toppers tend to last longer and maintain their top condition. If you’re only busting out your topper for special occasions rather than as a daily accessory, it might even last YEARS! And of course, how you treat your topper plays a crucial role in its lifespan, too. Just like your own hair, your topper thrives on TLC.
What to Know Before Buying a Hair Topper
There are a few things you should know before you commit to this product! First, make sure you know to avoid excessive heat while styling. While styling versatility is a perk of human hair toppers, excessive heat can damage them. Use heat styling tools sparingly and always apply a heat protectant spray. Just like your bio hair, make sure you give your topper some deep conditioning treatments if you plan to style with heat.
Be aware that your topper is fragile! Just like you would with your real hair, it is best to use gentle products. Harsh chemicals and sulphates are hard on hair, period. Choose gentle, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners that nourish the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
And, be ready to do regular maintenance on your topper, just like your car! This includes washing, conditioning, and the occasional deep conditioning treatments. Especially if your hair topper is getting daily wear, the best way to prolong its life is to keep on top of its maintenance.
If this all sounds manageable for your lifestyle, a human hair topper might just be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Can Hair Toppers Look Natural?
Without a doubt, YES! There are a few key factors to keep in mind when choosing the right hair topper for yourself, including size, color, density, and texture.
Measure
Measure your area of hair loss accurately. This will help you find a perfect hair topper that provides adequate coverage to specific areas without overwhelming your biological hair.
Color match
Getting the color of your hair topper right is critical for a natural look. Many manufacturers offer hair color matching services (including virtual color match tools) to help you find the perfect match. Alternatively, you can take your topper to your stylist for a custom color match to your bio hair.
Density
Density refers to the amount of hair on the topper. Lower density (110%) is best for an everyday look or for seniors, while higher density (130%-150%) offers a fuller, more voluminous appearance. Choosing a density close to your natural hair will help avoid a noticeable contrast between the two. So, choose a lower density for a lightweight feel and if you’ve got naturally thin hair. Go for something with higher density for more volume and to match naturally thick hair.
Texture match
A word of warning here! It might be tempting to try and purchase a human hair topper that mimics your natural hair texture. If your hair is naturally wavy, I understand your instinct to try and find a wavy topper so it will blend beautifully. However, this just isn’t how human hair toppers works! When you purchase a human hair topper for all the benefits of human hair, you have to live with the unpredictability too.
While your hair topper will probably arrive straight and glossy, this may not be its natural look. During processing and manufacturing, real hair is heavily treated and ultimately straightened to achieve the desired look for the topper. Once your human hairpiece has been worn and washed, its true texture may be different than you initially expected! But don’t fret! It’s all part of the experience and you will learn to style your new hair in no time, I promise.
My new topper (the Courtney from Uniwigs) turned out to be slightly wavy and it holds curls like a dream, something my bio hair never did! Honestly, it was the best surprise. And if you love straight hair, you might have to do what anyone with wavy hair has to do: straighten it! It’s all part of the human hair experience. Just remember to style your natural hair to complement your topper (add waves to your bio hair if your hair topper turns out wavy). If you use the same products and tools on your bio hair and topper, you can’t go wrong.
If you find this fact really disappointing, then it’s time to think long and hard for a moment if real hair is the right topper material for you. The fact is, human hair toppers are more expensive, require more maintenance, and can react to weather conditions like humidity. If your true desire is a perfectly predictably straight and shiny topper, then take a look at synthetic options! Synthetic can still look fairly natural. They are cheaper to purchase and lower maintenance too. Plus, if you purchase a straight synthetic topper, you know it will stay that way! Just remember that synthetic hair doesn’t last as long, and you won’t have as many heat and style-related options. But if straight and glossy hair is your goal, this won’t matter much anyway.
Investing in a human hair topper means investing in yourself! Whether you’re looking to add volume, cover thinning areas, or experiment with new styles, I believe that human hair toppers are your best ally in achieving the hair of your dreams. With unparalleled styling and color flexibility, a long lifespan, and an unbeatable natural look, what are you waiting for? With the right human hair topper, you can step out with confidence every single day. Your hair is such a powerful expression of who you are – wear it with pride!
Uniwigs has an incredibly helpful Beginners Guide to hair toppers. Be sure to sure to explore their website for a super thorough introduction to everything hair-related!
I’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences with human hair toppers or ask any questions you have in the comments below. Your insights will inspire others, I guarantee it. Stay updated with the latest tips, tricks, and information on hair care and solutions by subscribing to my blog. Don’t miss out on expert advice and inspiring stories that can help you on your hair journey!
