7 Mistakes To Avoid When Using A Hair Topper

Visible hair thinning, balding patches, and extreme hair loss are unpleasant experiences for anyone, but you can always work around them. From concealing bald patches to adding volume, length, and thickness to flat hair, hair toppers are helping women worldwide to camouflage minimal to significant hair loss issues.

Even though hair toppers are the simplest to attach to thinning crowns, many people need help integrating their natural hair with their hair toppers. Choosing and wearing a topper can take trial and error, so here are some common mistakes people make when using a hair topper and how to avoid them.

Not using a human hair topper

Hair toppers are small wiglets that only conceal a particular area of hair loss, so they must blend with your natural hair as closely as possible for a seamless look. For this to be possible, wearing a human hair topper that looks and feels natural is always advisable. Unlike synthetic hair toppers, human hair toppers don't have an unnatural shine and can be heat styled with ease. They also last longer than their synthetic counterparts.

Not choosing the right-sized base

Measuring your hair loss area is essential to understand your desired size base. Women’s hair balding is quite different from that of men. They usually start noticing thinning hair and hair loss or balding areas in the front of their head, more towards their hairline and part line. First, measure your hair loss area from front to back and side to side to understand the right-sized base for your topper.

If your hair topper is too big, it will stick out, creating a gap between the natural hair and the topper. The topper may not have the right coverage if it is too small. The ideal hair topper will sit securely atop your head and look natural. Hair toppers come in different sizes for different stages of hair loss - small for initial stages, medium for progressive stages, and large for advanced stages.

Ideally, you should go slightly bigger (at least one inch bigger) than your hair loss area, as that will help conceal the hair loss completely and give you more volume of hair to attach the clips to. This will also reduce the risk of damaging your bio hair.

Also Read: What are hair toppers and how do you select one?

Choosing the wrong color

A sure-shot way of making your hair topper look obvious is picking a shade that doesn’t match your hair color. Choosing a color that matches your natural hair color as closely as possible is essential. You can also choose a shade slightly lighter than your hair, as even with bio hair, the top of the head tends to be lighter due to sun exposure. If you choose a shade darker, avoid lightening the topper to match the natural hair. It's better to darken the natural hair than to match the topper and add more chemicals to the hair topper, reducing its quality. Also, remember that when choosing toppers, match the color with the ends of your natural hair rather than the top. The blend is much more seamless when it's a close match to the ends.

Choosing a hair topper color online can be tricky as shades vary. You can always purchase a color ring of professional color swatches to determine the perfect match for your natural hair color. Once you are done with the color ring, you can return it and receive a refund or credit toward your next purchase!

Not blending the hair

It is more than necessary for your hair topper to blend with your natural hair correctly. The goal of using a hair topper is to achieve a natural look. Always place the hair topper behind your natural hairline for the most natural and undetectable look. Use a brush to back brush your hair and the hair topper to blend with your natural hair and create a seamless look.

Not clipping the topper properly

Many hair toppers come with clips for attachment to your natural hair. Clipping the hair topper securely is crucial to keep it in place. While clips are much safer than glue or sewing, you cannot attach them to weak or damaged hair. You require a decent quantity of hair for the clips to hold on to, or else the hair topper will move or slip.

While removing the clips, never yank or tug the topper from your hair. Carefully unclip one clip at a time to prevent damage to your natural hair.

Not washing correctly

Hair toppers must be washed too, but less regularly than normal hair. Failure to clean it can result in a buildup of product, dirt, and sweat, making it look dull and lifeless. Brush the hair topper before washing it. Do not wash with regular shampoo and conditioner; instead, use wig-specific shampoos & conditioners like the Sunshine Hairpiece Shampoo and Conditioner to make your hair toppers look great and last longer.

Remember to use lukewarm water and not scrub the hair; otherwise, it will tangle and create shedding. Also, try to air dry the hairpiece or blow dry on low heat.

Sleeping with hair toppers

Hair toppers are easy to attach and remove, so sleeping with them is not advisable. The friction can cause the hair to tangle and shred. If you can not remove it, try to use a silk pillowcase and/or a silk cap to lessen the damage.

Using a hair topper can be a great way to enhance your appearance. Use them correctly to enjoy a seamless and beautiful look.