If you are having issues with your hair, then hair toppers might just be the perfect solution you need. Some of you may have heard of hair toppers before, and that is great. However, these helpful tools are not that well-known to people yet.

If you are among those who haven’t seen or used hair toppers before, many questions may arise in your head like: What are they? How can you use them? Where can I buy one? Why should I even use them in the first place?

The great thing about hair toppers is everyone can use them every day as they help conceal thinning hair. If you want to use them but have tons of questions about them, this article can be your guide to all there is to know about a hair topper.

What are hair toppers?

A hair topper is also known as a half wig or top piece. It is an accessory that can cover the top of your head. This is useful when your hair begins to go visibly thin. However, the coverage that you need may vary depending on how big the affected area on your scalp is.

Hair toppers may differ in size. If the crown on your head is losing massive amounts of hair rapidly, you might need a big hair topper.

A hair topper is meant to complement your existing hair. This is because a hair topper does not fully replace your natural hair. It only covers the balding area of the scalp. Therefore, if your hair colour is brown and your hair strands are straight, you would need a hair topper similar to that to ensure it fits in nicely.

Why should I use hair toppers?

Hair loss is a normal phenomenon. In Australia, hair loss has affected about 49 percent of the women population. For men, it is said to affect 20 percent of their population, particularly those in their 20s. It has also affected 30 percent of those in their 30s, and 40 percent in their 40s. If you are experiencing the early stages of hair loss, you can use a hair topper to cover up the balding spot.

Research also shows that hair loss has become an ongoing cause of psychosocial distress. Many people feel ashamed or lose confidence because of this. Because human beings are social beings, if they suffer hair loss, they lose confidence and don’t want to talk with people. The good news is that a hair topper can eliminate this problem.

What is the difference between wigs and hair toppers?

There are many obvious differences between the two. One is that hair toppers are smaller than wigs. Hair toppers are designed to cover only a portion of the hair that is thinning.

Some also consider hair toppers to be more comfortable than full wigs. This is because they are more breathable and lightweight due to their smaller portions. They also can be worn easily during hot and humid days, especially during the summer.

On the other hand, wigs provide full coverage of the head. Wigs are incredibly useful when the person using them has lost most of the hair on their head. Unlike wigs, hair toppers are only clipped onto the balding area of the head.

What are hair toppers made of?

These handy hairpieces come in varying styles, sizes, lengths, and thickness. The hair used in hair toppers can be assembled using synthetic hair or natural human hair. Usually, they are made from monofilament, which are fibres of plastic, lace, or silk base. The bigger the balding spot, the bigger the coverage needed and the more materials required to craft the hair topper.

The thickness of the hair used in a hair topper varies as well. But usually, it is dependent on how thick your natural hair is. The colour of the hair topper is mostly similar to the colour of one’s natural hair. This is to make the hair topper blend in normally with the natural hair.

It requires approximately two weeks to make a hair topper. A hairstylist can style it for you and create a solution that suits your needs.

How can I maintain my hair topper?

If you own a hair topper, maintenance might be a question brewing in your mind. Make sure to take extra care of your hair topper so that it will not get damaged.

Interestingly, these hairpieces do not need to be washed as often as your own natural hair. This is because hair toppers do not get greasy and oily as often. Your scalp secretes oil onto your natural hair, but in the case of hair toppers, they do not get that secretion on them.

It is recommended that you wash your hair topper once every two weeks. This might sound odd and infrequent, but it is actually quite normal. If you wash your hair topper as often as your natural hair, there is a possibility that it may dry out. When it does, it can reduce the longevity of the hairpiece.

How long do hair toppers last?

With good and proper care, your hair topper can last longer than usual. On average, hair toppers can last between six months to over a year. You can extend its longevity by not washing it as often as your natural hair.

Another way to make it last longer is to store your hair topper in a box when not in use. This way, your hair topper will not collect dust or debris that can cause damage in the long run.

Sulphate-free shampoos can help your hair topper stay moisturised and not dry out fast. These kinds of shampoos do not strip oils from the hair. You also need to use conditioners regularly to ensure hair stays soft and long.