How to Wash and Maintain Your Human Hair Topper
Are you considering a human hair topper and researching everything you can about how to wear, care for, and maintain your piece? If you’ve been suffering from hair loss you will want to be certain that the solution you choose easily fits in with your everyday life and that you will be able to keep it looking its best for years to come. Investing in an expensive human hair wig or topper can be a significant financial commitment, and you will want to know how to take proper care of it and ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Here at Daniel Alain, we understand that providing our expertise and support doesn’t end as soon as the purchase has been made. Helping our customers navigate their everyday lives wearing one of our wigs or toppers or showing them how to maintain and style their new locks, means our customers have the skills they need to keep their topper looking its best year after year.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about maintaining your human hair topper. We’ll cover everything from washing, conditioning, and drying it. You’ll also discover tips for dealing with tangles and knots, storing the topper, and maintaining it when it’s not in use.
By the end of this article, you’ll know how to wash and maintain real human hair toppers. You’ll also have the knowledge and understanding you need to take good care of your topper, extend its lifespan, and keep it looking beautiful with a healthy shine for as long as possible.
Understanding human hair toppers
A human hair topper is designed to cover the top of the head and is particularly helpful for people experiencing hair loss or thinning. It’s typically made from high-quality human hair attached to a base that can be secured to the scalp using clips, tape, or other adhesives. A topper is designed to blend seamlessly with your existing hair and provides volume and coverage where you need it most.
Toppers are available in various styles to match different colors and lengths, making them a popular choice for people who want to enhance their natural appearance or address their loss.
To find the best topper, you’ll need to consider several factors, including hair type, color selection, base size, and construction. Your topper should blend seamlessly with your own hair, so you’ll also want to consider having it cut and styled to suit your overall look.
High-quality human hair toppers are made from 100% real human hair, allowing them to be colored and styled just like the real thing. The best toppers are made from 100% European hair which is considered the most desirable hair type due to its smooth, sleek texture.
In comparison, synthetic wigs and toppers are cheaper, but have an unnatural shine, don’t last as long, and can be more challenging to style. Choosing a premium topper means you know it will last longer and keep its natural look and feel even after several years, unlike many synthetic alternatives.
How to Wash a Hair Topper
Stick to a Care Routine
Patricia Wrixon, founder of The Salon at 10 Newbury in Boston, one of the most prestigious and highly regarded hair replacement centers in the US, has helped women with hair loss for 30 years. With her team of expert stylists, The Salon at 10 Newbury offers a range of options to help women address their hair loss concerns, and is dedicated to providing on-going support and education to people who are new to wearing wigs and toppers.
We’ve asked her to explain exactly how to wash a human hair topper :
“A human hair topper should last 2 to 4 years with proper care,” explains Patricia. “And it should be washed, shampooed, and conditioned every 7-10 days.”
Detangle Gently
Before you wash your topper, it’s important to gently detangle the hair using a detangling comb or brush to gently remove any knots or tangles from the hair. Start at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the top to avoid pulling or breaking the hair.
Choose the Right Products
Use a cleansing shampoo and hydrating conditioner specifically designed for human hair wigs and toppers. These are gentle and won’t strip the hair of its moisture.
Wash Gently
Step 1
Shampoo the hair with sulfate free products: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of salon-grade sulfate free shampoo. Gently immerse the topper and dip it in and out of the water, running the solution through the hair with your fingers.
Step 2
Gently shampoo the base: Put a small amount of shampoo on your fingers and with a circular motion, gently remove any makeup build up or sweat from the base.
Step 3
Rinse the shampoo: Refill the basin with fresh lukewarm water. Dip the topper in and out of the water a few times to rinse the product from the hair. Make sure to rinse and remove all the sulfate free shampoo, and avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can cause tangling and matting.
Step 4
Gently shampoo the hair for a second time: Refill the basin with cool water and add a small amount of salon-grade shampoo. Dip the topper in and out of the water for a second time, running the solution through the hair with your fingers.
Step 5
Condition the hair: Refill the basin with fresh cool water and add a small amount of salon-grade conditioner. Run the mid-lengths and ends of the topper through the water, keeping the topper base out of the water.
Step 6
Rinse the conditioner: Dip the topper in and out of the water five times to rinse the product from the hair. Refill the basin with fresh water and dip the topper in and out five more times. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. We don’t recommend using a leave in conditioner.
Air Dry Your Human Hair Topper
“The best way to dry a Follea topper by Daniel Alain is to place it on a mannequin head or wig stand and simply let it air dry naturally overnight. If you want to use a blow dryer, do it when the topper is already dry,” explains Patricia.
Step 1
Pat the hair dry: Use a soft towel or a microfiber towel to gently pat the topper dry and absorb any excess water. Avoid rubbing the hair topper as it can damage the fibers and cause tangling.
Step 2
Air dry the hair: Place the topper on a mannequin head or wig stand and pin it in place.
Step 3
Part the hair: Using a comb, part the hair as desired and allow it to dry in place.
Once your hair topper is dry, it can be styled using a curling wand or a straightening iron to help it blend with your existing hair. “We always recommend using a high-heat protectant,” advises Patricia.
Tips for Maintaining your hair topper the right way
We understand that human hair toppers are a significant purchase so you’ll want to protect your investment and keep it looking its best for years to come. Regular maintenance can prevent damage and keep your topper looking natural.
Brushing your hair topper
Combing and brushing your hair topper is an important part of maintenance. Hair toppers can be a little more prone to tangles since they’re not getting the lubricating benefits of the scalp’s natural oils. And if you’re planning on wearing your topper to the gym, or for vigorous exercise, you’ll need to take extra care to keep it smooth and conditioned.
Use a wide-tooth comb or brush with soft bristles to gently detangle the hair, and start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. If you do encounter a knot, don’t tug or pull at the hair to avoid causing damage and prevent shedding. Instead, gently use your fingers to separate the hair or use a detangling spray to help loosen the knot.
While toppers made from real hair are likely to last several years, over time, you may find it needs some extra care and attention to keep it looking its best. Having your piece trimmed will remove any dry, damaged ends caused by excessive heat styling. Similarly, your topper may need color touch-ups to help retain the color and prevent fading. This can help the topper blend seamlessly with your existing hair and keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Just be sure to consult with a professional stylist to ensure you get the best results.
“While at home treatments are an easy way to care for your topper, it’s important to take your piece to a salon that’s experienced in working with hairpieces and wigs if you want it cut or colored,” advises Patricia.
Storing your hair topper
Proper storage is essential to maintain the health and lifespan of your hair topper. When you’re not using it, store your topper on a doll head to retain its shape and prevent tangling in a dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, heat, and humidity, which can cause damage to the hair. For long-term storage, we recommend placing it inside a velvet pouch (each Daniel Alain purchase comes with one!), or box to protect it from dust and debris.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Washing Your Topper Too Often
The mistake: Treating your topper like natural hair and washing it after every few wears.
How to avoid it: Hair toppers don't receive natural oils from your scalp, but they also don't need frequent washing. Wash your topper approximately every 7–10 wears (or sooner if you've used lots of styling products). Don’t wash it too frequently as this can dry the hair and shorten its lifespan. We don’t recommend using a leave in conditioner.
Mistake #2: Brushing from the Roots Down
The mistake: Pulling a brush through the topper from the top, which can create unnecessary tension and breakage.
How to avoid it: Always start at the ends and gradually work your way up to keep your wig or topper tangle free. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, and never yank at knots. If you find a stubborn tangle, gently loosen it with your fingers first.
Mistake #3: Scrubbing or Rubbing During Washing
The mistake: Washing the topper by rubbing, twisting, or scrubbing it.
How to avoid it: Instead, gently immerse the topper in lukewarm water and let the shampoo flow through the hair to wash. This helps prevent tangling, matting, and unnecessary stress on the hair fibers.
Mistake #4: Applying Conditioner to the Base
The mistake: Conditioning the entire topper, including the lace base.
How to avoid it: Apply conditioner only from the mid-lengths to the ends, keeping it away from the base. This helps ensure the construction of the topper while keeping the hair soft and hydrated.
Mistake #5: Using Heat Without Protection
The mistake: Frequently using curling irons or straighteners without a heat protectant or on very high temperatures.
How to avoid it: Always use a heat protectant and keep styling tools on a moderate heat setting. Better yet, save heat styling for special occasions and try heat-free styling methods whenever possible.
Mistake #6: Drying It the Wrong Way
The mistake: Rubbing the topper with a towel or blow-drying it while it's soaking wet.
How to avoid it: Gently blot excess water with a soft or microfiber towel, then place the topper on a doll head or wig stand to air dry. If you want to blow dry it, do so once it's already dry rather than still soaking wet after washing.
Mistake #7: Throwing It in a Drawer
The mistake: Tossing your topper into a drawer or leaving it on a countertop between daily wears.
How to avoid it: Store it on a doll head or wig stand to help maintain its shape. If you're storing it long-term, keep it in a protective bag or box and out of direct sunlight.
Mistake #8: Attempting DIY Colouring or Cutting
The mistake: Trimming or coloring a topper at home.
How to avoid it: High-quality hair toppers are an investment. If they need reshaping or colour refreshing, take them to a stylist who has experience working with wigs and toppers to avoid accidental damage.
Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair: What's the Difference?
One of the biggest advantages of a topper made with real hair is how naturally it looks and behaves. Real hair has realistic movement, a soft texture, and can be washed and heat styled just like your own hair. While synthetic hair, made with man-made, synthetic fibers, is often more affordable and holds its style well, it generally offers less versatility and can be more difficult to restyle than a synthetic wig made with higher-quality fibers. With consistent care and careful handling, a high-quality topper can also last significantly longer than a synthetic wig or topper.
Why Choose a Synthetic Wig or Topper?
A synthetic wig or topper can be a good choice if you're looking for an easy option that keeps its style after washing and wear. If convenience and affordability are your top priorities, a synthetic wig may be the right fit. However, if you want the freedom to curl, straighten, or personalize your look, or you're seeking the most natural appearance possible, a remy human hair topper is typically the better long-term investment.
Final Thoughts: Is a topper right for me?
If you’re new to the world of alternative hair, maintaining a topper may seem like a daunting task. You might even feel confused, or apprehensive about caring for such an expensive item. However, toppers can be an effective, simple solution to hair loss for the right person, and with guidance and knowledge, maintaining and wearing a topper can be an easy process and provides more fun options than covering up with a hat or silk scarf.
We hope that this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of maintaining your topper. If you think a topper might be right for you and you’re curious about the ir toppers or wigs we make and sell, reading about which Daniel Alain human hair topper is right for you may help you as you narrow down your choices.
If you have any questions or concerns about our wigs and toppers, including our remy human hair pieces, and feel ready to speak to one of our experienced consultants, you can schedule an appointment for a free consultation. We are passionate about helping our customers regain their confidence and feel beautiful again!
