Got yourself a fabulous human hair topper? Sure, it’s all yours. You can wear it every day, or only wear it for important occasions. All you have to admit is that you want your hair topper to look fabulous for as long as it can be. So, here is the thing: human hair toppers for women, like anything precious, need a little TLC to truly go the distance.
Fret not! In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know from the longevity of hair toppers to all the tips and techniques to maintain them, so they will surely last longer than you expect! Dive in.
Table of Contents
How Long Should Your Hair Topper Last?
The longevity of your topper depends on several factors, such as what it is made from, how it is made, and how well you take care of it. Here’s a breakdown:
Synthetic Hair Toppers
Synthetic toppers are the budget-friendly option, but they have a shorter lifespan:
- Occasional Wear: Up to 14 months if cared for meticulously.
- Daily Wear: Around 4–6 months before noticeable wear and tear.
While synthetic toppers are low-maintenance and hold their style beautifully, they are more prone to frizzing and breaking, especially with regular wear.
Human Hair Toppers
Human hair toppers are the crème de la crème of toppers—natural-looking, versatile, and longer-lasting.
- With proper care, they can last 12–16 months with daily use.
- High-quality pieces, such as those made from 100% Remy human hair, can last up to 2–3 years with less frequent wear and proper care.
Lace Tops vs. Silk Tops
- Lace Tops: Expect about 6–12 months of daily wear. Lace tops have delicate knots that give a realistic scalp look but are more prone to loosening over time.
- Silk Tops: These can last up to 3 years because of their durable construction. The silk base also provides a smooth, natural scalp appearance.
Why Do Toppers Wear Out?
Even with the best care, toppers eventually show signs of wear. Here’s why:
- Hair Shedding: Over time, the knots that hold the hair strands weaken, leading to shedding.
- Dryness: Unlike natural hair, toppers don’t benefit from scalp oils, so they can become dry and brittle.
- Environmental Damage: Exposure to sunlight, wind, rain, and pollution can speed up wear and tear.
- Frequent Washing and Styling: These loosen the knots and weaken the hair fibers over time.
But don’t worry—your topper won’t suddenly fall apart! Most people “retire” older pieces for casual activities like errands, workouts, or beach days, saving their newer pieces for occasions when they want to look their best.
How to Care for Your Hair Topper Like a Pro
Proper care is the secret to keeping your topper looking fresh and natural for as long as possible. Let’s break it down into easy steps.
Wash with Care
Washing your topper too often can shorten its life, but neglecting it isn’t ideal either. Aim for a balanced routine:
- How Often: Wash every 4–6 weeks with regular wear. For daily use, wash every 10–14 days.
- Products: Always use sulfate-free, salon-grade shampoos and conditioners. Opt for hydrating formulas to combat dryness.
- Technique:
- Wash in cool or lukewarm water—hot water weakens fibers.
- Apply conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends to avoid loosening knots at the base.
- Gently blot excess water with a 100% cotton towel—no rubbing or twisting!
- Drying: Let your topper air dry naturally on a wig stand to maintain its shape. Blow-drying causes unnecessary heat damage, so avoid it whenever possible.
Detangle Gently
Knots happen, but don’t attack them with a regular brush!
- Use a wide-tooth comb or wig brush to gently detangle your topper.
- Always detangle when the topper is dry, as wet fibers are more prone to breakage.
Protect Your Topper from the Elements
Weather can wreak havoc on your topper, but you can take steps to protect it:
- Cold & Wind: Apply a leave-in conditioner or cover your topper with a silk scarf for extra moisture and protection.
- Rain & Snow: Always carry an umbrella or rain hat to prevent frizz and tangling.
- Sunlight: UV rays can dry out and discolor human hair, while synthetic fibers may break. A stylish sun hat is your best defense.
Hydrate Like a Pro
Your topper isn’t getting natural oils, so hydration is key.
- Treat it to a deep conditioning treatment once a month.
- For blondes, hydrating treatments are especially important to maintain softness and shine.
Storing Your Topper Properly
When you’re not wearing your topper, proper storage is crucial:
- Occasional Use: Store your fully dry topper in a moisture-free box to avoid mold or damage.
- Frequent Use: Place it on a wig stand to maintain its shape and prevent tangling.
Rotating Your Toppers
If you wear toppers regularly, owning multiple pieces is a game-changer. Rotating between toppers reduces daily wear on a single piece, making all your toppers last longer. It’s also an excellent way to switch up your look effortlessly!
What Happens When Your Topper Ages?
Even with perfect care, your topper will eventually show signs of aging:
- Hair shedding becomes more noticeable.
- The fibers may feel drier or less silky.
- The piece may lose some of its original volume.
When this happens, don’t toss it out! Repurpose it for casual activities like gym sessions or running errands. This way, your older topper still serves you, and your new one gets some extra TLC.
Final Thoughts: Love Your Locks
Your human hair topper or wig is an investment worth cherishing. By following these tips—washing sparingly, styling gently, protecting from the elements, and storing properly—you’ll enjoy a longer-lasting, natural-looking piece.
And remember, when your topper starts to show its age, it’s just entering its “cozy sweater” phase. Whether it’s for errands or lounging, it still has a role to play in your hair wardrobe.