Introduction
Hair toppers have become a go-to solution for individuals seeking to add volume, length, or coverage to thinning or fine hair. Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, have naturally thin hair, or just want to enhance your hairstyle, hair toppers can provide a seamless and natural look. However, achieving that perfect flat and natural appearance can be a challenge, especially for first-time users.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions and professional tips on how to make your hair topper look flat and natural. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a flawless look that blends beautifully with your natural hair.
Why Hair Toppers?
Before diving into the specifics of making your hair topper look flat, it’s essential to understand why hair toppers are so popular.
- Versatile Coverage: Unlike full wigs, hair toppers are designed to blend with your natural hair. They provide partial coverage, making them ideal for women with thinning hair on the crown or areas of hair loss.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Hair toppers are lighter and more breathable than full wigs, offering a comfortable solution for everyday wear.
- Easy to Apply: With a few clips and some styling, hair toppers can be applied quickly and easily at home, saving time and money on salon visits.
- Natural Look: When installed correctly, hair toppers blend seamlessly with your natural hair, giving you the confidence of a fuller, more voluminous hairstyle without appearing fake.
Despite their benefits, many users struggle with making their hair topper look flat and natural. Here’s how to achieve that perfect blend.
1. Choose the Right Hair Topper for Your Needs
To ensure your hair topper looks natural, it’s crucial to choose the right one. First, consider the hair type: synthetic toppers are more affordable but lack the natural texture and shine of human hair, which can be styled like your own. Next, think about the base material—silk bases offer a more realistic scalp appearance, while lace bases are lightweight and breathable. The length and color should match your natural hair or be slightly lighter for a seamless blend. With the right hair topper, you’ll achieve a flatter, more natural look that complements your style.
a. Hair Type (Synthetic vs. Human Hair)
Hair toppers come in both synthetic and human hair varieties. While synthetic toppers are more affordable, human hair toppers look more natural and can be styled with heat tools like straighteners and curling irons.
- Synthetic Hair: While more affordable, synthetic hair lacks the natural shine and texture of human hair. It also can’t be heat-styled, which can make it challenging to achieve a natural, blended look.
- Human Hair: More expensive but worth the investment for a natural look. Human hair toppers can be colored, cut, and heat-styled to match your natural hair perfectly.
b. Base Material (Silk Base vs. Lace Base)
The material of the topper’s base is another important factor in achieving a natural look.
- Silk Base Toppers: Silk base toppers are known for their natural scalp-like appearance. The knots of the hair are hidden under a silk layer, making it look as though hair is growing directly from the scalp.
- Lace Base Toppers: These toppers are lightweight and breathable. They offer a more affordable option, but the knots can sometimes be visible, requiring more effort to blend with your natural scalp.
c. Hair Length and Color
When choosing a hair topper, make sure the length matches your natural hair or the style you desire. For the most seamless blend, the color should match your natural hair or be slightly lighter to create a more dimensional look.
2. Correct Application for a Flat and Natural Look
Once you’ve chosen the right hair topper, proper application is essential to achieve a flat and natural look. Begin by prepping your natural hair—create a part where the topper will sit, and if necessary, pin or braid your hair to form a smooth base. Position the topper at the crown, aligning its part with your natural one, and secure it with the attached clips, starting at the front and working back. Blend the topper with your hair by styling both together, ensuring a seamless transition between the two. Proper application ensures a flawless, natural appearance.
a. Prep Your Natural Hair
To create a flat foundation for your hair topper, you need to prepare your natural hair.
- Create a Middle Part: Part your hair down the middle where you want the hair topper to sit. This will help the topper blend seamlessly.
- Clip Away Front Sections: Clip the front sections of your hair away from your face. These will be used later to blend the topper with your natural hair.
- Braid or Pin Down Your Hair: If you have thick or long hair, braid or pin down your hair close to your scalp to create a flat base. For those with fine hair, simply brushing your hair down may be sufficient.
b. Secure the Hair Topper
Properly securing your hair topper is essential for a flat and natural look.
- Position the Topper Correctly: Place the hair topper at the crown of your head, aligning the part of the topper with your natural part. Make sure the topper covers any thinning areas.
- Clip the Topper in Place: Use the clips attached to the topper to secure it firmly in place. Start with the front clips, followed by the side and back clips. Make sure the topper feels secure but not too tight, as this can cause discomfort or damage to your natural hair.
3. Blend the Topper with Your Natural Hair
Blending your hair topper with your natural hair is crucial for achieving a seamless, natural look. To do this, start by styling both your natural hair and the topper in a similar way, whether curling or straightening. Use the front sections of your natural hair to conceal any visible lines or clips. A flat iron can help smooth everything down for a cohesive appearance, while dry shampoo can reduce shine and add texture. If needed, have a stylist add layers to the topper, ensuring it blends naturally with your existing hair for a flawless finish.
a. Style Your Natural Hair and Topper Together
- Flat Iron for a Smooth Look: Use a flat iron to smooth both your natural hair and the topper for a cohesive, flat appearance. Be careful not to apply too much heat to synthetic hair toppers, as they can melt.
- Blend Front Sections: Unclip the front sections of your natural hair and blend them with the topper by brushing or styling them together. This will help conceal any visible lines or clips.
- Tease for Volume (Optional): If you want more volume at the roots, gently tease the hair at the crown before securing the topper. This will prevent the topper from looking too flat against your head.
b. Match Texture and Style
- Curl or Straighten Both Hair and Topper: To make the topper blend seamlessly, style both your natural hair and the topper the same way. If you curl your natural hair, curl the topper as well. If you prefer a sleek look, straighten both.
- Add Layers: If the topper is too bulky or doesn’t blend with your natural hair, consider taking it to a stylist to add layers. Layers help the topper fall naturally and blend better with your hair.
4. Use the Right Products
Using the right hair products is essential for seamlessly blending your topper with natural hair. Start with dry shampoo to reduce shine and add texture, helping the topper appear more natural. A light-hold hairspray can keep your style in place throughout the day, ensuring the topper stays secure. For synthetic toppers, a touch of shine spray can mimic the natural gloss of human hair without making it look too artificial. These products not only enhance the topper’s appearance but also ensure a smooth, natural blend with your own hair.
a. Dry Shampoo for Texture
Use dry shampoo on both your natural hair and the topper to add texture and reduce shine. This will help the hair topper blend more naturally with your scalp and prevent it from looking too “wig-like.”
b. Light-Hold Hairspray
After styling your hair, use a light-hold hairspray to set the style. This will keep both your natural hair and the topper in place throughout the day, ensuring that the topper looks flat and doesn’t shift.
c. Shine Spray for Synthetic Toppers
If you’re using a synthetic hair topper, a light shine spray can help mimic the natural sheen of human hair. Avoid using too much, as this can make the topper look greasy.
5. Regular Maintenance for Long-Term Results
To keep your hair topper looking flat and natural over time, regular maintenance is crucial. Wash and condition it with sulfate-free products designed for wigs or extensions to prevent damage and tangling. Avoid washing too frequently to maintain the topper’s longevity. Store it properly on a wig stand or in a silk bag when not in use to preserve its shape and prevent tangling. Regularly visit a stylist for trimming and reshaping to keep the topper looking fresh. Proper care will ensure your hair topper remains flat, natural, and flawless for long-term use.
a. Wash and Condition
Just like natural hair, hair toppers require regular washing and conditioning. Use sulfate-free products designed for wigs or extensions to prevent drying out the hair. Avoid washing your topper too frequently, as this can cause damage and tangling.
b. Store Properly
When not in use, store your hair topper on a wig stand or in a silk bag to prevent tangling and preserve its shape. This will help maintain the topper’s natural look and ensure it lasts longer.
c. Trim and Style Regularly
Over time, the ends of your hair topper may become frayed or lose their shape. Visit a stylist regularly to trim and reshape the topper, keeping it looking fresh and natural.
Conclusion
Making a hair topper look flat and natural is all about proper preparation, application, and styling. By choosing the right hair topper, applying it correctly, and blending it with your natural hair, you can achieve a flawless, natural look that boosts your confidence. With regular maintenance and care, your hair topper will continue to look beautiful and seamless for months to come.
Following these steps will help ensure that your hair topper looks as natural as possible, allowing you to enjoy fuller, thicker hair without anyone knowing your secret