Hair toppers are a game-changer for adding volume, length, or punch to your style. So many options—how do you choose the best? Our content creator Irina recently provided her tips and tricks on base construction, color matching, and style during a live session. This blog breaks down her advice to help you choose and maximize your hair topper!

1. Understanding Base Construction: Lace, Skin, Silk, and Monofilament—What’s the Difference?

When it comes to hair toppers, base construction is everything. It’s not just about how the topper fits—it affects comfort, how natural it looks, and how long it lasts. Irina shared some great tips about the different types of bases, each with their own unique benefits. Let’s dive into the four most popular base constructions:

Lace Tops: Light, Breathable, and Perfect for a Natural Hairline

Lace bases are a top favorite for many because of their lightweight, breathable feel. Irina pointed out that lace is amazing if you’re aiming for a natural-looking hairline, especially if your hair is thinning or receding at the front. The lace allows your scalp to peek through, giving it a seamless, more authentic look. Plus, lace bases are super flexible, making it easier to blend with your natural hair for a flawless finish.

6.5” X 7” Airy Elegance Lace Top Human Hair Topper With Lace Front in 674R Icy Blonde Melt, 16’’

Skin Bases: Realistic, Affordable, and Secure

Next up: skin bases. These are perfect if you want a realistic, scalp-like appearance. The hair is machine-injected into the PU (polyurethane) skin, creating a smooth, natural flow with no knots or hair return. It’s an excellent choice for a secure fit that won’t shift around during the day. One of the biggest draws of skin bases is their affordability. You get a high-quality look without the hefty price tag, making them perfect for those who want great value. However, while skin bases are cost-effective, they don’t last as long as lace or silk bases, so a little more care is needed. Irina mentioned that while skin bases may create a small noise when touched, they’ve worked hard to reduce this, but if you’re sensitive to that, you can always opt for a silk top base instead for a quieter option.

7.5” X 7.5” Upgrade Aura Skin Top Human Hair Topper in 210 Truffle Brown, 18’’

Silk Tops: Luxury and Softness for the Ultimate Natural Look

If you’re in the market for luxury, silk tops might be your go-to. Irina highlighted that these bases are incredibly soft and mimic the natural movement and shine of real hair. While they are on the pricier side, silk bases are by far the most realistic and are ideal for those who want a truly natural finish. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, which makes them a great option for anyone with a sensitive scalp.

6”x6” Amber Silk Top Remy Human Hair Topper in 223R Mousse Brown, 16’’

Monofilament Bases: Soft, Durable, and Versatile

The monofilament base is made from fine mesh, where individual hairs are hand-tied to mimic natural hair growth. This base creates a realistic look with a tighter weave for higher hair density compared to lace. It’s incredibly soft and comfortable, making it ideal for sensitive scalps. The mono base offers excellent styling versatility and natural parting. If you’re looking for comfort and a natural appearance, the monofilament base is a great choice!

7” x 8” Upgrade Courtney Mono Top Human Hair Topper in 624R Dusty Ash Brown, 16’’

2. Choosing the Right Color: Matching and Experimenting with Hues

Now that we’ve covered base construction, let’s talk color!

Match Your Natural Color for a Seamless Blend

Starting with matching your hair topper to your natural color will make the easiest approach. Irina advised looking at the undertones of your hair—neutral, cool (like ash tones or platinum blonde), or warm (like red or golden hues). You will get a seamless mix by choosing a topper with like tones.

Add Dimension with Highlights or Lowlights

If you’re looking to add a little more dimension to your hair, a topper with highlights or lowlights can do wonders. Irina suggested going for a shade with some contrast to create a more dynamic, multi-dimensional look. A hair topper is a great way to experiment with subtle highlights or lowlights, giving your hair that extra pop without the long-term commitment.

Play with Bold Colors (Without the Commitment!)

Feeling adventurous? Another fantastic approach to dabble with strong colors is hair toppers. Irina noted that a topper is a great low-risk approach to play with trendy colors if you want a fun new look but don’t want to commit yourself to a permanent color change!

3. How to Curl Your Hair Topper for a Gorgeous, Natural Look

Styling your hair topper can be a fun way to enhance your look. If you’re aiming for soft curls or beachy waves, here’s Irina’s step-by-step guide to curling your hair topper using expert tips for flawless results.

1. Clip the Topper onto Another Topper or Wig Stand

Irina shared a genius tip: If you are so worried a pin could damage the cap construction, then start by securing your hair topper on an old wig or topper on the mannequin head! Some people use pins to secure the topper to a mannequin head, but if you’re worried about causing damage or have kids around, clipping the topper onto another topper or a wig stand works just as well, without the risks.

2. Apply Heat Protection Spray

Before you begin curling, protect the hair with a heat protectant spray. This is essential to prevent heat damage and keep the hair looking shiny and healthy.

• Expert Tip: If you’re using an oil-based product, apply it sparingly—just a light mist or a small amount on your hands is enough. Be careful not to over-apply, as too much can leave the hair feeling greasy.

3. Set the Curling Iron to Low Heat

Next, preheat your curling iron to a low temperature. Since most toppers are not made from natural hair, you want to avoid using high heat, which could damage the fibers. Setting your curling iron to a lower temperature ensures you get soft, bouncy curls without frying the hair.

4. Curl the Hair

Start curling the topper by taking small sections of hair and wrapping them around the barrel. Curl away from your face to achieve a natural, flattering look. If you want more volume and texture, you can leave the ends of the topper out of the curling iron. This will create a looser, more beachy wave. Work your way from the sides toward the back of the topper, curling the sections in the same direction to ensure that both sides meet in the middle for a balanced look.

5. Let the Curls Set

Once you’ve finished curling, let the curls cool for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the curls to “set” and hold their shape longer.

6. Brush Out the Curls

Gentle brushing the curls out with a wide-tooth comb once they have cooled will help This stage adds volume and helps somewhat release the curls by converting them into soft waves.

• Expert Tip: Steer clear of too much brushing if you need the curls to hold shape and remain longer. To separate the curls, run the wide-tooth comb just gently across them. Break them with your fingers to get extra texture.

7. Put the Topper On

It’s time to lay the topper on your head once your curls have set. Carefully arrange the topper such that it covers your natural hair and fits tightly. Change the fit and fasten it so the curls naturally merge in your hair.

8. Blend the Front Strands of Bio Hair

To ensure a seamless blend between your natural hair and the topper, curl the front strands of your bio hair. This will help the two textures come together, making it harder to notice where your bio hair ends and the topper begins.

Irina’s path with UniWigs hair toppers shows how they can boost confidence and style. She has proven exactly how transforming a hair topper can be from trying various bases to honing her styling methods. Whether your desired look calls for volume, style modification, or just confidence enhancement, UniWigs provides a large selection of toppers to help you get it!