If you are new to wigs and toppers, it can be a little intimidating. This important Wig & Topper Buyer’s guide will help you navigate your way through the process.
I’m Andrea, and I have hair loss and wear wigs daily. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
You may schedule a free consultation here.
Step 1: Measuring Your Head
While average size wigs tend to fit about 95% of customers, you will find that quite a few wigs also come in petite and large sizes.
Consider that many also have adjustable straps that give up to 1/2" so that you can achieve a more comfortable and personalized fit.
To determine the right size wig for you, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your head from the front hairline, behind your ear, to the nape of your neck, to your other ear and then back to the front hairline. (See below diagram and link to video).
While you are measuring, you’ll need to write down your measurements and then review the diagram below:
***Please note that sizes may vary slightly by brand and that not all wigs are available in all cap sizes***
View the below video with instruction on how to measure your head correctly.
Step 2: Style
Our online store allows you to easily narrow your search by length – Short Wigs, Medium-Length Wigs and Long Wigs.
If this is your first wig, I recommend choosing a style that you are already familiar with. For example, a style that is very close to your existing hair style.
A more drastic change can always be made later as you become more comfortable in wearing your wig.
Wearing wigs is actually very fun! Imagine having a “good hair day” everyday!!
And all of the endless styling and color flexibility!
Many of my clients ultimately have a lot of fun experimenting with a variety of looks.
Certain face shapes are flattered by certain styles.
Step 3: What Type of Hair is Right for You?
When considering composition, or how a wig is structured, think about the hair type as well as the cap construction.
Both Human Hair and Synthetic Hair have advantages and limitations, which make them the right choice in different situations.
Human Hair |
Premium & Remy Human Hair |
Synthetic Hair |
Heat Stylable Synthetic Hair |
Offers the most natural look & feel |
The highest quality human hair available - Offers the most natural look & feel |
Exceptional quality synthetic hair offers a look and feel that is very much like human hair |
Features more styling versatility than traditional synthetic hair - Hot tools may be used to style - max 350° |
Features the most styling versatility |
Features the most styling versatility. Hair cuticles kept running in uniform direction resulting in less tangling |
Synthetic hair offers limited styling versatility (hot tools cannot be used) |
Can be more challenging to style than human hair |
Requires more styling, just like your natural hair - especially after washing |
Hair is meticulously gathered and processed with special techniques, resulting in higher quality and a higher price |
Synthetic Hair is pre-styled and requires little maintenance. Can usually be worn right out of the box |
Heat Stylable Synthetic Hair requires special care be taken to avoid tangling |
Human Hair is very durable and can last over a year with proper care |
Remy Human Hair is very durable and can last over a year with proper care |
Less durable than human hair — Usually lasts 4-6 months with proper care |
Less durable than regular synthetic hair — Usually lasts 2-3 months with proper care |
Step 4: What Type of Cap Construction is Right for You?
Different cap constructions have a different method of attaching hair to the cap, and each has its own set of advantages.
100% Hand Tied Caps
Monofilament Caps
Lace Front
Basic Cap
Step 5: What Color is Right for You?
Most of our styles have an array of many different color choices.
As you determine styles you like, you can begin to review the colors available.
If this is your first wig purchase, consider staying close to your natural shade to ease the transition. If you need assistance with color choices, please schedule your free consultation here.
Step 6: How Do I Care for My New Hair?
It’s important not to forget about caring for your new hair. Proper hair care will allow your piece to last longer. Once you have your beautiful wig or topper, you will want to do all you can to keep it looking beautiful.
Consider one of our affordable Human Hair Care Kits or a Synthetic Hair Care Kit to cleanse and care for your new hair.
Browse Hair Care and Styling Products here:
TO ADDRESS EVERY STAGE OF HAIR LOSS, THERE IS A VARIETY OF TOPPERS AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT SIZES, FIBERS AND CAP DESIGNS. FOLLOW THESE THREE EASY STEPS BELOW TO FIND THE PERFECT ONE FOR YOU.
STEP 1: MEASURE
Determine the area of hair loss or the amount of coverage needed.
Please remember that you will need a sufficient amount of your biological hair to attach the clips to, which is why measuring is so important.
STEP 2: MATCH
STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR HAIR FIBER
When considering your new hair, think about the hair type.
Both Human Hair and Synthetic Hair have advantages and limitations, which make them the right choice in different situations.
Human Hair |
Premium & Remy Human Hair |
Synthetic Hair |
Heat Stylable Synthetic Hair |
Offers the most natural look & feel |
The highest quality human hair available - Offers the most natural look & feel |
Exceptional quality synthetic hair offers a look and feel that is very much like human hair |
Features more styling versatility than traditional synthetic hair - Hot tools may be used to style - max 350° |
Features the most styling versatility |
Features the most styling versatility. Hair cuticles kept running in uniform direction resulting in less tangling |
Synthetic hair offers limited styling versatility (hot tools cannot be used) |
Can be more challenging to style than human hair |
Requires more styling, just like your natural hair - especially after washing |
Hair is meticulously gathered and processed with special techniques, resulting in higher quality and a higher price |
Synthetic Hair is pre-styled and requires little maintenance. Can usually be worn right out of the box |
Heat Stylable Synthetic Hair requires special care be taken to avoid tangling |
Human Hair is very durable and can last over a year with proper care |
Remy Human Hair is very durable and can last over a year with proper care |
Less durable than human hair — Usually lasts 4-6 months with proper care |
Less durable than regular synthetic hair — Usually lasts 2-3 months with proper care |
Do I need to take my topper to a stylist?
Answer: You do not need to take your topper to a stylist; however, I recommend that you do if you are comfortable. A stylist can take your topper and trim and style it to blend with your own natural hair, which will help you feel more comfortable and confident.
How do I know which to choose? Human Hair or Synthetic Hair?
Answer: Before buying your topper, you’ll want to consider your lifestyle. Will you be exercising in your wig or topper? Will you wear it every day? Do you want to spend time styling your wig or topper, or do you want to just put it on and go? What is your budget? All of these things come into play when choosing Human Hair or Synthetic Hair. Synthetic hair is designed and ready-to-wear. It is low maintenance and less expensive than human hair; however, synthetic hair will tangle easier and human hair lasts longer and looks very natural. If you are still unsure of which type of fiber to order, contact me and I will help.
What length of topper do I need?
Answer: Since toppers are designed to go over your existing biological hair, you will want to order a topper in a length that is close to your existing natural hair. If your hair is shorter, you may order any length and have your stylist cut and style the topper to match your current hairstyle.
Can I wash my topper?
Answer: Yes, I recommend that you wash your topper or wig after every 6-8 wears. Depending on whether you purchased a human hair wig or topper or a synthetic wig or topper, you’ll want to be sure that you have the correct products to care for your hair. Upon purchase, you will receive instructions on how to wash and care for your specific type of hair.
It’s important not to forget about caring for your new hair. Proper hair care will allow your piece to last longer. Once you have your beautiful wig or topper, you will want to do all you can to keep it looking beautiful.
Consider one of our affordable Human Hair Care Kits or a Synthetic Hair Care Kit to cleanse and care for your new hair.
Browse Hair Care and Styling Products here:
If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to schedule your free consultation.
I’m happy to help!
Your Personalized, CORE Certified Wig Expert,
Andrea Carlson