TOPPERS FAQ
FAQ toppers
Find your answers to the most frequently asked questions about hair toppers
Colors can look very different in photos and videos, so choosing the right shade can be tricky.
I do my best to photograph each piece in natural lighting and capture the color as accurately as possible, but please remember:
Lighting, screen settings, and angles can all affect how a color appears.
Here’s how to get the best color match:
Browse the website or Instagram. I have lots of photos and videos that show different shades in natural light. Try to find one that closely matches your own hair.
Send photos of your hair. You’re welcome to email me pictures of your hair in natural lighting. Just keep in mind that even good photos can be a little deceiving due to lighting and camera differences, so this method isn’t always perfect.
Mail me a hair sample. For the most accurate match, you can send in a physical sample of your hair. I’ll match it as closely as possible.
Please note
It’s impossible to capture a hair color 100% accurately on camera. Outdoor vs. indoor light, direct sun vs. shade, and screen type (phone vs. computer) can all change how a color looks. Some variation is completely normal and to be expected.
The lifespan of your wig or topper depends on how often you wear it, the base construction, and how well it’s cared for.
With proper maintenance, most pieces will last between 1–2+ years, and in some cases, even longer.
Factors that affect longevity
Read and follow the care instructions carefully, don’t apply products directly to the base or attachment.
Daily wear vs. occasional use.
Heat styling frequency.
Product buildup and washing habits.
Color upkeep and sun exposure.
Whether you sleep, swim, or exercise in your piece (not recommended).
💬 Real-life experience
I usually switch out my own piece once a year, but I have clients who wear their lace top wigs daily for over two years and they still look like new, good care truly makes a difference.
If possible, I recommend owning two pieces:
As a backup (in case something happens), and
To alternate between them, this helps extend the life of both.
✨ Base constructions & durability
Silk base: The most durable option. The knots are protected under a silk layer, minimizing shedding and making it last up to 2 years or more with gentle use.
Lace top: Ultra-realistic and breathable, but more delicate because of the fine lace and tiny knots. Handle gently when washing, styling, or wearing. I usually suggest replacing your lace top after 8–12 months if worn daily, though with careful maintenance, it can last much longer.
Skin/lace hybrid (SL): Beautifully realistic and ultra-flat, but the ultra-thin PU/skin layer and hand-injected hair make it a little more fragile, expect 8–12 months depending on wear and care.
If your piece starts to thin, you can always look into professional repair services that can add hair or extend the lace (this is not a service I provide, but it is available through wig specialists).
💛 Color & upkeep
Just like when we visit the hairdresser with our own hair, colors will need touch-ups over time, they don’t last forever.
Lighter blondes are naturally more processed and will need a little extra love and hydration to stay healthy.
A professional color refresh from time to time keeps your piece vibrant and fresh.
🧴 Care tips for longevity
To help your piece stay in beautiful condition:
Use only gentle, sulfate-free, wig-safe products (such as Davroe or Color Wow).
Avoid scratching the base — this can weaken lace, silk, or PU areas.
Keep oils, conditioner, and hairsprays with alcohol away from the base, as they can loosen knots or damage the material.
Never soak your wig or topper; wash gently following the care guide.
Store it safely on a stand, away from sunlight and heat.
Rotate your pieces if you wear them daily.
🪶 A note from Valerie
I’ve personally worn & tested all my topper constructions for a long time and have never had a bald spot, even after 3 years of wear.
The color may soften slightly (which is completely normal), but the base and hair stay in great condition when treated with care.
Definitely! A professional haircut will make the wig /topper truly yours. I always recommend having it customized by a professional hairstylist for the best fit and look.
Going darker
Absolutely! Human hair wigs and toppers can be safely dyed darker. If you have a specific color in mind, it's often best to start with a light brown or dark blonde shade and have your hairdresser color it to match your bio hair.
Going lighter
Lightening is trickier. If the color is labeled “natural” (like natural dark brown or natural soft black), then yes, you can usually lift it lighter, as it’s virgin, unprocessed hair.
However, if the wig or topper is already a lighter color, it’s likely been processed. Bleaching this type of hair can result in greenish, greyish, or uneven tones, so proceed with caution. If you do attempt to lift, always do a strand test first in a hidden spot.
Hairdresser tips
Test strand, always Wig and topper hair tends to be porous, so it takes color quickly. A test strand helps avoid surprises.
Protect the silk or lace top at all costs.
Never let color, toner, or pigmented shampoos touch the silk top or lace area. It can stain or even cause bald spots if the knots are damaged.
Can any hairdresser do this?
Any professional hairdresser should be able to customize a wig or topper. If they’re unsure or inexperienced, it’s best to look for one who works with hair extensions. The hair used in wigs and toppers is processed in a similar way to extension hair, and tones, lifts, and behaves the same when coloring. The techniques and products are virtually identical.
That said, it’s very important to stay away from the base of the wig or topper with any dye, toner, or product. The lace or silk areas are delicate, and damage can lead to staining or knot loss, which may cause shedding or bald spots over time.
If you're unsure where to go, I’m happy to recommend stylists who are familiar with working on Hair by V pieces.
Pacino kapper
Sint-Trudoplein 4
3530 Houthalen-Helchteren
BELGIUM
+32 472 69 31 90
GAEA Organic Hair Saloon
Kongostraat 5
8300 Knokke-Heist
BELGIUM
+32 497 29 72 16
The Hair Goddess
Hasseltsestraat 60
3290 Diest
BELGIUM
info@thehairgoddess.be
+32472 08 15 14
Hair by Michelle
GERMANY
You can also send your piece directly to Hair by V for a wash/treatment or color service.
Note: This service is only available for Hair by V pieces.
Processing Time
Wash & treatment: approx. 1 week
Color service: up to 4 weeks
Pricing
Based on length and time required
All prices include 21% VAT, excluding shipping
Every piece is hand-colored. Results may vary due to base color, texture, and application
How it works
Email us clear photos of your piece
You'll receive shipping instructions and a payment link (including return shipping)
If your piece starts to thin, you can always look into professional repair services that can add hair or extend the lace (this is not a service I provide, but it is available through wig specialists).
You can find many through Instagram, but I’d be happy to recommend a few:
Pruikenreparatie
Het Firmament 76 7325 EG Apeldoorn
+31 6 141 805 53
Passend haarwerk
Emmalaan 3
4101JN Culemborg
THE NETHERLANDS
A wig offers full coverage, meaning it covers your entire head and does not require any blending with your natural hair. If you have bio hair, it is typically put into a low ponytail and tucked underneath the wig. Because it offers full coverage, you can choose any color, length, or style, no matter what your natural hair looks like.
Can be worn by people with & without bio hair.
A topper, on the other hand, provides partial coverage. It’s designed to cover only the top or crown area and is meant to blend with your own hair for a seamless look. It attaches with clips to the top of your head and adds volume exactly where you need it, kind of like a crown coverage extension.
Since a topper blends with your natural hair, the color, texture, and length should match your bio hair as closely as possible. Ideally, the topper should be a similar length or a few inches longer - not shorter - to maintain a natural blend.
Toppers are a great option for those who still have enough hair for clips to hold onto, and hair in the front to blend. If you wear bangs, blending becomes even easier and more forgiving.
I always recommend checking out the comparison pages. First you’ll find all the pros, cons, and detailed info to help you choose what fits your needs best.
Both lace tops and silk tops offer a natural look, but they differ in feel, appearance, and styling flexibility.
Silk tops tend to mimic the look of a real scalp when you're looking directly down at the part. If you're after that ultra-realistic “scalp effect,” silk is a great option. However, silk tops are often a bit denser, have less natural flow and the hair tends to fall forward into the face, which can limit how easily you style it away.
Lace tops, from a normal eye-level view, tend to look more natural and seamless. Lace tops are also lighter, less dense and have more movement, which allows for more styling freedom, especially if you like to push the hair back and away from your face.
Don’t worry, unless someone is uncomfortably close and inspecting your scalp, you won’t be able to tell it’s lace.
In the end, it really comes down to personal preference and how you like your hair to look and move.
Make sure to read the comparison page.
Yes, they can be styled just like your natural hair. However, just like with bio hair, heat can cause damage over time, so it’s important to be gentle.
Here are a few tips to protect your wig while styling:
Keep the heat under 180°C (around 350°F). High heat can damage the hair and loosen the knots over time.
Style in small sections. This allows you to apply heat more quickly and evenly, reducing exposure.
Use a good heat protectant. It’s a simple step that goes a long way in preserving the quality of the hair.
Limit how often you use heat. Wigs/toppers hold curls and waves really well, often for a week or more, so daily styling usually isn’t necessary.
Keep in mind: Just like your natural hair, frequent heat styling may cause the color to fade faster.
No, I don’t offer full cuts, but I do provide face-framing layers from the chin down if requested. The reason I don’t do full haircuts is because I always recommend having your piece cut while you're wearing it, ideally by a hairdresser. Every face shape, hairline, and forehead is different, so the most natural result comes from tailoring the cut directly on you.
Technically, yes but I don’t recommend it. Sleeping in a wig can reduce its overall lifespan and lead to tangling and dryness over time. For toppers, the clips may cause friction or discomfort on the scalp during the night.
If you do choose to sleep in your piece occasionally, try to use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction and protect the hair.
When choosing a hair topper, the size of your head isn’t what matters most, it’s the area you want to cover. Measure from front to back and side to side to determine how much coverage you need. Most Hair by V toppers come in 8x8, or 9x9 inch bases. Other sizes (like 7x7 or 10x10 inches) are available upon request.
The larger the base, the more coverage you get. The smaller the base, the higher the clips will sit on your head.
Smaller caps mean the clips are placed closer to the crown, which is often where hair is most fragile. It’s very important not to place clips directly on thin or sensitive areas, as this can cause discomfort, tension, and even lead to bald spots over time.
That’s why all Hair by V toppers are designed with:
A large front comb (instead of clips)
Clips placed around the sides and back for secure but gentle hold
Personally, I’m not a fan of clips in the front, because that’s exactly where most women have the least hair. The large front comb is meant to be gently slid into the hair - not just placed on top. And don’t worry: you don’t need a lot of hair for it to stay put. That comb, together with the surrounding clips, keeps the topper secure and comfy all day long.
Comfort tip:
The bigger the base, the more evenly the pressure is distributed, and the more comfortable it feels. Always close the clips gently - never too tight - to avoid tension or pulling.
Style tip
Want to wear a ponytail? The smaller the base, the higher you can position the ponytail.
Every lace top wig, closed lace topper, and SL topper has return hairs. That’s what helps create more natural flow, movement, and volume. If you don’t like return hairs, a silk topper may be a better choice, silk toppers tend to lay flatter and do not have return hairs.
Return hairs (also called "short return hairs" or "inverted hairs") are short pieces of hair, usually 2 to 3 inches long, that are a natural byproduct of the knotting or hand-tied weft process.
When a single strand of long hair is tied onto the lace or base, it forms a loop, meaning there’s one long side and one short side. That short side is what we call the return hair.
They’re not a flaw or damage, return hairs exist in all hand-knotted wigs and toppers and are often more noticeable in high-density pieces or light-colored hair, where contrast and layering make them stand out more.
Why do return hairs exist?
They are unavoidable in hand-tied or knotted construction.
They add texture, movement, and volume near the roots, helping the piece look more natural, especially when styled with lift or wave.
They also help secure the knot, which improves durability. Without return hairs, the strand wouldn’t stay tied to the base.
Are they visible?
Sometimes, especially in:
Very straight hairstyles
Light blonde colors (due to more contrast)
Sleek, flat styles without root volume
How to tame return hairs
They’re easily managed with a few tricks:
Heat styling: Use a flat iron or blow dryer. Lift the hair with a brush, then blow dry the shorter hairs downward for a smoother look.
Serum or smoothing cream: A tiny bit of anti-frizz product or leave-in serum helps keep them lying flat.
Hair spray (used lightly): Spray a bit on your fingers or a comb, then smooth down return hairs at the part or crown.
Important tip
Avoid using too much heat directly on the base of the wig or topper, always focus on the hair strands, not the knots, especially with lace materials.
Yes, you can use a hot brush to add volume at the roots, just make sure it's not too hot and always dampen the base slightly beforehand. Never apply heat directly onto the base, as this can damage the material or loosen the knots.
Yes, but less is more. Always opt for alcohol- and sulfate-free products to prevent drying out the hair. Avoid spraying hairspray directly onto the base, as it can weaken the knots/attachment and lead to shedding or bald spots.
Knots and tangles in the nape area are very common with wigs and toppers. The warmth of your body, friction from clothing (collars, scarves, coats) and the natural movement of the hair make this area more prone to tangling than the rest. Especially with longer hair, this is simply part of wearing a piece.
👉 How to prevent and manage tangles:
- Gently detangle daily with a wig-safe brush or comb. Always start from the ends and slowly work your way up.
- Use leave-in conditioner or detangling spray, preferably sulfate- and silicone-free. This adds slip and prevents breakage.
- Be mindful of clothing: long hair rubs against collars, scarves and coats. On such days, gentle detangling may be needed more often.
- Extra care: a touch of leave-in conditioner or lightweight oil on the ends helps to keep them smooth.
Knots in the nape are a normal part of human hair wigs and toppers, but with the right care routine you’ll keep your piece soft, shiny and beautiful.