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TOPPERS FAQ
FAQ toppers
Find your answers to the most frequently asked questions about hair toppers
I mainly focus on two topper constructions that I personally wear and love:
Closed Lace Topper is my lightest, thinnest and most breathable option. It has a naturally lower density, a delicate lace parting and beautiful movement from the roots.SL Topper with Closed Lace Front combines skin and lace for a realistic, silk-like scalp appearance without visible knots in the scalp area. It has a slightly fuller standard density and a more structured feel.
Both constructions have the same thin, folded closed lace front.I also offer Traditional Silk Toppers by custom order and T-Lace Toppers for specific types of hair loss.For a detailed comparison, including photos of the constructions, please visit my Topper Comparison page.
The right base size depends on the area of hair loss and where you still have enough healthy hair to attach the topper comfortably.I generally recommend choosing a base that extends beyond the thinning area, allowing the clips to attach to stronger hair rather than fragile hair on top of the head.
7×7 inches: Available by custom order, but I generally don't recommend this size. Many women experiencing hair loss have very little healthy hair left on top, exactly where the clips of a smaller topper would attach. Clipping into fragile hair can cause unnecessary tension and discomfort.8×8 inches: A good option for moderate coverage when there is enough healthy hair around the perimeter.9×9 inches: My personal recommendation for many women experiencing hair loss. It offers generous coverage and allows the clips to sit farther away from the thinning area.
A larger base doesn't necessarily mean more hair or more volume. Density determines the amount of hair in the topper.
A topper provides coverage over part of the head and is designed to blend with your natural hair.A wig covers the entire head and doesn't depend on your own hair for overall coverage.
Toppers can be a lovely solution for thinning hair when you still have enough healthy hair for secure attachment and blending.If your hair loss is extensive, your scalp is particularly sensitive or you have very little hair available for attachment, a wig may be a more comfortable option.
A natural result depends on several things: the right colour, base size, density, construction, placement and styling.The root colour is particularly important because this is where the topper meets your natural hair.The topper doesn't always need to match every strand perfectly. A little variation in the lengths can look very natural.Both my Closed Lace and SL constructions are designed with natural-looking densities rather than excessive fullness.A little blending and styling can make a big difference, especially around the front hairline.
Start by comparing the root colour with your own hair, rather than looking only at the ends.I recommend viewing several photos and videos of the same shade because lighting can significantly change how a colour appears.You can search for a colour name on my website to see other wigs and toppers in that shade.You can also find additional videos in my Instagram highlights, particularly Daylight Colors.Please remember that screen settings and lighting can affect colour perception. An exact match cannot be guaranteed from photographs alone.
Yes. Where available, you can select the Custom Darker Root option during checkout, free of charge.The product photos indicate which images show the original colour and which show a custom darker root.Other personalisations, such as different roots or lowlights, can be discussed before production.Please note that custom-coloured and personalised hairpieces are final sale.
The biggest differences are the base construction, scalp appearance, density, breathability and movement.
The Closed Lace Topper has a single lace layer with individually tied hairs. It is lighter, thinner and more breathable, but some knots may be visible in the parting.The SL Topper combines skin and lace. It has a realistic, silk-like scalp appearance without visible knots in the scalp area, but feels slightly fuller and more structured.
Both have the same type of thin closed lace front, so you don't need to choose SL simply to get a flatter front edge.Please see the Topper Comparison for the complete explanation.
Yes. Traditional Silk Toppers remain available by custom order, but I no longer keep them in stock.They have a thicker base and generally a fuller density than my Closed Lace and SL constructions.I personally prefer the thinner front edges and overall feel of my two main constructions, but I understand that some customers still prefer a traditional silk top.
The T-Lace Topper is a different type of hairpiece, designed primarily for women with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) or a receding frontal hairline.It focuses on providing coverage at the front rather than over a large area on top of the head.For someone like me, with more widespread thinning (alopecia androgenetica), a T-Lace wouldn't provide enough coverage.It remains part of the Hair by V collection for women with these specific needs.
Density is the amount of hair in the topper. Volume is how full or lifted the hair looks after styling.My Closed Lace Topper has the lightest standard density, while the SL Topper has a slightly fuller standard density.All Ready to Ship toppers are made in the normal density of their respective construction.If you prefer more or less hair, adjusted density can be requested through a custom order, subject to production possibilities.A lower-density topper can still have beautiful volume when styled, and a fuller topper can be worn sleek and flat.
Both Closed Lace and SL Toppers have a thin, transparent, folded and sewn closed lace front.This front is designed to sit very flat at or just behind your natural hairline.Because the lace is transparent, your natural hair colour underneath can sometimes show through. For example, darker roots beneath a blonde topper may create a little contrast.
A small amount of concealing powder can help soften or lighten the appearance of the lace. Color Wow Root Cover Up can help darken it.Many customers don't need to apply anything.
Never cut the folded lace. It is part of the finished construction.No topper is guaranteed to be completely invisible from every angle, under every lighting condition or under extreme magnification.
Closed Lace Topper: Some knots may be visible in the lace parting, depending on the hair colour, lighting and contrast. A small amount of suitable concealing powder can help soften their appearance.SL Topper with Closed Lace Front: The hybrid construction conceals the knots beneath the visible scalp-like surface, so there are no visible knots in the scalp area.Both constructions have the same type of closed lace front.
I personally prefer placing my topper directly at my natural hairline or approximately 1 mm behind it.The ideal placement depends on your own hairline, density and how you prefer to blend the front.The topper should lie comfortably and securely without pulling on fragile hair.Avoid placing clips directly into areas where your natural hair is particularly weak or thinning.
My standard Closed Lace and SL Toppers come with one large front comb and pressure-sensitive clips around the perimeter.I personally prefer a large front comb because I find it more comfortable than front clips.Alternative front attachments can be requested through a custom order, depending on production possibilities.The most important thing is that your topper feels secure without putting unnecessary tension on your own hair.
Yes. Alternative attachment configurations can be discussed for custom orders.For example, front clips can replace the large comb, or a polyurethane (PU) attachment area can be requested for customers who prefer tape or adhesive.I personally don't recommend gluing toppers to the scalp. I prefer non-adhesive attachment methods.However, I understand that some customers have different needs, so the option is available on request.Adhesive attachment requires suitable products and careful application and removal, particularly with sensitive skin or fragile hair.
Both my Closed Lace and SL Toppers have a wefted back as standard.A wefted back uses sewn rows of hair, offering a practical and structured construction.A hand-tied back has individually tied hairs, allowing more independent movement and a different cap feel. It also requires more delicate handling.A hand-tied back is available as a custom upgrade for €125.Hand-tied constructions can have longer production times.
The Closed Lace Topper has a built-in silk liner underneath the fine lace.This provides a soft inner surface and a lighter-looking background behind the parting.Although it contains a silk liner, it is not a traditional Silk Topper. The hair is individually tied directly into the lace.All my Closed Lace Toppers come with a silk liner as standard. If you prefer a diamond liner, you can request this when placing a custom order.
Return hairs are shorter hair ends, usually around 2–3 inches, created during the hand-knotting process.Both Closed Lace and SL Toppers have return hairs.They can add natural texture and root lift, but may sometimes stand up after washing or air-drying.This is completely normal and not a manufacturing defect.If you prefer them flatter, gently direct them down while damp and let the topper air-dry. You can also use a suitable heat tool carefully, with heat protection, avoiding prolonged direct heat on the base.
Yes. Both constructions allow multidirectional parting.You can gently redirect the hair using water, a blow-dryer or a suitable temperature-controlled styling tool.Closed Lace allows particularly free movement from the roots, while SL has a slightly more structured feel.Avoid excessive tension or direct high heat on the base.
Yes, depending on the construction, length, density and attachment.I particularly love the natural movement of Closed Lace for suitable half-up hairstyles and low ponytails.The SL Topper can also be styled in different ways.Avoid tight hairstyles or excessive tension on the clips, comb, lace or your natural hair.
All three are human hair grades, but they differ in texture, movement and natural characteristics.
Brazilian hair: Generally has more body and texture and may require smoothing after air-drying.European hair: Usually has a finer to medium texture, with soft movement and a natural finish.Slavic hair: Particularly fine, soft and silky, often with beautiful natural movement and a smooth air-dried finish. It is also more expensive due to its sourcing and availability.
Every hairpiece is unique, so natural texture and air-dried results can vary, even within the same grade.Not every colour, length or construction is available in every hair grade.
There is no fixed lifespan.It depends on the construction, how frequently you wear it, your styling habits and how carefully you handle it.Fine lace and individually tied hair are delicate by nature. Over time, knots can loosen, the base can experience wear and some shedding is normal.Gentle washing, brushing and styling are particularly important.Rotating between two pieces, if possible, can help reduce daily wear.
This depends on how frequently you wear it, your environment and how much styling product you use.For my own toppers, washing approximately every 6–8 weeks is often sufficient, but your routine may be different.Always wash gently, without rubbing or scrubbing the base.Keep conditioner, masks and oils away from the knots and attachment areas.Please follow the complete Aftercare instructions on the website.
Yes, but use it carefully.A suitable round hot brush can be helpful for creating volume and shaping the hair around the crown.Use heat protection and avoid pulling or applying prolonged direct heat near the base.For flattening the top or redirecting the parting, I personally prefer using a suitable hot comb carefully.You can find demonstrations of my styling techniques on my YouTube channel.
Yes, but I recommend using them sparingly.Too much product can cause buildup, make the hair feel heavy and increase the need for washing.Keep oils, heavy conditioners and styling products away from the base and knots.Use lightweight products suitable for processed human hair and avoid products that leave excessive residue.
I don't recommend sleeping in a topper.Friction against your pillow can cause tangling, breakage and unnecessary wear on the hair and base.Sleeping with clips or combs attached can also put tension on your natural hair and scalp.Removing your topper at night is generally better for its longevity and your own hair.
I don't recommend it.Swimming and showering while wearing a topper can cause unnecessary tangling and wear.Chlorine, salt water and sunlight can also affect the condition and colour of processed human hair, particularly blonde shades.For the best longevity, remove your topper before swimming or showering.
The hair at the nape is exposed to frequent friction from clothing, scarves, collars and movement.This can cause tangling, especially with longer hair.Brush gently throughout the day when needed, starting at the ends and working upwards.A small amount of lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum on the lengths may help reduce friction.Avoid applying oils or conditioners directly to the base.
Some shedding is normal with human hairpieces, especially over time.Hair is attached to a delicate base, and repeated brushing, washing, styling and friction can gradually loosen hairs or knots.Always support the hair near the base when brushing and avoid pulling on tangles.Excessive or sudden shedding is different from normal wear and should be assessed individually.
I don't bleach knots myself because the process can weaken the hair at its attachment point and increase the risk of shedding.Certain constructions or factory options may include lightly bleached knots, but bleaching can make the knots more fragile.For my Closed Lace Toppers, I prefer leaving the knots intact and using a little concealing powder when needed.The SL Topper already has a scalp-like surface without visible knots in the scalp area.
If your topper needs additional hair knotted in, has developed thinning areas or requires a repair, a professional hairpiece repair specialist may be able to help.I don't offer repair services myself, but I've listed several specialists in the Netherlands and the United States who you can contact directly.
You can find their contact details on my Repair Service page:https://www.hairbyv.shop/after-care/repair-service
Please contact the specialist directly to discuss the repair possibilities, pricing and turnaround time.
Ready to Ship: The hairpiece is already in stock in its listed configuration. Orders are normally dispatched within 1–5 business days, unless additional services require more time.All Lengths · Pre-Order: The hairpiece is produced after ordering, allowing you to select from the available lengths and sizes.
Production times vary depending on the construction and are indicated on each product page.On the website, Add to Cart indicates an available stock option, while Pre-Order indicates an item that is not currently in stock.
Yes. Depending on production possibilities, custom options may include:Base sizeLower or higher densityAlternative front attachmentsPU attachment areaHand-tied backRoot colour or other colour adjustmentsOther agreed construction detailsCustom requests must be confirmed before production and may affect the price and production time.Custom-made and personalised hairpieces are final sale.
I don't offer complete haircuts or ongoing salon services.For new orders, limited face-framing from the chin down may be possible on request.For a complete haircut, I recommend visiting a hairdresser experienced with human hairpieces and having the topper cut while you're wearing it, so it can be blended with your own hair.
Eligible Ready to Ship toppers can be tried at home and returned in accordance with the Return Policy, provided all return conditions are met.You must notify me within 14 days of receiving your order and return the item within the timeframe specified in the policy.The hairpiece and lace must remain in the required return condition.Custom-made, personalised, pre-order and sale items are final sale, subject to applicable consumer law.Please read the complete Return Policy before ordering.
Hair by V is primarily an online boutique, not a physical retail store or hair salon.Limited personal appointments may be possible by prior arrangement, depending on availability.I prioritise customers experiencing hair loss, including those with urgent medical needs.If you're unsure which construction or size to choose, please first consult the Topper Comparison, Size Chart and product information.
Start with the Topper Comparison, Size Chart, product descriptions and colour photos.I wear toppers myself and try to share the details that matter most in everyday use, including the little things that aren't always obvious in photographs.If you still have a specific question, you're welcome to contact me through the website or by email.Please allow up to three working days for a reply.My goal is to help you make an informed choice and find a hairpiece that looks natural, feels comfortable and works for your own hair.
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