Are you having trouble choosing between a hair topper and a wig? Both add volume and fullness, but they solve different problems.
Short answer: a hair topper covers a specific area - the top of the head or the parting. A wig covers the entire head and gives you a finished hairstyle straight away.
What a hair topper is
A hairpiece placed on top of the head to add volume and cover thinner areas. It is usually secured with small clips and blended with your own hair.
It is suitable for you if you still have hair through the lengths but want more fullness on top. The full guide is available in What is a hair topper?
What a wig is
A wig covers the entire head and gives you a complete hairstyle straight away. It is suitable for more extensive hair loss, very thin hair, or if you want to change your look completely.
When to choose a hair topper
When your hair is thin on top or the parting has become sparse, but the rest of your hair is still there. It is lightweight, discreet and cooler than a wig, and you retain the feel of your own hair.
One thing to know in advance: the clips need your own hair to attach to. If the hair is too sparse where the clips need to sit, the topper will not stay in place.
When to choose a wig
When your hair is thin over larger areas of the head, when you want full coverage, or when you want to avoid blending and styling two things together every morning.
Many people also move from a topper to a wig over time, as their hair changes. It is a completely normal progression and not a failure.
Which looks most natural?
Both can look natural when the colour, fit and hair quality are right. A hair topper blends into your own hair, while a wig provides a finished result where a lace front and human hair make the biggest difference.
See our human hair toppers and our wigs, or book a free consultation and we can take a look together.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both, depending on the day?
Yes, and many people do. A topper for everyday use when you want things to be quick and feel lightweight, and a wig when you want a finished hairstyle without having to think about it. Keep the same colour family for both so the transition is invisible.
Which is coolest in summer?
The topper, by far. It only covers part of the head, allowing the rest of the scalp to get air. A wig with an open, machine-made construction at the back comes closest, but is still warmer.
How do I know when it is time to move from a topper to a wig?
When the clips start to slip, when you need an increasingly larger base to cover the area, or when you notice that you are styling your own hair more and more tightly to hide the edges. At that point, the topper is working against you instead of with you.