Let’s be real—investing in top-notch human hair toppers are a total game-changer when you’re dealing with thinning hair. But here’s the thing: even the best hair toppers can lose that fresh, natural vibe way too fast if you don’t care for them right. Whether you wear remy hair toppers or virgin hair toppers, we’ve got the lowdown to help them stay looking amazing for 6+ months (or longer!). Let’s break down the must-know care moves tailored just for your hair toppers.
Daily Care: Keep Your Hair Toppers Looking Fresh From AM to PM
Gentle Detangling = Longer Life
For both remy and virgin hair toppers, nailing your detangling routine is key. Grab a wide-tooth comb—start at the ends and work your way up to the base. Trust us, this avoids those annoying tangles and breakage. It’s extra important for larger bases, like the 6x6 inch and 6x7 inch virgin hair toppers, which are more prone to tangling at the edges.
After wearing your hair toppers, don’t just toss them on the dresser. Place them on a styling stand to maintain their shape, and keep them in dust bags to protect them from dust.
Pro Tip: After sweating (e.g. post-workout), blot the bases gently with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing—it can loosen the knots, especially on mono bases or delicate fishnet bases. Let them air dry completely before storage.
Smart Wearing: Everyday Habits That Extend Hair Toppers’ Lifespan
Wearing your hair toppers the right way makes a big difference. These habits help preserve both the hair and base:
- Switch Up the Placement
Avoid clipping your hair toppers in the exact same spot every day—it can create tension on your scalp and the toppers’ bases. Try shifting slightly every few wears to prevent wear and tear.
- Ease the Pressure Underneath
Skip tight braids or slicked-back styles. Loose braids or a smooth base with a breathable cap can minimize tension and friction.
- Give It a Break
Let your hair toppers rest when possible. At home, place them on a stand instead of wearing them 24/7. Never sleep in them—friction can cause matting or loosen the clips.
Washing Routine: Keep Hair Toppers Silky Smooth
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How Often to Wash? It Depends
If you wear your 3x5 inch remy hair toppers daily, wash them every 1-2 weeks. Larger virgin hair toppers (like 6x7 inch) can go up to 2 weeks without washing, as virgin hair retains natural oils better.
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Step-by-Step Washing for Mono & Fishnet Bases
1. Prep: Fill your sink with lukewarm water and add a sulfate-free shampoo—these formulas are specially made for human hair toppers to gently cleanse without stripping natural oils or damaging the delicate hair strands and base.
2. Cleanse: Gently submerge the topper. For mono bases (that’s all remy and the 3x5/6x7 virgin hair toppers), swish lightly—you don’t want to fray those edges. For the 6x6 inch virgin hair topper with the fishnet base, use your fingertips to dab the shampoo on the net. No harsh rubbing here—you could tear that delicate mesh.
3. Rinse & Condition: Rinse it out really well with lukewarm water. Slather on a hydrating conditioner—focus on the mid-lengths and ends, skip the base! Let it sit for 3-5 minutes, then rinse again. For virgin hair toppers, this step is what keeps that natural shine going strong.
4. Dry: Gently squeeze out extra water—no wringing! Lay it flat on a towel and pat it dry. Rubbing? Not allowed.
Styling Tips: Get the Look Without the Damage
- Heat Styling Hair Toppers: Yes, But Be Smart
You can style both remy hair toppers and virgin hair toppers just like your own hair. Always apply a heat protectant before curling or straightening. For example, style your 3x5 inch virgin hair toppers at 300°F (150°C) for soft waves. Larger virgin options like 6x6 and 6x7 inch hair toppers offer more versatility for curls, ringlets, or straight looks.
- Protect Hair Topper Bases While Styling
For mono bases (all remy hair toppers and 3x5/6x7 virgin hair toppers), avoid pulling too tight when styling to prevent stretching the base. Use bobby pins gently near the edges.
For fishnet bases (6x6 inch virgin hair toppers), opt for loose updos rather than tight ponytails to avoid tearing the delicate mesh.
- Keep Hair Toppers’ Ends Clean
Even high-quality hair toppers can develop dry or uneven ends over time, especially with frequent heat styling. Trim the ends every few months to prevent frizz and maintain a natural look. Use sharp scissors or visit a stylist, but avoid trimming near the base.
Storage Hacks: Keep Your Hair Toppers in Top Shape
Now that we’ve covered daily handling, let’s dig into the best ways to store your topper—whether it’s overnight, during travel, or for the long haul.
- Daily & Overnight Storage
Proper storage is key to keeping your hair toppers in top shape—whether you have smaller 3x5 inch remy hair toppers with mono bases or larger 6x6 inch virgin hair toppers with fishnet bases. For smaller bases, a compact tabletop styling stand paired with a slim dust bag helps prevent warping and keeps your topper dust-free. For larger bases, especially the delicate fishnet styles, using a full-size mannequin head is recommended to avoid stretching, along with a roomy dust bag for extra protection. Check out our styling stands and dust bags designed specifically for maintaining your hair toppers’ shape and longevity.
- Travel Storage
Hit the road? For 3*5 inch styles, tuck the topper (on its small stand) into your suitcase—no need for extra bulk. For larger virgin hair toppers, a padded travel dust pouch keeps the fishnet or mono base safe from snags in your luggage.
- Long-Term Care (Weeks or Months)
If you’re switching up your look for a while, make sure the topper is clean and fully dry first. For virgin hair, a quick spritz of leave-in conditioner is key—unlike remy hair, virgin hair retains its natural cuticles intact, which means it’s more porous and prone to losing moisture over time when stored. The leave-in conditioner locks in hydration without weighing it down, preserving that signature softness and shine. Then, prop it on the styling stand, slip on the dust bag, and stash it in a cool, dry closet—away from sunlight that can fade color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Trust Us, We’ve Seen Them)
- Using regular shampoo: Big mistake! It can be too harsh and strip the natural oils from remy and virgin hair. Stick to mild, neutral formulas that are friendly to human hair toppers.
- Overdoing it with heat: Even virgin hair can get dry and brittle. Limit hot tools to 2-3 times a week.
- Ignoring the base: The 6*6 inch fishnet base is flexible but needs care—never scrub or twist it when wet, as this can cause it to lose its shape.
- Skipping storage tools: Leaving your hair toppers uncovered or crammed in a drawer can lead to tangles and dust buildup. Styling stands and dust bags are simple ways to keep them in perfect shape.
With these tips, your hair toppers won’t just last longer—it’ll keep looking as natural as the day you got it. Ready to find the right tools for your toppers? Explore our collection of human hair toppers and care essentials—your hair (and your confidence) will thank you.
