Your hair topper is an investment in your confidence, your appearance and your quality of life. With proper hair topper care, it can look beautiful for months, even years. Without it, you will be replacing it far sooner than necessary. Here is everything you need to know about caring for your topper at home, from our team at Applebom in Toowoomba.
The Golden Rules of Topper Care
Before we dive into specifics, remember these three principles.
● Gentle is best. Treat your topper more delicately than your natural hair.
● Consistency matters. Regular maintenance prevents bigger problems.
● Quality products are worth it. Cheap products cause expensive damage.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair Topper?
This is the most common question we get, and the answer depends on how often you wear your topper and your lifestyle.
As a general guide:
● Daily wear: wash every 7 to 10 wears
● A few times a week: wash every 10 to 15 wears
● Occasional wear: wash before storage or after heavy product use
Wash more often if:
● You exercise frequently while wearing it
● You use a lot of styling products
● You are in a dusty or polluted environment
● It starts looking dull or feeling heavy
Wash less often if:
● You use minimal products
● You are not very active while wearing it
● You live in a clean environment
Over washing is worse than under washing. Every wash causes some wear on the fibres and base.
The Proper Hair Topper Washing Technique
What You Will Need
● Lukewarm water, never hot
● Sulfate free, gentle shampoo
● Quality conditioner, avoiding the roots and base
● Wide tooth comb or loop brush
● Towel for blotting
● Topper stand or clean surface
Step by Step Process
Before washing:
1. Gently detangle using a loop brush or wide tooth comb
2. Start from the ends and work up
3. Remove any tangles completely before wetting
Washing:
1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water
2. Add a small amount of shampoo and swirl
3. Submerge the topper and gently swish
4. Focus on the base where oils collect
5. Never rub, scrub or twist the hair
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean lukewarm water
Conditioning:
1. Apply conditioner to the mid lengths and ends only
2. Avoid the base, since conditioner can loosen attachment points
3. Leave for two to three minutes
4. Rinse completely
Drying:
1. Gently blot, never rub, with a towel
2. Place on a topper stand or lay flat on a towel
3. Allow to air dry completely before wearing or storing
4. Never use a hair dryer on high heat
Your Daily Hair Topper Care Routine
Before putting on:
● Give your topper a quick, gentle brush
● Check for any tangles from storage
● Ensure clips or attachment points are clean
While wearing:
● Avoid excessive touching or adjusting
● If caught in rain, blot dry as soon as possible
● Be mindful during hugging or close contact
After removing:
● Brush gently to remove any tangles from the day
● Allow it to air out before storing
● Check for any product buildup
Proper Hair Topper Storage
How you store your topper matters just as much as how you wash it.
Do:
● Use a dedicated topper stand to maintain shape
● Store in a silk or satin bag to prevent friction
● Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
● Allow it to dry completely before storing
Don't:
● Throw it in a drawer with other items
● Store while damp
● Leave in direct sunlight or near heat sources
● Crush or fold it
Brushing Basics
The right tools:
● Loop brush, specifically designed for toppers and wigs
● Wide tooth comb
● Soft bristle brush for finishing
The right technique:
● Always brush dry hair, not wet
● Start from the ends and work up
● Hold the base to avoid pulling on attachment points
● Be extra gentle near the base and part line
● Never brush harshly through tangles. Work through gently
Styling Your Hair Topper Safely
Heat Styling
Human hair toppers can be heat styled, but with caution.
● Always use heat protectant
● Keep tools on medium low settings
● Do not apply heat directly to the base
● Give your topper rest days from heat
Products to Use
Good:
● Lightweight leave in conditioners
● Heat protectant sprays
● Light hold hairsprays
● Argan or jojoba oil, used sparingly
Avoid:
● Heavy waxes or pomades
● Products with alcohol, which are drying
● Thick gels
● Anything that causes buildup
When to Seek Professional Hair Topper Care
Some care should be left to professionals.
● Deep conditioning treatments
● Colour refreshing or toning
● Base repairs
● Professional detangling for severe knots
● Replacement of worn clips
Extending Your Hair Topper's Life
● Rotate between two toppers if you wear one daily
● Never sleep in your topper
● Remove before swimming or intense exercise when possible
● Keep a travel kit for touch ups on the go
● Book regular professional maintenance appointments
Signs Your Topper Needs Professional Attention
● Clips no longer grip securely
● Noticeable shedding
● Matting that will not brush out
● Dullness despite washing
● Unusual odours
● Base damage or lifting
The Investment Perspective
A well cared for human hair topper can last one to two years or even longer with daily wear. Poor care can reduce that to just months.
The time you spend on proper care pays off in a longer topper lifespan, better daily appearance, fewer replacement costs and continued confidence.
We Are Here to Help
If you are ever unsure about caring for your topper, bring it in. We offer professional cleaning, conditioning and maintenance services.
And if you are new to toppers and feeling overwhelmed, do not worry. Book a care tutorial and we will walk through everything together.
Your topper is part of you now. Let's keep it looking its best.
