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Today, I’m excited to dive into a topic many of you have asked about: how I care for, maintain, and color my hair toppers to match my natural hair. Over the years, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks to keep my toppers looking fresh and natural, and I’m sharing them all in this guide. Whether you’re new to toppers or a seasoned pro, I created this dedicated post to answer your questions—from daily maintenance to coloring—and help you get the most out of yours. Keep reading to learn more!
My Go-To Topper
First, let’s talk about the topper I’m currently obsessed with. It’s from TopUnique Hair, and I recently did a full review and demo on how quickly it transforms my look (in under 30 seconds!). If you want to check out that video, I’ll link it below. This topper is 20 inches long, which is longer than the standard 16 inches, saving me time on customization.
How I Color My Topper
One of the most common questions I get is about coloring toppers. Here’s my process:
Choosing the Base Shade:
Most toppers come in limited shades, so I usually order a 613 or 60 (beach blonde or ash blonde) and customize it from there. This topper is an ash blonde (shade 60) with rooted dark brown (#3/sl60), which looks more natural.
Why I Prefer Rooted Toppers:
Rooted toppers blend better with my natural hair, especially as my roots grow out. I always opt for rooted options now because they look more realistic.
DIY Coloring Process:
I use shade 7A (an ashy lowlight) with a 30 developer to match my natural hair.
I apply the color using a fine-tooth comb and foils, focusing on creating dimension.
Pro tip: Avoid toning toppers with purple shampoo, as it can leave a purple tint. Instead, customize with lowlights for a natural look.
If you’re not comfortable coloring your topper at home, I recommend taking it to a professional stylist.
How I Care for My Topper
Proper care is essential to keep your topper looking its best. Here’s my routine:
Washing Frequency:
I wash my topper once a month, but it depends on how much product I use. If I’m curling it or using hairspray, I wash it more often to remove buildup.
Dry Shampoo Hack:
To freshen up my topper between washes, I use dry shampoo (my favorite is Amika Perk Up Plus). This helps eliminate any scalp-like odor and extends the time between washes.
Washing Process:
I use a sulfate-free shampoo (currently loving Amika’s The Cure Bond Repair Shampoo).
After rinsing, I apply a leave-in conditioner (It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product) to keep the hair soft and manageable.
I let the topper air dry overnight on a towel. Once it’s about 50% dry, I hang it on a towel rack to finish drying.
Heat Styling Tips:
I avoid blow-drying my topper and let it air dry to maintain its quality.
If I need to use heat tools, I always apply a heat protectant (like CHI 44 Iron Guard) to prevent damage.
Maintaining the Ends
To keep the ends of my topper soft and healthy, I use CHI Infra Silk Infusion. A tiny amount goes a long way, and it helps preserve the hair’s quality. I also use this on my natural hair for extra protection.
Blending Tips and Tricks
Blending your topper with your natural hair is key to a seamless look. Here’s how I do it:
Creating a Natural Part:
Some toppers have unbleached knots, so I use an eyeshadow or powder to create a natural-looking part.
I start at my natural scalp and blend the powder back into the topper for a seamless transition.
Matching Roots:
As my roots grow out, I use eyeshadow (from a Too Faced palette) to darken the topper’s roots and blend them with my natural hair.
This trick helps me stretch the time between salon visits for root touch-ups.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a hair topper doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right products and techniques, you can keep it looking fresh, natural, and beautiful.
