Buying guide
Human Hair Toppers: Choosing the Right Size, Hair Amount and Attachment
In short: measure the area where your hair is thinning and choose the smallest base that covers it securely (3×5, 4×4, 5×5 or 5×6 inches). Go for less hair rather than more; for toppers, 100 to 175 g is typical. At EchtHaar Direkt, every topper, meaning every hair piece for the crown, is made from 100% human hair to your specifications, in lengths from 40 to 130 cm, in over 70 colors or in a custom color based on a photo.
Which base size, how much hair, wefted or hand-knotted: this is how you find the topper that blends invisibly into your own hair. A hair topper is a hair piece for the crown. It sits over the area where your hair has become thinner and is attached to your own hair around the parting with small clips. Your natural hair remains visible and continues beneath the topper. For a natural look, three things need to be right: the size of the base, the amount of hair and the color.
Watch the video with chapters.
Who is a topper right for?
A topper suits you if the hair at the crown has become thinner but the rest is still there. Typical signs are a widening parting or thinning on the crown. Extensions do not help there, because there is too little natural hair in that area for anything to hold onto.
| Your hair | What suits |
|---|---|
| Parting is getting wider, scalp shows through at the top | Hair topper |
| Hair overall very thin, the roots no longer carry weight | Wig |
| Hair is healthy, you want more length and volume | Extensions |
| A long, thick ponytail for one evening | Ponytail |
You’ll find the detailed comparison in our guide Hair topper, wig or ponytail.
Important: a topper covers, it does not treat. If hair falls out suddenly, in patches or in clearly defined areas, it should be checked by a doctor.
Base size: inches, not centimeters
This is a common mistake when buying a topper. A size such as 5×5 means five by five inches, or roughly 12.5 by 12.5 centimeters.
| Base size | approx. in centimeters | for |
|---|---|---|
| 3×5 | 7.5 × 12.5 cm | narrow parting area, small surface |
| 4×4 | 10 × 10 cm | rounded area on the crown |
| 5×5 | 12.5 × 12.5 cm | larger area, often chosen |
| 5×6 | 12.5 × 15 cm | thinning area extending far toward the back |
How to measure: Place a measuring tape over the area where the scalp shows through, once across the width and once along the length. Add one to two centimeters on each side so the base disappears under your natural hair. Then choose the smallest size that fits. A base that is too large sits on the edges and stands out from your natural hair.
How much hair does a topper need?
For toppers, ponytails and hair pieces, 100 to 175 g is typical. EchtHaar Direkt offers 100, 125, 150 and 175 g. Full wigs start at 200 g.
More is not automatically better. Too much hair is a common reason why a hair piece looks put on, because natural hair becomes thinner towards the ends and at the temples. With fine natural hair, less usually looks more natural. And the same amount looks dense on short lengths but noticeably thinner on very long ones. More on this in our guide How much hair does a wig need?.
Wefted or hand-knotted?
With a wefted topper, the hair is sewn onto strips that are attached to the base. This is robust and more affordable. With a hand-knotted topper, each hair is knotted individually into the base. This looks finer at the roots and allows the parting to be styled more freely. You’ll find out how to tell the two apart in our guide Wig hand-knotted or wefted.
Color, length and texture
The topper needs to blend into your natural hair, so the color of your lengths at the crown is what matters. You choose from over 70 colors or order a custom color based on a photo. Please send photos in daylight, without flash and without filters.
You choose the length from 40 to 130 cm, plus the texture from straight through wavy to curly. Especially with thin hair at the crown, a rather light amount of hair is worthwhile so the topper does not look bulky. Because it is real hair, the topper can be cut, colored and styled just like your own hair.
Ordering, production and approval
Every topper is made to your specifications; nothing comes off the shelf. Production takes 10 to 14 working days, or 12 to 16 working days for a custom color. For a custom color, you receive a photo of your finished hair before shipping and approve it. Shipping within Germany is free.
Because every topper is made to your specifications, it is excluded from the right of withdrawal (§ 312g para. 2 no. 1 BGB). This is precisely why, for a custom color, there is the approval photo before shipping. Details can be found in the Right of Withdrawal.
Care in brief
A topper does not become greasy like your natural hair, but mainly absorbs dust and odors. Brush it dry from the ends upwards, wash it in lukewarm water and always in one direction, and apply conditioner only to the lengths, never to the base. Let it air-dry flat or on a stand. The full instructions are under Caring for and washing a human hair wig.
For other hair pieces besides toppers, see our answer to the question “Do you also have toppers and ponytails?”
Frequently asked questions
What is a human hair piece, and does EchtHaar Direkt offer them?
A hair piece adds volume and length to just one area instead of the whole head. A topper is a hair piece for the crown: it is attached with clips and covers a thinning spot at the parting. EchtHaar Direkt offers custom-made toppers in 100 % human hair, with base sizes from 3×5 to 5×6 inches and lengths from 40 to 130 cm, as well as ponytails and wigs.
Which topper size do I need?
The smallest one that safely covers your thinning area. Measure the width and length, add one to two centimeters on each side, and choose between 3×5, 4×4, 5×5 and 5×6 inches.
Does 5×5 mean centimeters?
No, inches. 5×5 inches are roughly 12,5 × 12,5 cm.
How much should a topper weigh?
Typically 100 to 175 g. If your own hair is fine, choose a lighter weight so the transition stays natural.
How is a topper attached?
With small clips to your own hair around the parting, just like a clip-in. You don’t need any glue.
How much does a human hair topper cost at EchtHaar Direkt?
The price depends mainly on length and hair quantity. You can see the current price on the page Human Hair Topper Made to Measure and while you configure your piece. Background information is available under How much does a human hair wig cost?.
Can I dye and straighten a human hair topper?
Yes, it is real hair. Coloring should be done by a hairdresser, and always use heat protection when styling.
How long does delivery take?
10 to 14 working days for production, or 12 to 16 working days with a custom color. For a custom color, you will receive a photo for approval beforehand.
How often and how do I wash a topper?
Less often than your own hair, roughly every 15 to 20 wearings: first brush it dry, then wash in lukewarm water, from the top down without rubbing. Apply conditioner only to the lengths and never to the base, then air-dry. Use heat only with protection, at 160 to 180 degrees. The complete guide is under Washing and Caring for Wigs and Toppers.
Can I return a topper?
No, custom-made items are excluded from the right of withdrawal. That is why, for a custom color, you will receive a photo before shipping and give your approval.
