How to Make a Hair Topper: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own

Making your own hair topper can be a rewarding project — whether you’re looking for a custom solution to add volume, length, or cover thinning spots, creating your own topper gives you full control over the color, texture, and style. Plus, you get to design it exactly how you want it. If you're a hairstylist looking to offer personalized services, or someone who just loves DIY beauty projects, this guide will take you through the entire process, from gathering your materials to crafting the perfect hair topper.

Why Make Your Own Hair Topper?

Before jumping into the how-to, let’s consider why making a hair topper might be the best option for you:

  1. Customization: Making your own topper means it can be designed to match your exact hair color, texture, and thickness. You’re not stuck with one-size-fits-all options.

  2. Cost-Effective: Ready-made toppers can be expensive, but making your own can be much more affordable. You can purchase high-quality hair in bulk and make as many toppers as you like for a fraction of the cost.

  3. Creative Control: Want a specific style or shape? You can tailor the topper to fit your personal style — whether you're after a voluminous, curly look or something sleek and straight.

Materials You’ll Need to Make a Hair Topper

To make a hair topper from scratch, you'll need to gather a few key materials. Luckily, it’s not too hard to find the necessary items, and many of them can be ordered online or found at local beauty supply stores.

  1. Hair (Human Hair or Synthetic)

    • Human Hair: If you want a topper that looks and feels natural, human hair is the way to go. It can be styled just like your own hair and will last much longer than synthetic hair.

    • Synthetic Hair: If you're on a budget or need something quick and temporary, synthetic hair works well. However, you can’t use heat on it, so if you want a versatile topper, human hair is a better option.

  2. Base Material
    The base is what your hair will be attached to, and you can use a few different materials:

    • Mesh/Lace: A breathable lace or mesh base works well for a lightweight and comfortable topper. Lace is especially good if you want to ensure your scalp can breathe and the topper is lightweight.

    • Cloth or Silk: Some people prefer a softer, silk-like material for their topper’s base. It’s a little heavier than lace but can create a more durable finish.

  3. Wefting Thread and Needle
    Wefting is the technique used to attach hair to the base. Get high-quality thread that matches the color of your hair or the topper base. Make sure you have a needle that can handle the thickness of the thread and hair.

  4. Clips (Optional)
    If you plan to make a clip-in hair topper, you’ll need hair clips that can be sewn onto the base. Choose strong, sturdy clips so they don’t fall out once your topper is in use.

  5. Scissors
    A sharp pair of scissors will help you trim both the hair and the base material. You’ll need these when customizing the length and shape of your topper.

  6. Styling Products (Optional)
    Depending on the finish you want, you might want to include styling products like hairspray, mousse, or heat protectant. These can help you achieve specific textures or hold the style of the topper once it’s attached.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before you get started on crafting your topper, take a moment to prep your materials:

  • Measure Your Desired Length: Measure how long you want the topper to be. If you're adding it to a specific part of your head (like the crown or around your bangs), mark that out on the lace or mesh base.

  • Cut Your Hair Strands: If you’ve bought bundles of hair, you may need to trim them into manageable sections. If you're working with wefts, cut the strands to the lengths you need for the topper.

Step 2: Create the Base of Your Topper

  1. Cut the Base Material
    Cut the lace, mesh, or cloth to the size of the area you want to cover. If you're only covering a small section of the scalp, cut the material accordingly. If you want full coverage, you’ll need a larger piece. Make sure the edges are smooth to prevent any rough edges from poking through.

  2. Sew the Base Together
    If the base material is a bit too large or needs shaping, fold and stitch it into a nice rounded or oval shape to fit your desired area. You’ll want the topper to be flexible enough to blend in with your natural hair, so don’t make it too rigid.

Step 3: Attach the Hair

  1. Weft the Hair to the Base
    Begin by sewing the hair to the base. Start at the bottom of the topper (where it will touch your scalp) and work your way up. Use the wefting technique to sew the strands of hair onto the lace or mesh. Make sure each strand is securely attached and lays flat on the base.

  2. Layer the Hair
    When attaching the hair, layer it to create fullness. For a natural look, avoid placing all the hair in one line — spread it out a bit and attach some strands at different angles. Layering will help the topper blend with your natural hair, preventing it from looking flat or unnatural.

  3. Trim and Shape
    After you’ve attached the hair, give it a quick trim. This step is important because you want the topper to blend well with your natural hair. Trim any long or uneven sections to make the topper look polished and well-shaped. You can also add a bit of a textured cut if you want your topper to blend with curly or wavy hair.

Step 4: Add Clips (If Making a Clip-In Topper)

  1. Attach the Clips
    If you want a clip-in topper, sew small hair clips along the top edge of your base. Space them out evenly to make sure the topper stays secure once it’s in your hair. Make sure the clips are tightly sewn, and that they open and close easily to fit into your natural hair.

  2. Test the Fit
    Before finishing up, try the topper in your hair. Make sure the clips hold securely and that the topper fits comfortably on your scalp. Adjust the clips or the base if necessary.

Step 5: Final Touches and Styling

Now that your topper is put together, it’s time for the final touches.

  1. Wash and Condition
    If you’ve used human hair, it’s a good idea to wash the topper before using it. Wash it gently and let it air dry. Avoid using too many products on the topper, as you don’t want to weigh it down.

  2. Style the Topper
    Now for the fun part — styling! Depending on the texture and style you want, you can curl, straighten, or add waves to the topper. If it’s a curly topper, try using a curling iron to create uniform curls. For a sleek, straight look, flat iron it gently.

  3. Blend with Natural Hair
    To blend the topper seamlessly with your natural hair, you can use a bit of hairspray or mousse to add volume and texture. Make sure the topper is styled in the same way as your natural hair to prevent any awkward lines or sections.

Step 6: Care and Maintenance

Making a hair topper is a labor of love, but it doesn’t end there. To keep your topper looking fresh and fabulous:

  1. Wash Regularly
    Depending on the material of your topper, wash it every few wears to keep it clean. Human hair toppers should be washed every 10-15 uses, while synthetic hair may need less frequent washing.

  2. Store Properly
    When you're not wearing your topper, store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid tangling by placing it on a wig stand or in a satin bag.

  3. Avoid Excessive Heat
    While human hair can be styled with heat, too much styling can damage the topper. Use heat protectant products and avoid excessive curling or straightening.

Conclusion: Make Your Own Hair Topper with Confidence

Making your own hair topper is a rewarding project that allows for full customization and creativity. Whether you’re looking to add length, volume, or a completely new style, creating your own topper ensures that you get exactly what you want. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, custom topper that enhances your look and lasts for months to come. Happy crafting!