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

Maybe you’re tired of shelling out for pricey custom toppers. Or maybe you’re crafty and curious, thinking, “How hard can it really be to make one myself?”

Spoiler alert: you can totally make your own hair topper—and it’s not as complicated as it seems. Whether you're dealing with thinning hair, hair loss, or you’re just the DIY type, creating your own hair topper is doable, surprisingly satisfying, and can save you serious cash.

But let’s be real—it also takes some patience, the right materials, and a bit of practice.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the whole thing step-by-step: from choosing the right base to attaching clips and blending it into your natural hair. So roll up your sleeves—it’s topper time.

First, What Is a Hair Topper Exactly?

If you’re new to the game: a hair topper is a hairpiece that covers the top and/or crown of your head. It clips into your natural hair and blends in to add volume, coverage, or both.

Unlike a wig, a topper doesn’t cover your entire scalp—just the areas you need. Think of it as a customizable patch of glam.

Why Make Your Own Topper?

Sure, you could buy one ready-made. But DIY has some serious perks:

  • Cost savings (especially with human hair)

  • Full control over size, shape, and hair density

  • Custom color blending

  • Pride in making something gorgeous with your own hands

And let’s be honest—there’s something incredibly empowering about creating something that helps you look and feel amazing.

What You’ll Need

Let’s gather your materials first. Here's a quick checklist:

Supplies:

  • Lace or silk base (you can find these online—look for “wig lace” or “silk topper base”)

  • Hair wefts or loose hair bundles (human hair recommended for styling)

  • Sewing needle + thread (or a ventilating needle for hand-knotting)

  • T-pin wig block head (optional but super helpful)

  • Alligator clips or sectioning clips

  • Hair clips or snap-on wig clips (to secure the topper to your head)

  • Scissors

  • Comb and tail comb

  • Heat protectant spray + styling tools

Optional:

  • Ventilating tool (if you're making a lace topper strand by strand)

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Hair Topper

Step 1: Choose the Right Base

Start with a lace or silk base. You can either:

  • Buy a pre-cut topper base in the size you want

  • Or cut your own from lace fabric (trace a rounded oval shape for crown coverage)

If you have significant thinning, a wider base is best. If you’re just adding volume at the part, go smaller.

Secure the base to your mannequin head with T-pins so it stays flat while you work.

Step 2: Prepare Your Hair

You have two choices here:

  1. Hair wefts – Pre-stitched bundles that you sew on row by row

  2. Loose hair – Ideal if you’re hand-knotting into lace (more advanced)

Match the color to your natural shade or slightly lighter—it blends better.

Step 3: Sew or Knot the Hair In

If you’re using wefts:

  • Start at the back of the base.

  • Sew the weft onto the base using a strong thread.

  • Curve the wefts slightly to follow the shape of your head.

  • Continue layering the rows upward, spacing them closer as you reach the top.

If you’re ventilating (hand-knotting):

  • Use a tiny hook needle.

  • Pull one or two strands of hair through the lace and tie with a single or double knot.

  • Work slowly row by row—it’s time-consuming but ultra-realistic.

Tip: Keep hair direction in mind! If the strands aren’t aligned properly, the topper won’t lay right.

Step 4: Create a Natural Part

If you’re using a silk base:

  • The part is built into the silk, giving the illusion of scalp.

  • You can use a tail comb to shift the part slightly.

If you’re using lace:

  • Part the hair manually and train it using steam or low heat.

  • You can pluck the part slightly to create a more realistic density.

Step 5: Attach the Clips

Use snap-on wig clips (usually 4–6 depending on size).

  • Sew one clip at the front, one at the back, and one on each side.

  • Add extras if the base is large or you want more grip.

Make sure the teeth of the clip curve downward when snapping shut, so they hold your bio hair securely.

Step 6: Cut and Customize

Now it’s time to trim and shape it.

  • Put the topper on your head.

  • Use sharp scissors to cut to your desired length.

  • Blend with your own hair—add layers or bangs as needed.

  • Use thinning shears to soften ends for a natural finish.

Stylist tip: Always cut while the topper is on. The fall will be completely different than on a mannequin.

Step 7: Style and Blend

You made it! Now style it to match your look.

  • Curl, wave, or flat iron with heat protectant

  • Use texture spray or dry shampoo for added realism

  • Tease your bio roots slightly before clipping the topper in

  • Blend the part and front sections with a comb

Want to lock in the look? Light hairspray or styling cream can help hold everything in place.

Maintenance Tips

Treat your DIY topper like the crown it is.

  • Wash every 6–8 wears with sulfate-free shampoo

  • Store on a mannequin or silk bag

  • Detangle before and after every wear

  • Avoid product buildup near the base

  • Deep condition monthly to keep the hair silky

When to Call in a Pro

DIY is powerful, but sometimes a professional touch can elevate your creation. Consider seeing a stylist to:

  • Customize the cut

  • Color-match more precisely

  • Add layers or thinning

  • Blend bangs or face-framing

Think of it like tailoring a dress you made—it’s still yours, just finessed to perfection.

Final Thoughts: Making Magic With Your Own Hands

Making your own hair topper isn’t just about saving money—it’s about control, creativity, and connection. You’ll know every thread, every knot, every clip—because you put it there.

And once it’s styled, secured, and blended? No one will know your secret… except maybe your stylist, who’ll be majorly impressed.

FAQs: DIY Hair Toppers

1. How long does it take to make a hair topper?
If you’re sewing wefts, 1–2 hours. If ventilating strand by strand, expect 8–20+ hours (yes, it’s labor-intensive).

2. Is it cheaper to make a hair topper?
Absolutely. A high-quality store-bought topper can cost $300–$1500+. DIY with human hair can cost $100–$300 total.

3. Do I need to be a stylist to make one?
Nope. Just be patient, precise, and follow step-by-step. Watching a few YouTube tutorials helps too.

4. Can I color the hair once it's installed on the base?
Yes—if it’s human hair. Do a strand test first, and ideally, let a professional do the coloring.

5. Will a DIY topper stay on securely?
If sewn and clipped correctly—yes. Using quality wig clips and teasing your natural hair underneath helps with grip.