How to Wash a Hair Topper (Without Ruining It): A Real-World Guide

So, you’ve been loving your hair topper — the volume, the style, the confidence — but now it’s starting to feel a little... meh. Maybe it’s looking limp, tangling faster, or just feeling heavy. Guess what? It’s time for a wash.

Washing a hair topper might sound intimidating — especially if it’s human hair and cost more than your last salon visit. But don’t stress. With the right technique, it’s completely doable (even in your bathroom sink). Whether you’re a first-time wearer or a stylist walking your client through care instructions, this guide’s got you covered — with all the don’ts, the do’s, and a few helpful hacks.

First: What Kind of Topper Are You Washing?

Before grabbing your shampoo, take a second to figure out what you’re working with. Because human hair toppers and synthetic toppers have very different needs.

Human Hair Topper

  • Can be washed with regular (but gentle) products

  • Can be blow-dried and heat-styled

  • Needs more conditioning and TLCSynthetic Hair Topper

  • Requires special synthetic-friendly shampoos

  • Can’t handle heat unless labeled “heat-safe”

  • Tends to hold its style — don’t overdo the products

Not sure? If your topper cost under $100 and always pops back to the same style after washing... it’s probably synthetic.

How Often Should You Wash a Hair Topper?

Let me answer with another question: how often do you wash your favorite sweater?

Hair toppers don’t get oily like natural hair does. They don’t have sebaceous glands. But they do collect:

  • Product buildup

  • Sweat

  • Odor

  • Pollution (yes, the air matters)

General Rule of Thumb:

  • Human Hair: Every 10–15 wears

  • Synthetic Hair: Every 8–10 wears

  • Heavy styling product use? Maybe sooner

  • Minimal wear or light use? Wait longer

If your topper starts feeling heavier than usual or smells less than fresh — it’s time.

What You’ll Need to Wash Your Topper

Gather your supplies like you’re prepping a mini spa day for your hairpiece:

For Human Hair:

  • Sulfate-free shampoo

  • Lightweight conditioner

  • Wide-tooth comb

  • Clean towel

  • Wig stand, mannequin head, or towel roll

  • Optional: heat protectant spray, leave-in conditioner

For Synthetic Hair:

  • Wig/synthetic hair shampoo

  • Wig conditioner (optional)

  • Cold or cool water

  • Soft towel or microfiber cloth

  • Wig stand (air drying is essential!)

Avoid: Hot water, harsh brushes, and rough towel-drying — they’re the fast track to frizz and tangling.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Hair Topper (Human Hair)

Let’s walk through the full process.

1. Detangle First

Before anything touches water, gently comb through the topper with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Start at the ends and work your way up. Don’t rip through it — slow and steady wins here.

2. Fill a Sink or Basin

Use cool to lukewarm water. Never hot — it can dry out the strands and damage the base. Add a dime-sized amount of sulfate-free shampoo to the water and mix it in gently.

3. Submerge and Soak

Place the topper in the water. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes, gently pressing (not rubbing!) the strands with your hands to loosen any buildup.

4. Shampoo Rinse

After soaking, remove it and apply a small amount of shampoo directly to the hair (not the base). Gently work it through with downward motions. Avoid scrubbing or twisting.

Rinse thoroughly under cool running water until all shampoo is gone.

5. Condition Carefully

Apply conditioner from the mid-length to ends — not on the base or knots (this can loosen hair over time). Let it sit for 3–5 minutes, then rinse gently.

Optional: use a light leave-in spray after rinsing if you plan to air-dry and style later.

6. Blot Dry

Lay the topper flat on a clean towel. Gently pat and blot — never wring or twist. For extra volume at the roots, you can roll a towel under the base and let it rest with a soft curve.

Drying Tips for Human Hair Toppers

  • Air Drying: Best for preserving longevity. Place it on a wig stand or shaped towel and let it dry naturally.

  • Blow-Drying: Use a cool or low heat setting. Always apply a heat protectant first and use a round brush for smoothness.

  • Never dry upside-down — it stretches the base and can create weird volume patterns.

Washing a Synthetic Hair Topper (Simplified Steps)

Synthetic toppers need a gentler touch — they don’t need all the conditioning, and they definitely don’t want heat.

1. Detangle

Use a wide-tooth comb or wig brush designed for synthetics.

2. Fill Basin with Cool Water

Add a small amount of wig shampoo and stir gently. Never use regular shampoo — even if it’s “gentle.”

3. Soak, Don’t Scrub

Let it soak for about 5–10 minutes. Swish gently. Don’t rub or twist.

4. Rinse Gently

Use cool water only. Avoid touching the base too much.

5. Optional Wig Conditioner

If your synthetic topper is feeling dry, use a wig-safe conditioner. Never apply near the base or roots.

6. Blot and Air Dry

Pat gently with a towel and place the topper on a stand. Do not blow-dry. Do not use heat. Let it air dry naturally.

Final Styling Touches (Once Dry)

Now that your topper is clean and fresh, style as needed:

  • Human hair toppers: You can curl, flat iron, or use rollers once fully dry — just don’t forget heat protection!

  • Synthetic toppers: They’ll return to their original style as they dry. If they look a little off, try lightly finger-combing or steaming (if heat-safe).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using hot water — this weakens hair and damages bases
Applying conditioner to the base — can cause shedding
Scrubbing or twisting — major tangle risk
Over-washing — too much = dryness and wear
Blow-drying synthetic hair — unless it’s labeled heat-friendly, skip the dryer

FAQs: Washing Hair Toppers

1. Can I use dry shampoo instead of washing it?
You can, but only for short-term freshness. Don’t replace actual washing — buildup still needs to be removed eventually.

2. What if my hair topper smells after washing?
Make sure you’re rinsing thoroughly and letting it dry completely. Lingering moisture can lead to mildew or odor.

3. Can I wash a hair topper in the shower while wearing it?
Nope. Always remove it before washing. Washing while worn can stretch or damage the base and clips.

4. Can I use my regular shampoo on my human hair topper?
Only if it’s sulfate-free and gentle. Otherwise, you risk drying out the strands.

5. How do I know it’s time to wash my topper?
If it feels heavier, tangles easier, has product buildup, or starts to smell — it’s time.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Clean, Keep It Beautiful

Washing a hair topper isn’t just about hygiene — it’s about longevity, appearance, and confidence. A clean topper styles better, looks more natural, and lasts longer. So don’t be afraid of the process. It’s simpler than you think, and your topper will thank you for it.

With a little care and the right approach, you’ll keep your topper looking salon-fresh — no matter how many wears it's seen.