Are you a woman with naturally curly hair who loves to wear wigs? If so, you may have wondered if it’s possible to turn your curly wig into a topper. The answer is yes! With a little bit of patience and effort, you can transform your curly wig into a topper that will give you the volume and style you desire. Also, if you’re on a tight budget, revamping your old wig into a topper might just be the solution for you.
The first step is to remove the cap from the wig. Be careful not to damage the wig when you are removing the cap. Once the cap is removed, you will need to cut the wig into the desired shape. Be sure to cut the wig evenly so that it will fit properly on your head.
Once the wig is cut, you will need to attach it to a wig cap. There are several different ways to do this, so choose the method that works best for you. Once the wig is attached to the wig cap, you will need to style it. You can use a curling iron or a flat iron to style the wig. Be sure to use a heat protectant spray to protect the wig from damage.
Understanding the Transformation
Turning a curly wig into a topper is an excellent way to create instant volume, texture, and coverage for your own hair. To fully grasp this transformation, it’s essential to understand the following key concepts:
1. The Structure of Curly Wigs and Toppers
Curly wigs typically feature synthetic or human hair fibers with tightly coiled ringlets. Toppers, on the other hand, are partial hairpieces designed to add volume and density to existing hair. They are usually made from human hair or high-quality synthetic fibers and can come in various sizes and densities, ranging from small, barely noticeable pieces to larger, fuller toppers that cover a wider area of the scalp.
2. Hair Direction and Texture
When converting a curly wig into a topper, it’s important to consider the direction of the curls. Curly toppers are typically designed with curls facing forward, towards the face. This creates a flattering and natural-looking effect. The texture of the curls should also match your own hair or the wig’s intended blend-in area. If your hair is naturally curly, it’s recommended to choose a topper with similar curl patterns for a seamless transition.
3. Base Type and Fit
Toppers come with different base types, including PU (polyurethane), lace, and monofilament. Each base type offers unique advantages in terms of durability, comfort, and discretion. PU bases are lightweight and provide a secure hold, while lace bases are transparent and create a more realistic scalp illusion. Monofilament bases are breathable and allow for natural hair movement. The right base type and fit are crucial for a comfortable and discreet addition to your hair.
Selecting the Right Wig
Choosing the appropriate wig for conversion into a topper requires careful consideration of various factors. Firstly, it’s crucial to determine the texture of your natural hair. Curly wigs come in a wide range of curl patterns, from loose and wavy to tightly coiled. Matching the curl pattern of the wig to your hair will ensure a seamless blend and avoid any obvious transitions.
Additionally, the density of the wig plays a significant role. Toppers are designed to enhance volume and cover sparse areas on the scalp. Selecting a wig with the correct density will ensure a natural look that complements your hair’s thickness.
Moreover, the size and coverage of the wig need to be considered. Toppers are available in different sizes to accommodate various head shapes and hair loss patterns. Measuring your head circumference and determining the area you want to cover will help you make an informed decision.
| Curl Pattern | Density |
|---|---|
| Loose Wavy | Low |
| Medium Curly | Medium |
| Tightly Coiled | High |
Preparing the Wig for Cutting
Choose the right wig
Select a wig with the desired curl pattern, density, and length. A wig with loose, voluminous curls will be easier to transform into a topper than a tight, kinky wig.
Prepare the wig
Detangle the wig gently using a wide-toothed comb or brush. Avoid pulling or tugging on the hair, as this can damage the curls.
Wash and condition the wig
This step is crucial for removing any dirt, product buildup, or excess oil that may interfere with the cutting process. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for wigs and curly hair.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wet the wig thoroughly with cool water. |
| 2 | Apply a small amount of shampoo to the palm of your hand and work it into a lather. |
| 3 | Gently massage the shampoo into the hair, avoiding the cap. |
| 4 | Rinse the shampoo thoroughly with cool water. |
| 5 | Apply a small amount of conditioner to the hair and work it into the curls. |
| 6 | Leave the conditioner in for 5-10 minutes. |
| 7 | Rinse the conditioner thoroughly with cool water. |
| 8 | Gently squeeze out excess water from the hair and pat it dry with a towel. |
Air-dry the wig
Allow the wig to air-dry completely. Avoid using heat, as this can damage the curls.
Creating the Topper Base
Creating the topper base is a crucial step in transforming your curly wig into a natural-looking topper. Here’s how to do it:
- Measure the Area To Be Covered: Determine the exact area of hair loss or thinning that you want to conceal. Use a measuring tape to take precise measurements.
- Trim the Wig to Size: Cut the curly wig to the appropriate size based on your measurements. The topper should fit snugly without covering too much of your natural hair.
- Create the Base: Stitch a piece of flexible mesh fabric to the underside of the trimmed wig. The mesh should be slightly larger than the size of the wig, allowing for some overhang.
- Strengthen the Hold (Extended Detail):
- Weaving the Wig: Sew the weft tracks of the wig onto the mesh base using a curved needle and thread. This creates a more secure attachment and prevents the wig from slipping or moving.
- Gluing the Base: Apply a thin layer of wig adhesive around the edges of the mesh base. Allow it to become tacky before pressing it firmly onto your scalp. This provides an additional level of hold and ensures the topper stays in place.
- Clips or Combs: Add clips or combs to the topper base to provide extra stability. These can be sewn or glued into the mesh for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Trim the Overhang: Once the base is in place, trim any excess mesh fabric around the edges. This will create a clean and natural-looking finish.
- Style and Blend: Brush and style the curly hair on the topper to blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Use hairspray or other styling products to keep the hair in place.
To enhance the durability and hold of the topper base, consider the following methods:
Cutting and Shaping the Topper
Once you have chosen a curly wig that you like, you will need to cut and shape it to create a topper. Here are the steps on how to do this:
- Put on the wig and style it as you normally would.
- Identify the area of the wig that you want to use as the topper. This will typically be the top or crown of the wig.
- Use a sharp pair of scissors to carefully cut out the desired area. Be sure to cut close to the scalp, but not so close that you cut into the wig’s cap.
- Once you have cut out the desired area, you will need to shape it. This can be done using a razor blade or a pair of scissors.
- To shape the topper using a razor blade, hold the razor blade at a 45-degree angle and carefully shave away any excess hair. Be sure to shave in the direction of the hair growth. To shape the topper using scissors, hold the scissors at a 90-degree angle and carefully trim away any excess hair. Be sure to trim in the direction of the hair growth.
Once you have cut and shaped the topper, you will need to attach it to your head. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as glue, tape, or clips.
Tips for Cutting and Shaping a Curly Wig Topper:
– Use sharp scissors or a razor blade to get a clean cut.
– Cut in the direction of the hair growth to avoid creating frizz.
– Be patient and take your time. It may take some practice to get the perfect cut and shape for your topper.
– If you are unsure about how to cut or shape your topper, consult with a professional hairstylist.
| Curly Wig Type | Styling Tools |
|---|---|
| WET CURLY WIGS | Flexible dressing spray or curl defining cream |
| KINKY CURLY WIGS | Defrizzing serum with a curl cream |
| COILY CURLY WIGS | Moisturizing curl cream or mousse |
Attaching the Topper to Your Head
Once you have styled your wig topper, it’s time to attach it to your head. Here are the steps:
1. Brush Your Hair
Start by brushing your natural hair to remove any tangles or knots. This will help create a smooth surface for the topper to adhere to.
2. Part Your Hair
Part your hair down the middle, from the front of your hairline to the nape of your neck. This will create a part that matches the one on the topper.
3. Secure Your Hair
If you have long hair, tie it up into a bun or ponytail. This will keep it out of the way and prevent it from interfering with the topper.
4. Position the Topper
Place the topper on your head, aligning the part with your natural part. Position it so that the front of the topper is at your hairline and the back is at the nape of your neck.
5. Secure the Topper
Use clips or bobby pins to secure the topper to your hair. Start by pinning the front of the topper, then secure the sides and back.
6. Trim the Bangs
If the topper has bangs, trim them to the desired length. This will help them blend in with your natural hair.
7. Style the Topper
Once the topper is secured, you can style it to match your natural hair. Use a brush or comb to blend the topper hair with your own hair. You can also use hairspray or mousse to hold the style in place.
| Tools | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Brush | Detangling and smoothing hair |
| Parting comb | Creating a part in your hair |
| Clips or bobby pins | Securing the topper |
| Scissors | Trimming the bangs |
| Styling tools | Blending the topper with your own hair |
Styling and Blending the Topper
Once the topper is secured to your own hair, it’s time to style and blend it to create a seamless look. Here’s how to do it:
1. Brush and Detangle:
Gently brush both your hair and the topper to remove any tangles or knots.
2. Moisturize and Condition:
Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream to your hair and the topper to keep them hydrated and prevent frizz.
3. Divide and Section:
Divide your hair into sections and clip them up to create a workspace.
4. Position the Topper:
Place the topper on top of your hair, aligning it with your natural part or desired placement.
5. Secure the Topper:
Use clips or bobby pins to secure the topper firmly to your head.
6. Blend the Edges:
Use a teasing brush or comb to gently tease the edges of the topper and blend them with your natural hair.
7. Conceal the Base:
Apply a root touch-up spray or powder to the base of the topper to conceal any visible tracks or seams.
8. Style and Finish:
Style your hair and the topper together using heat tools, products, or accessories to achieve the desired look. Here are some specific styling tips for curly hair:
| Styling Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a Denman brush | To define and separate curls |
| Apply a curl-defining cream or gel | To enhance curl formation and hold |
| Diffuser dry | To prevent frizz and preserve curl shape |
| Use curl refresher spray | To revive curls and reduce frizz throughout the day |
Enhancing Coverage and Volume
Transforming your curly wig into a topper involves adding coverage and volume to areas of hair loss. Here are detailed steps to achieve optimal results:
1. Section and Prepare the Wig
Divide the wig into sections and identify areas where additional coverage is needed. Gently tease the roots of the sections to create volume.
2. Select Appropriate Topper
Choose a topper that matches the texture, color, and curl pattern of your wig. Consider the size and the desired coverage area.
3. Secure the Topper
Apply wig clips or adhesive to the underside of the topper and attach it to the desired area on your head. Blend the wig and topper seamlessly.
4. Trim and Style
Trim any excess hair from the topper to match the length and style of your wig. Use heat styling tools to contour and blend the hair, creating a natural-looking appearance.
5. Add Height and Volume
Insert hair volumizers or bump-its under the wig or topper to create height and lift at the roots. This will enhance the overall volume and fullness.
6. Use Hairspray and Setting Lotion
Apply hairspray to the wig and topper to hold them in place and prevent frizz. Use a setting lotion to define curls and add texture.
7. Finger Comb and Brush
Gently finger comb and brush the hair to blend the wig and topper seamlessly. Avoid over-brushing, as it can disrupt the curl pattern.
8. Adjust and Reposition
Throughout the day, adjust the topper and wig as needed to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Reposition them to cover any visible areas of hair loss.
9. Clean and Care
Regularly clean and condition both the wig and topper to maintain their quality and longevity.
10. Personalize and Enhance
| Customization | Enhancement |
|---|---|
| Add Baby Hairs | Create a natural hairline |
| Color Tint | Match the wig and topper to hair growth |
| Embrace Frizz | Embellish the wig and topper with curly textures |
| Experiment with Partings | Create different looks and styles |
| Accessorize | Add headbands, clips, or scarves for style |
How To Turn Your Curly Wig Into Topper
If you’re looking for a way to add volume and style to your hair without having to commit to a full wig, a topper is a great option. Toppers are smaller than wigs and are designed to sit on the top of your head, covering the crown and adding fullness to your hair. They’re a great way to add length, volume, or color to your hair without having to make a major change.
If you have a curly wig, you can easily turn it into a topper by following these steps:
1. Brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
2. Divide your hair into two sections, one on the top and one on the bottom.
3. Clip the top section of your hair up out of the way.
4. Place the wig on your head, starting at the front and working your way back.
5. Secure the wig in place using bobby pins or hair clips.
6. Release the top section of your hair and style it as desired.
People Also Ask
How do I know if a topper is right for me?
Toppers are a great option for people who want to add volume and style to their hair without having to commit to a full wig. They’re also a good option for people who have thinning hair or hair loss. If you’re not sure if a topper is right for you, you can consult with a hairstylist or wig specialist.
How do I care for my curly topper?
Curly toppers require special care to keep them looking their best. Be sure to wash and condition your topper regularly with products that are designed for curly hair. You should also avoid using heat on your topper, as this can damage the curls. When you’re not wearing your topper, store it in a cool, dry place.
How long will my curly topper last?
The lifespan of a curly topper will vary depending on how often you wear it and how well you care for it. With proper care, a curly topper can last for up to a year.
