So I've bought a "topper"!

Well done foxie. I know it's an upsetting step to have to take.

I have lost a lot of hair due to radiotherapy, stress and chronic illness, and now I wear a wig. Wigs and toppers are fantastic these days. Even my hairdresser didn't realise mine was not real hair when she began cutting it into style for me.

I tried a wig on the other day that I’d bought years ago but it still makes me itch. Not actually my scalp but where the hair touches my neck. I can’t wear wool or anything itchy either. Even thinking about wearing wool makes me itch. Is it just me? Maybe I should just try wearing it for several days and see if I get used to it?

oh, i thought it was something that you put on top of your bed, a kind of extra supa-dupa thin mattress.
i see them advertised on talking pictures, and have wondered...

MayBee70 if you bought it years ago, just ditch it and try a modern one. The reason I posted was to encourage other women, suffering with hair loss, to consider trying one if they lack confidence in how they look. I came home wearing mine and neither my OH nor daughter realised I was wearing my newly acquired topper, they just thought my hair looked great.

Women should stop being embarrassed about wearing toppers, wigs and extensions.
In the black comunity its completely normal for women to wear weaves and wigs for most of their adult life and nobody bats an eyelid. And they look great and aren't embarrassed by wearing them, like white women are.
It's about time we took a leaf out of their book!
Oh and I agree that wigs are 100% better and more realistic and more wearable than they used to be.

foxie That's marvellous. I have a hair system due to alopecia totalis. It's fabulous really. It's just like my own hai. I can't feel it at all. I can wash it like my own hair, curl it, straighten it, whatever. I'm told it's taken tears off me. I'm not brave enough to be bald. Enjoy your hair and to ladies who have hair, appreciate it.

Taken years off me not tears. Although it has done that also.

Kate what is your hair system? I need more hair as chemo and my medication is making it very thin.

Kate1949

Taken years off me not tears. Although it has done that also.

Aah ?

Like MayBee I know that I’d really struggle to wear a wig.
I had awful hair loss a few years ago which had me contemplating the options.
I can’t even wear a hat. It gets too hot and itchy.

To the ladies who have slight thinning on top , I think you can get something to spray on your scalp (which is hair colored) so that the scalp doesn't shine through.

I think it's called Restrand.

Foxie48. Do you think it's essential to actually visit the store to have one fitted? Would it be possible to just order online? I ask because I've just looked to see where our nearest store is and it's miles away.

Hazeld

Foxie48. Do you think it's essential to actually visit the store to have one fitted? Would it be possible to just order online? I ask because I've just looked to see where our nearest store is and it's miles away.

I have bought mine online. The reputable online wig companies have good returns and refunds systems. Their websites also show you how to measure your head for sizing and have a great deal of helpful information.

Check out simplywigs.co.uk or josephs-wigs.com
Both are in the UK but will ship abroad.

I have worn a wig since 1986 when my alopecia became really bad. I have had all different styles over the years. Often they are a bit thick when they are new so it's good to have a tame hairdresser to thin it out a bit.

Hazel,I wear a wig as my hair fell out after a severe illness,I have only bought mine on line,without any problems.I look at styles I think will suit me,send for it and they have turned out fine.I used a company called Hair Fairies,but there are loads of different ones

I have lots of toppers and wigs. I love the wigs but I get hot, the toppers are fabulous. I have very fine hair and my scalp shows, the topper gives me great hair everytime.

I've had a topper since I was 49 it gave me my confidence back I was prescribed it by the dermatology consultant due to thinning (female pattern baldness) Go for it fellow sufferers you won't look back and no one will ever know

My friend's Nigerian and she and her mum wear wigs ALL the time! And they look great! No issue with them at all! It's often a topic of conversation when there a gathering about new wigs with all the latest and the ins and outs of different types! We're so mean I this country, with sarky remarks and trying to embarrass anyone who wear a piece, yet the youngs wear extensions and all the other false clutter without a word said! Time we grew up!!

Back in the late 60s my hairdresser used to rent wigs out for a week at the price of shampoo cut and blow dry. I rented one once and everyone thought is was my own hair and I felt good. I wish I could do the same now with the option of buying the ones I liked.

Is there a "fairtrade" type label for wigs and toppers please?
I know there used to be some problems around this years ago.
Thank you.

How does the topper attach to your own hair?

NotSpaghetti Many wigs these days are made of synthetic hair which is so realistic that my hairdresser was very surprised.

inishowen A topper attaches with several large clips. You need some hair at the sides for these clips to hold onto. My hair was too thin to securely fix it in place, and I felt it was fiddly to put on.

Thanks sparkle - interesting.
And good news.

Mine is not real hair but you wouldn't know it, it is attached with four clips and is absolutely secure but I do have enough hair to attach it to. Although I didn't buy mine online I know you can quite easily but most people do need it cut. Hairdressers can do it but the wig specialists that I used did not use scissors, it was shortened using a razor and they cut it in situ with a slightly offset parting so it matched my own hair.