What's Your First Month with a Hair Topper Really Like?
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Hi, it's Michelle, the manager here at Urban Texture Hair Studio. One of my greatest passions is helping guests navigate their hair loss journey with our custom toppers. I see the look on their faces when we find the perfect piece. It's pure excitement. But I also see the next thought that flashes through their eyes: "Okay... now what?"
Last week, I got a text from a client named Lisa. She'd gotten her topper three weeks earlier. The text said: "I just realized I went through my entire work day without thinking about my hair once. First time that's happened in two years."
That's the moment I wait for with every client. That's when you know the topper has become yours.
But getting to that moment takes a little time. Living with a topper for the first time is a journey. It's a mix of joy and a little bit of a learning curve. You might feel hyper-aware of it for the first week, wondering if people can tell. I promise you, they can't. But feeling confident takes a little practice. Think of me as your guide. We're in this together, and my goal is to get you to the point where your topper feels as natural as your favourite pair of jeans.
Check out all our services here, including topper consultations and fittings.
How Often Do You Actually Need to Wash It?
One of the first questions I always get is about washing. The best news? You don't need to wash your topper nearly as often as your own hair.
Because it isn't attached to your scalp and producing natural oils, it stays cleaner for much longer. For most of my guests, a gentle wash every week or two is perfect. Over-washing can shorten its lifespan, and we want to protect your investment.
I had a client named Karen who was washing her topper every other day because she thought she had to. After two months, the hair was getting dry and tangled.
"I'm doing everything right," she said, frustrated. "Why does it look like this?"
"How often are you washing it?" I asked.
"Every other day. Same as my natural hair."
I explained she was actually washing it too much. Once every ten days would be plenty.
"Really?" She was shocked. "That feels wrong."
Six weeks later, her topper looked completely different. Soft, shiny, manageable.
Here's a simple routine for washing. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and cool water. Never scrub or bunch the hair together. Instead, gently run your fingers through the hair from base to ends. For conditioning, which is especially key in our dry Calgary climate, apply a quality conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, avoiding the base where the hair is knotted. This keeps the knots secure. The best drying method is to let it air dry on a mannequin head. This helps it keep its shape and prevents unnecessary heat damage. If you're in a rush, you can use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting.
Between wears, storing your topper on a stand or mannequin head is the best way to prevent tangles and maintain its style.
Browse our professional products for topper care.
How Do You Make It Look Natural With Your Own Hair?
This is the fun part! Your topper gives you the freedom to have a perfect hair day, every day. Whether you have a meeting downtown or you're heading for drinks at Leopolds Tavern in Sage Hill, your hair will be ready to go.
A common worry is blending the topper with your natural hair. My biggest tip is to pull out a few of your own baby hairs around your hairline after you place the topper. This little trick creates a seamless, natural transition.
Lisa, the client who texted me about forgetting about her hair, struggled with blending at first. She'd put the topper on and it would look perfect in her bathroom mirror. But then she'd get to work in different lighting and panic that everyone could see where it started.
I had her come back for a quick tutorial. I showed her the baby hair trick and how to use a little texturizing spray at the hairline.
"That's it?" she asked. "That's all I was missing?"
"That's it," I said.
The next day she texted: "No one at work noticed anything except that my hair looked good. One coworker asked if I'd gotten it cut."
You can absolutely use heat tools on human hair toppers. Curls, waves, or a sleek, straight look are all possible. Just be sure to use a heat protectant spray first. For a special occasion, we can even create elegant updos or ponytails that look completely natural. The versatility is one of the biggest confidence boosters for my guests. They realize they haven't lost their style. They've just gained a new tool to achieve it.
Can You Actually Work Out With a Topper?
A huge question I get is, "Can I still work out?" Absolutely. Your life doesn't stop, and your hair shouldn't hold you back. Whether you're hitting a class at Crunch Fitness Beacon Heights or HER GYMVMT, we make sure your topper is secure.
The clips we use are strong. For extra security during high-impact activities, a snug-fitting headband or a properly tied ponytail can add another layer of confidence. After a workout, you can use a little dry shampoo at the base to absorb any moisture.
I had a client named Amanda who was a spin instructor. She'd stopped teaching classes after she started losing her hair because she was so self-conscious.
When she got her topper, she was thrilled. But she was also terrified to teach again.
"What if it flies off in the middle of class?" she asked, only half-joking.
I showed her how secure the clips were. I had her shake her head vigorously. Jump up and down. Nothing moved.
She went to her first class back. Afterwards, she called me.
"I forgot how much I loved teaching," she said. "And the topper didn't budge. Not even a little."
She's been teaching three classes a week for six months now.
Living in Calgary means we love our outdoor spaces. You can definitely go for a hike in Nose Hill Park or a walk along the river in Bowness. What about our famous Chinook winds? A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray will help keep everything in place without feeling stiff. You can live your active, adventurous life with total confidence. Swimming is a bit of a different story and depends on your attachment method, which is something we'd discuss in your personal consultation.
Should You Sleep in Your Topper?
To keep your topper and your natural hair in the best possible condition, I strongly recommend removing your topper before you go to sleep. This prevents any tangling or friction on the hair and gives your scalp a chance to breathe.
This is the perfect time to focus on scalp health. A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Massaging your scalp for a few minutes can stimulate blood flow. For guests who want a truly luxurious experience, our Head Spa service is a fantastic treatment to keep your scalp clean, hydrated, and happy.
In the morning, your reattachment routine will quickly become second nature. A quick brush of your own hair, position the topper, snap the clips in place, a little blending, and you're ready in minutes.
I had a client who called me three days after getting her topper, panicking.
"It takes me 20 minutes to put it on every morning," she said. "I'm going to be late to work every day for the rest of my life."
"You've had it for three days," I reminded her gently. "Give yourself time. It'll get faster."
Two weeks later, she had it down to five minutes. A month later, she could do it in two.
"I don't even think about it anymore," she told me. "It's just part of getting ready."
When Do You Stop Feeling Self-Conscious About It?
Let's be honest. The first few days of wearing a topper can feel a little strange. It's a new sensation. But that feeling fades so quickly, I promise. Confidence comes from practice and trust. Practice putting it on and taking it off. Practice styling it.
Soon, you'll stop thinking about it. It just becomes part of your routine. The freedom that comes from not worrying about your hair is truly transformative. I've had guests tell me it's given them their life back. They can go out in the wind or sit under bright lights without a second thought.
Lisa's text about not thinking about her hair all day came three weeks after she got her topper. That's pretty typical. Most clients tell me the self-consciousness fades around the two to three week mark.
Karen, the client who was over-washing, told me something at her three-month follow-up that really stuck with me.
"I went to my high school reunion last month," she said. "I haven't been to one in 15 years because I was so embarrassed about my hair. But I went to this one. And I had the best time. I wasn't thinking about my hair. I was just... there. Present. Enjoying myself."
That's what I want for every client. Not just better hair. But their life back.
Remember, my support doesn't end when you walk out the door. If you're struggling with placement or have a question a week later, just call me. We'll work through it together.
Amanda, the spin instructor, still texts me sometimes. Little updates. Photos from classes. A few months ago, she sent me a photo of herself teaching a packed spin class, huge smile on her face.
The message said: "Thank you for giving me back my career."
That's why I do this work.
Ready to Start Your Own Topper Journey?
Ready to explore how a topper can fit into your life? Let's talk. At Urban Texture Hair Studio, we create a private, comfortable space for you to ask all your questions. We're here to support you every step of the way.
You can make a reservation with me, Michelle, by calling the studio or booking online. I can't wait to help you on your journey.
Visit Us: #320-12024 Sarcee Trail NW Calgary AB T3R 0J1
Call Us: (403) 398-8260