Installing a Hairline Topper should feel easy — almost like putting on a headband. No glue, no stress, no complicated routines. This guide will show you exactly how to place, secure and blend your topper so it looks natural in real life (not just on camera).
If you’ve never used a Hairline Topper before, it’s totally normal to wonder:
“Where exactly do I place it?”
“What if it doesn’t blend?”
“Is it going to feel tight?”
The truth is: once you do it once, it becomes second nature. Most women tell us they install it in under 10 seconds by day three.
This guide walks you through two installation methods:
- Clipless string method — for sensitive or thin edges
- Standard clip method — for stronger hairlines
If your edges are fragile or thinning, please read Why Are My Edges Thinning? before choosing your attachment method.
Contents
1. Preparation: Getting Your Hairline Ready
The goal isn't to hide your hair under the topper — it's to blend the topper with your real hair.
Step 1 — Comb your natural hairline gently
Use a soft brush. Avoid flattening everything with gel (it creates a “line”).
Step 2 — Create a soft part (optional)
A slightly off-center part blends the topper better for most women. Zig-zag parts are great for covering thin spots.
Step 3 — Put your hair behind your shoulders
This keeps the front area clear so you can see exactly where the topper sits.
2. Method A: Clipless String / Halo Installation (Best for Thin Edges)
This is the most gentle method — no clips, no glue, no tension on your fragile edges. Think of it like putting on a pair of glasses: the string sits behind your head, and the topper rests naturally at the front.
Step 1 — Hold the topper by the lace
Don’t pull on the hair. Hold the lace so you don’t distort the hairline shape.
Step 2 — Place the hairline first
Align the topper’s lace hairline 1–2 mm behind your natural hairline. This creates the most realistic result.
Step 3 — Let the string fall behind your head
The string should sit comfortably above the occipital bone — not too high, not too low.
Step 4 — Adjust the tension
Tight enough to stay secure, loose enough to forget it’s there. If you feel pressure on your temples, loosen it slightly.
Step 5 — Blend with your fingers
Use your fingers to bring out a few strands of your own hair and lay them over the sides.
For more details on clipless wear, visit Hairline Toppers collection.
3. Method B: Light Clip Installation (For Stronger Hairlines)
Clips work best for women with strong temples and thicker roots. If your edges are thinning, stick to the string method to avoid breakage.
Step 1 — Open all clips
Step 2 — Place the topper 2–3 mm behind your hairline
Same rule: never place clips directly on baby hair.
Step 3 — Press clips gently into the thicker hair
If it hurts, the clip is too close to the front. Move it back.
Step 4 — Shake your head
Yes, really. If it stays during a head shake test, you're good.
4. Blending the Hairline Seamlessly
Blending is where the magic happens. Follow this and nobody will ever notice:
Use your real baby hairs
A few natural strands soften the transition.
Avoid heavy gels
They create a hard “line” that exposes the lace.
Add gentle lift at the roots
A touch of volume helps the topper blend better with crown hair.
Brush everything together lightly
One or two strokes — not too much, or it separates the hair.
If blending feels difficult at first, check out How to Blend a Hairline Topper.
5. New User Checklist (Must Read)
- The topper should feel secure but not tight.
- The lace should sit slightly behind your natural hairline.
- You should not feel pressure on your temples.
- Your own hair should still move naturally with the topper.
- If something feels “off,” you probably placed it too close to the front.
6. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Placing the topper too far forward
It looks unnatural and exposes the lace.
Pulling the string too tight
It puts pressure on your temples — loosen it.
Using hairspray near the lace
It causes buildup and stiff edges.
Trying to hide everything
Let the topper fill in the thin spots — your own hair does the rest.
If your edges are thinning, read Why Wigs Cause Thinning Edges.