Wigs and toppers are close cousins. While they both perform the same general function of covering the head and hair, they each do it differently. Toppers, of course, provide less coverage than a full wig.
Deciding between a topper and a wig depends on your personal needs. Some wearers may use hair toppers their whole lives and never touch a wig. On the other hand, for many people, a full wig is the next logical step from a topper.
Why would a hair topper wearer transition to a wig? There are a few reasons!
- Progressive Hair Loss - Unfortunately, hair loss is often progressive and may advance with time. Eventually, a topper may not be enough for advanced hair loss.
- Break from Clips - Even if the hair loss isn’t advanced, wearers may benefit from taking a break from the clips that attach toppers. The stress of these clips on fragile hair can worsen hair loss, so that a woman may choose a wig temporarily.
- Lifestyle - Toppers can be tricky. A half wig must be sized, colored, and styled to blend seamlessly with biological hair. This maintenance can be too much for some who may opt for a wig instead.
- Convenience - In a similar vein, wigs are just more convenient than toppers. If you choose a synthetic style, for example, it is ready-to-wear and keeps its style through washes.
If any of the above reasons ring true for you (and one likely does if you’ve found yourself reading this article!), then it may be time to consider transitioning to a full wig.
Before adding any wigs to your cart, take note of a few things. First, measuring your head for a wig is different than measuring for a topper. Instead of measuring the area of hair loss, you need to find the measurements of your entire head.
To do this, you need to measure from ear to ear first. Next, measure your head’s circumference or where the wig will sit. Last, find the length from the front of the hairline to the nape of the neck. The majority of wig wearers fall into the average wig size, but it’s best to make sure.
Once you’re sized up, consider your lifestyle. Do you have plenty of time to style your hair every day, or do you a look that is low maintenance? Likewise, what is your average activity level? Are you going to be sweating or sedentary? Oh, and of course - what’s your budget?
Thanks to strides in technology, wig construction is majorly impressive. Features like lace fronts and monofilament tops give you styling versatility if you want. More luxurious details like 100% hand-tied caps give superior comfort and a natural look. 
For a first wig, we recommend picking something close to your biological hair’s style and color. If you are more daring, however, you can switch it up, especially with color. Wigs don’t have to match your biological hair like toppers do!
Keep in mind - wigs will feel different than a topper. It will be an adjustment. Jenny, a Wigs.com customer, didn’t love the switch at first. “My first day trying my first wig was terrible. I was sure it would slide off; it was hot and uncomfortable! Fast forward maybe five days later and I truly hardly remembered that I was wearing one!”
For even more information about choosing your first wig, check out our YouTube channel! Our wig experts are also ready to help you with your decision.