Now that you have created the base template for your hair topper, the next step is selecting the correct materials and preparing the hair that will be attached to the topper.
The quality and type of materials you use will determine how natural the finished topper looks, how comfortable it feels, and how well it blends with natural hair.
In this tutorial, we will cover:
- The three main types of closures
- How to prepare wefts for sewing
- The essential tools needed for topper construction
- How to choose the correct closure size
By the end of this section, you will have all your materials ready to begin constructing your topper in the next stage.
Understanding the Three Types of Hair Closures
The closure is the section of the topper that creates the natural-looking scalp area where the hair parts. Choosing the right closure is important depending on the client’s hair condition and styling preferences.
1. Silk Base Closure
A silk base closure creates the illusion of a natural scalp.
The material includes a layer that hides the knots underneath, making it appear as though the hair is growing directly from the scalp.
This option is ideal when:
- The wearer still has natural hair underneath
- You want a realistic scalp appearance
- The topper will be clipped in rather than glued
Silk closures are popular because they provide a very natural finish without requiring adhesive.
2. Lace Closure
A lace closure is designed to sit directly against the scalp.
Unlike silk closures, lace is thin and breathable, which allows it to blend directly with the skin.
This type of closure works best when:
- There is little or no hair in the area
- The topper needs to be secured using adhesive
- The front hairline needs to look extremely natural
Lace closures are often used in professional hair systems because they provide a seamless scalp appearance.
3. UltraStrands Base
The third option is UltraStrands which is a base material that contains small holes.
This design allows natural hair to be pulled through the topper.
Ultra Strand is ideal for people who:
- Still have natural hair on the crown
- Want to add volume rather than full coverage
- Prefer their own hair to blend through the topper
This option works particularly well for fine or thinning hair where additional volume is needed without covering the scalp completely.
Choosing the Closure for This Tutorial
For this training series, we will be working with a lace base closure.
This choice allows the topper to sit naturally against the scalp and provides flexibility for different installation methods.
Understanding Hair Wefts
Next, you will need hair wefts, which will be used to build the body of the topper.
A weft is simply hair that has been sewn onto a reinforced thread base.
While wefts are ideal for creating fullness, the top edge is often too bulky to sew directly onto the topper base.
To solve this, we prepare the weft by splitting it.
How to Split a Hair Weft
Splitting the weft makes it thinner and easier to sew.
To do this, you will need a weft splitter, which can easily be found in sewing or hair extension supply stores.
Step-by-step:
- Insert the splitter into the weft seam.
- Gently pull it along the seam.
- The weft will naturally begin to separate into two thinner layers.
Continue splitting until the entire weft has been divided.
By splitting the weft, you will:
- Reduce bulk
- Create a lighter topper
- Make sewing much easier
Another benefit is that you effectively double the amount of usable weft, giving you more flexibility when constructing the topper.
Additional Tools You Will Need
Before moving forward, make sure you have the following tools ready.
Essential tools
- Your topper template from Part 1
- Hair wefts
- Weft splitter
- Pins for securing materials
- Thread
- Curved sewing needle
- Mesh net base
Choosing the Correct Mesh Base
The mesh net acts as the foundation for sewing the hair.
You can purchase mesh bases in different colours.
A helpful guideline is:
- Darker hair = darker mesh base
- Lighter hair = lighter mesh base
Matching the mesh colour to the hair colour helps create a more natural appearance in the finished topper.
Mesh bases are widely available in fabric stores and online hair supply retailers.
Choosing the Correct Closure Size
Your closure size must match the template created in the previous tutorial.
In Part 1, we created a 6 inch by 6 inch topper base.
For this design, the closure must leave space around the edges for attaching wefts.
You should allow approximately 2 inches of space around the perimeter.
This means your closure should measure:
2 inches wide × 4 inches long
This will leave enough space around the edges to attach the wefts while keeping the parting area realistic.
Remember, the closure only needs to cover the parting area, so it does not need to be very large.
Materials Checklist
Before moving on to the next stage, make sure you have the following items ready:
- Topper template
- Closure (silk, lace, or ultra strand)
- Hair wefts
- Weft splitter
- Mesh base
- Thread
- Curved sewing needle
- Pins
Having everything prepared in advance will make the construction process much smoother and more efficient.
What You Have Learned
In this tutorial you learned about the key materials used when creating a hair topper, including:
- The difference between silk closures, lace closures and ultra-strand bases
- When each closure type should be used
- How to split wefts correctly to reduce bulk
- The tools required to construct a professional topper
Choosing the correct materials ensures your topper remains lightweight, natural and comfortable for the wearer.
Coming Up in the Next Tutorial
In the next session we move into the construction stage, where the topper begins to take shape.
You’ll learn how to:
- Attach the closure to the mesh base
- Sew the foundation using the back stitch technique
- Install wefts correctly around the topper perimeter
- Build the structure that creates natural density and volume
This stage forms the core structure of the hair topper.
Download the Complete Guide
You can also download the Hair Topper Creation Guide which walks through the entire process step-by-step.
This guide includes:
- Templates
- Material lists
- Construction techniques
- Professional finishing methods