Now that you have created your template base and prepared your materials, the next stage is the most important part of the process: constructing the hair topper.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to:
- Secure the template correctly
- Attach the mesh foundation
- Sew the closure onto the base
- Begin installing the hair wefts
- Build the overall structure of the topper
This step forms the core structure of your hair topper, which will later be refined and completed in the final stage.
Step 1: Secure the Template to the Mannequin
The template created in Part 1 must now be placed back onto your mannequin.
It is very important that this step is not done on a live person, as pins will be used during the construction process.
Position the template so it sits:
- Centrally on the crown
- Even from front to back
- Even from side to side
Once the template is in position, secure it using pins on both sides.
This will keep the template stable while you work.
Step 2: Place the Mesh Over the Template
Next, take your mesh base material.
The mesh should be large enough to fully cover the template.
Place the mesh over the template and secure it with pins at the front and back.
Once secured, you are ready to create the mesh foundation.
Step 3: Trace the Template Shape
Using chalk or a visible marking tool, trace the outline of the template onto the mesh.
Tips for this step:
- Use a colour that contrasts with the mesh
- Press firmly so the outline is clearly visible
- Trace the entire perimeter carefully
Once the outline is complete, remove the mesh and cut along the traced line.
You should now have a mesh base that perfectly matches the topper template.
Step 4: Prepare the Lace Closure
For this tutorial, we are using a lace closure.
The lace closure is placed hair facing downward onto your flat working surface.
Then place the mesh base you just cut directly on top of the lace closure.
At this stage, ensure:
- The front of the mesh aligns with the front of the closure
- The closure sits centrally under the mesh
Once positioned correctly, secure everything using pins on the sides and top to prevent movement.
Step 5: Sew the Closure onto the Mesh
Now it’s time to sew the closure onto the mesh foundation.
Use a back stitch technique, which is strong and ideal for this type of work.
Important stitching rule
Do not sew the front edge of the closure.
Instead, stitch:
- Along one side
- Across the back
- Along the other side
The front remains open for styling and finishing later.
Try to keep your stitches:
- Close to the edge
- But not directly on the edge
A distance of approximately a quarter inch from the edge works well.
If you are a beginner, hand stitching is recommended. Sewing machines can be used by more experienced stylists but require a different technique.
Step 6: Check the Closure Stitching
Once the stitching is complete, turn the piece over.
You may notice that some hairs have accidentally been caught in the stitches.
This is completely normal.
Simply use a hair grip or pin to gently pull those hairs back through the lace.
The stitching itself does not need to be perfect, as the finishing process later will help refine the appearance.
Step 7: Prepare the Closure for Weft Installation
Before attaching the hair wefts, move the closure hair out of the way.
One simple method is to create a single braid or cornrow and secure it with a clip.
This prevents the hair from interfering while you sew the wefts.
Step 8: Reattach the Structure to the Mannequin
Now place your constructed piece back onto the mannequin over the original template.
Secure it again with pins.
This step is important because the mannequin maintains the natural crown shape, helping the topper develop the correct contour.
At this stage, your structure should look like this:
- Template attached to the mannequin
- Mesh sewn onto the template
- Closure attached to the mesh
Now you are ready to add the hair.
Step 9: Begin Installing the Hair Wefts
Before sewing the wefts, make sure they have been split as explained in Part 2.
This reduces bulk and makes sewing easier.
Always begin installing wefts around the perimeter of the topper.
The perimeter row is extremely important because it determines how natural the finished topper will appear.
Step 10: Sew the First Perimeter Weft
Start on one side of the topper and measure the weft across the back to the other side.
The weft should follow the outer edge of the mesh base.
Once the correct length is measured:
- Cut the weft
- Secure it temporarily with pins
- Sew it onto the mesh using back stitches
This creates the first foundation row of hair.
Step 11: Continue Adding Wefts in a U-Shape
After completing the first row, continue adding wefts moving inward toward the closure.
Each row should follow a U-shaped pattern around the closure.
Spacing guidelines:
- Maximum spacing: ½ inch between rows
- Closer spacing creates more hair density
- Wider spacing creates a lighter topper
Continue sewing rows until you reach the area just below the closure.
This will be the final weft row.
A Professional Tip for Advanced Stylists
In the demonstration, the weft slightly extends beyond the mesh edge.
This is intentional and helps create a more professional finish during the final stage.
If you are a beginner, you can simply start the weft directly at the mesh edge.
Construction Complete
At this stage, the construction phase of your hair topper is complete.
You now have:
- A secured closure
- A structured mesh base
- Rows of hair wefts forming the body of the topper
However, the topper is not fully finished yet.
The final stage will focus on refining the work and giving it a polished, professional finish.
What You Have Learned
In this session you learned how to construct the main structure of a hair topper.
This included:
- Securing the template to a mannequin
- Creating the mesh base foundation
- Sewing the closure onto the topper base
- Installing wefts using the perimeter and U-shape method
- Building the overall structure of the topper
At this stage the topper has its full structure, but it still needs refinement before it becomes a professional finished piece.
Coming Up in the Final Tutorial
In the final tutorial we will focus on professional finishing techniques.
You’ll learn how to:
- Hide closure stitching
- Refine the edges of the topper
- Clean and shape the base
- Add attachments such as clips or Velcro
- Prepare and style the hair for wear
These final steps transform the topper from a constructed piece into a fully wearable hair system.
Download the Complete Guide
If you would like to follow the entire process in one place, you can download the Hair Topper Creation Guide.
This guide brings together all four tutorials into a complete training reference for stylists and beginners.