By Matthew McIlveen
Short answer: Women's hair replacement usually means one of three things. A topper adds hair over thinning areas such as the parting or crown. A hair system is a thin base with hair that's bonded to the scalp with tape or glue. A wig covers the whole head and is often used for more extensive hair loss, including after chemotherapy. Which suits you depends on how much hair you've lost, how sensitive your scalp is, and how you want to wear it day to day.
Hair loss can be hard to talk about, whatever the cause. It might be alopecia, hormonal changes, hair loss after cancer treatment, or gradual thinning. This guide is here to explain the options in plain language so you can have a more confident conversation with a specialist. It isn't medical advice. If your hair loss is new, sudden or patchy, or you're worried about it, the NHS advises seeing a GP first, as some types of hair loss can be treated.
The three main options
| Topper | Hair system | Wig | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covers | Part of the head: parting, crown or top | Any area, from a small patch to full coverage | The whole head |
| Usually suits | Thinning with some of your own hair left | Thinning or larger areas of loss | Extensive or total loss, including after chemotherapy |
| Attachment | Clips, or tape/glue where there's bare skin | Tape or liquid adhesive on the scalp | Fit, bands or clips, with tape or glue for a secure hairline |
| How often it comes off | Daily, or every few days | Every few days to several weeks | Daily, or bonded for longer |
Toppers
A topper (sometimes called a hair enhancer) sits on the top of the head and blends with your own hair. Most attach with small clips into existing hair. That works well while there's enough hair to clip into. As thinning progresses, clips can pull on fragile hair, and that's when many women look at tape or glue instead.
Hair systems
A hair system is hair on a fine base, usually lace, polyurethane (poly) or a mix, that's bonded directly to the scalp. Full poly isn't the only option: lace gives a lighter, more breathable feel and a very natural hairline, while poly is easier to clean and holds tape well. Many women choose a hybrid. Our lace vs skin hair systems guide explains the difference. Hair systems can be cut and coloured to blend with any hair you have.
Wigs and medical wigs
A wig covers the whole head. For women going through chemotherapy or living with alopecia totalis or universalis, a well-fitted medical wig is often the most comfortable choice. Many are worn without adhesive. Others use a little tape or glue at the front for a secure, natural hairline.
How each one stays on
- Clips: no adhesive, but they need enough healthy hair to grip.
- Tape: double-sided, easy to remove, and good for frequent take-off. Walker's Signature Sensi-Tak Select is often chosen for poly bases and for a clean removal. For lace edges, Walker's Lace Front tape has a dull finish.
- Liquid adhesive: the most invisible hairline, and a longer-lasting option. Pro Hair Labs' For Women Only works best on poly, though it also suits lace. Walker's Great White is a water-based option for lace and poly systems.
Read next: What Is a Hair System? A Beginner's Guide to Non-Surgical Hair Replacement
If your scalp is sensitive
Many women we speak to say they're most worried about their skin, especially during or after medical treatment. A few principles help:
- Ask your medical team first if you're having, or have recently had, cancer treatment or radiotherapy. Scalp skin can be more delicate for a while.
- Patch test everything. We recommend testing a small amount of glue or tape on your skin at least 48 hours before a fitting, whether or not you think your skin is sensitive.
- Use a barrier. A scalp protector such as Walker's Scalp Protector sits between your skin and the adhesive.
- Choose a gentle remover. Options include Walker Signature Remover, S3 Sensitive Skin Solvent and Pro Hair Labs' Ultra Safe.
- Never pull anything off dry. Let the remover do the work.
- Stop if your skin reacts. Redness, burning or broken skin means take a break and get advice. Our guide to irritated skin from wig glue explains what to look out for.
Shop now: Walker Tape Scalp Protector
Looking after it
Whatever you wear, gentle care makes it last and keeps your scalp healthy:
- Wash the hair with a shampoo made for hair systems and wigs, such as Pro Hair Labs' Pro Series Shampoo.
- Condition well. System hair can't draw natural oils from your scalp.
- Remove adhesive residue properly between fits. See our hair system cleaning guide.
- Give your scalp time to breathe between bonds. Read Caring for Your Skin Between Installs.
What to expect at a first consultation
A good first appointment should feel calm and unhurried. Many women tell us they put it off for a long time, so it helps to know what normally happens:
- A private conversation about your hair loss, how long it's been happening, and what you'd like to achieve.
- A look at your scalp and hair, to see how much hair you have and where.
- An explanation of the options: toppers, hair systems and wigs, and how each would attach for you.
- A patch test of any tape or glue that might be used.
- Time to think. You shouldn't feel pressured to decide on the day.
It's fine to bring a friend or partner, and to ask as many questions as you need.
Shop now: For Women Only hair system adhesive
Finding the right specialist
The product is only half of it. The person fitting it matters just as much. Look for someone who:
- offers a private, unhurried consultation
- explains every option, including the ones that cost less
- patch tests and asks about your skin and medical history
- can cut and blend the hairpiece into your own hair
- teaches you how to care for it at home
Our team includes educators with experience supporting women through medical hair loss, and we train stylists through our CPD-accredited Medical Wig Services course. We don't run a salon finder, but if you contact us we'll help you with products and point you in the right direction.
For emotional support and community, Alopecia UK is a good place to start. If you're losing hair through cancer treatment, Macmillan's hair loss guidance covers what to expect. Our own post on why hair loss support matters has more ideas.
Questions worth asking your specialist
- Which option would you recommend for me, and why?
- How will it attach, and how often will it need refitting?
- Can I take it off myself at home?
- Which adhesive or tape would you use on my skin, and can we patch test it first?
- How should I wash and care for it between appointments?
- What happens if my hair loss changes over time?
A good specialist will welcome these questions and explain everything in plain language.
FAQ
What is the best hair replacement for women?
There isn't one best option. It depends on how much hair you've lost and how you want to wear it. Toppers suit thinning on top, hair systems suit larger or more permanent areas of loss, and wigs suit extensive or total loss. A specialist consultation is the best way to decide.
Can women wear hair systems?
Yes. Hair systems aren't just for men. Many women wear lace, poly or hybrid systems, bonded with tape or glue and cut to blend with their own hair.
Is hair system glue safe for sensitive skin?
Always patch test first, use a scalp protector, and check with your medical team if you're having treatment. Start with a small amount of tape or water-based glue, and stop if your skin reacts. Our guide to irritated skin from wig glue explains what to look out for.
Can I use adhesive after chemotherapy?
Please ask your oncology team before using any adhesive on your scalp during or after treatment. When you're given the go-ahead, start with a patch test and a gentle tape or water-based glue.
Can I wear a hair system with alopecia?
Yes. Many people with alopecia wear hair systems or wigs, including for patchy or total hair loss.
If you'd like help choosing gentle adhesives, tapes or removers, speak to our specialists in confidence.
