A hair topper is a partial hairpiece designed to cover thinning areas or add volume to your natural hair. Unlike a full wig, which covers the entire head, a topper blends with your existing hair and only covers specific areas like the crown or part.

To choose the right hair topper, consider the texture, length, and color that match your natural hair. You should also decide on the base type (lace, silk, etc.), and select the right size based on the area you want to cover (crown, part, etc.).

Hair toppers typically come with clips that easily attach to your natural hair. For extra security, some toppers can be attached with tape or glue, or you can use a combination of clips and adhesives for all-day wear.

Absolutely! Hair toppers are specifically designed for individuals with thinning hair or partial hair loss. They cover small to large areas, depending on the size of the topper, and help create a fuller look.

A silk topper has a silk base that mimics the appearance of the scalp, providing a seamless look. A lace topper has a lace base, offering a breathable, lightweight feel while also creating a natural-looking hairline.

Lace toppers are more breathable due to the lace material, making them lighter and cooler to wear, especially in warmer climates or for long durations.

Yes, both silk and lace toppers allow for free parting, making it possible to change the direction of the part to suit your styling preferences.

A closed lace topper differs from a standard lace topper in its construction and ease of wear. A typical lace topper has a significant amount of lace in the front, similar to a lace wig, and requires melting the lace into the skin for a seamless look. However, lace toppers lack ear tabs, so the lace typically needs to be glued in place, which can be inconvenient. At Penelopé Wigs and Toppers, we prefer simplicity, which is why we offer closed lace toppers. These are designed to be worn like traditional silk toppers, either at or behind your natural hairline, allowing you to blend your own hair over the topper for a natural and effortless look—no glue required!

The term "Slavic hair" refers to hair sourced from Slavic countries like Russia, Ukraine, and others. It's often known for its virgin, fine, and silky-soft texture. While it’s not true that people in Russia have fundamentally different hair from people in Western Europe, "Slavic hair" typically refers to the natural structure and quality of the hair.

While we do source ponytails from Slavic countries, we don’t exclusively use Slavic hair. We also work with European hair from Western countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, and others, as they have similar natural structures. Additionally, we don’t only use the finest, straightest hair that is often associated with the term "Slavic hair." We also offer thicker European hair, as well as wavy and curly textures, as not all customers are looking for just thin baby hair. But we always ensure that the hair is unprocessed and sourced from Europe or the U.S.

It’s important to distinguish "Slavic hair" from what is often marketed as "European hair" in the industry. While some hair labeled as "European" is actually processed to mimic European hair textures, this doesn’t mean it’s virgin or truly European, it is also called European 'grade' hair. In many cases, the hair may be sourced from regions like Asia or India, then chemically processed to give it a soft, fine texture similar to European hair. Though this processed hair can feel soft at first, it doesn't maintain the same natural structure as authentic European or Slavic hair.

To make it clear, we choose to use the term "Slavic hair" because it reliably indicates unprocessed hair that comes from specific regions, ensuring quality and authenticity. "European hair," on the other hand, can be misleading, as it often refers to hair that has undergone extensive processing, regardless of its original source.

The difference between virgin European hair and European grade hair lies primarily in the hair's origin and processing.

European hair refers to natural, unprocessed hair that comes from European donors. It has never been dyed, bleached, or chemically treated in any way. This hair is known for its high quality, strength, and natural texture.
The hair retains its original structure, whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly. Virgin European hair is soft, durable, and maintains its natural shine and texture over time. It’s highly valued for its authenticity and purity.
This hair is carefully sourced directly from European donors, ensuring it remains unprocessed and in its natural state.


European grade hair refers to hair that may have originated from any part of the world but has been processed to mimic the texture and appearance of European hair. This hair can come from regions like Asia, India, etc and undergoes chemical treatments to achieve a finer, smoother look that resembles European hair.

While it can initially feel soft and silky, European grade hair is processed and may lose its natural structure. It can often be chemically treated to soften the texture or change its color to give it a "European" feel. Over time, processed hair may not maintain its original quality and may need more maintenance to stay in good condition.

This hair is often sourced from various countries worldwide and then processed to meet European hair standards.

In summary, virgin European hair is natural and unprocessed, coming directly from European donors, while European grade hair is a processed hair type that has been treated to resemble the softness and texture typically associated with European hair, regardless of its actual origin. Virgin European hair is considered the highest quality due to its untouched, natural state.

A lot of hair used for wigs goes through a variety of processes before it reaches you.

One of those processes can be processed coloring. In fact, some blond wigs, often start as black hair. They go through a bleaching process to make the hair white and than they are recolored to the desired shade.

Other processes include making the hair 'remy'. Some wigs are made from hair that has been gathered from different sources and may not be in the correct order. Often, hair from multiple donors is placed together in one large bin, causing the strands to become mixed up. This can result in hair that doesn’t have a consistent top-to-bottom direction which will cause a lot of tangling, to a point that the hair in unmanageble. That why a chemical process is done to strip the cuticles of the hair completely away.

Another process is the process of making Asian hair "European grade", using similar techniques which lower the resilience and natural beauty of the hair.

At our company, we believe in offering the best possible quality to our customers, which is why we only use European hair that hasn’t gone through excessive chemical processes. By working with unprocessed European hair, we ensure that the hair remains in its most natural, healthy state, without the damage that often comes with heavy processing like bleaching or excessive coloring.

When we refer to hair as "colored", it means that the hair has been lightly colored either by the donor before they cut the ponytail or by us after the wig has been made. This is similar to the way a hairdresser might add highlights, a toner, or a root shadow to your own biohair. These coloring techniques are gentle and subtle, designed to enhance the hair’s natural color without undergoing harsh treatments or heavy chemical processing. This will be clearly labeled.

We source hair primarily from Western European countries, as well as Slavic countries. We decided not to buy hair from Russia as well as the Ukraine at the moment, due to the fact we want to be sure the hair comes to us in an ethical way.

It can be very challenging for wig sellers to trace the exact origin of the hair they purchase. Often, wigs are produced in Asia, where hair is labeled as "European grade," but in reality, it can come from various regions worldwide. Recently, there has been increasing concern about hair being sourced from the Uyghurs in China, where individuals are allegedly being forced to have their hair cut in large groups.

That’s why we are proud to ensure full transparency with our hair sourcing. All of the hair we use comes in ponytails, which we handle directly. We know exactly where it comes from, ensuring that we can offer our customers the highest level of confidence and ethical standards in the products we provide.

How to Make Your Wig Look More Natural

When you first receive one of our wigs, it typically comes styled with a middle part. However, if you're not used to wearing your own hair this way, don’t worry—feel free to experiment with different partings, like side parts or deep side parts, to see what feels most natural to you.

Another way to enhance the natural look of your wig is by having it customized by your hairdresser. A little trimming, some light layering around the face, or even a side-swept bang can make a big difference in how the wig frames your face, making it look more like your own natural hair.

Rooting is another key element to achieving a more natural appearance. Since European hair is often donated in ponytails, the hair at the top of the wig tends to be the same color as the lengths, which can lack the natural root depth that we typically have. When hair grows out naturally, the roots are often darker and ashier than the lengths, which lighten due to sun exposure. Since wig hair is typically cut from a ponytail, it doesn’t have this natural root variation.

To address this, we often add a darker root to the wig color, mimicking the natural darker root that many people (and even children) have, often seen in the eyebrows or along the hairline. This small detail helps your wig look much more realistic and better blends with your natural features.

With these simple adjustments—experimenting with different partings, trimming for shape, and adding a natural root color—you can make your wig look even more authentic and personalized.

A piece with Human hair (All Penelopé Wigs and Toppers pieces) can be colored/toned. But since it features a silk or lace cap, it is strongly recommended visiting a professional hairdresser. It's essential that they avoid coloring the cap itself, which may require some adjustment if they haven’t worked with wigs before. There are also specialists in the U.S. who focus on recoloring wigs and toppers, so feel free to reach out if you need any recommendations.

All virgin hair pieces can be bleached or highlighted.

Synthetic or mixed hair (synthetic with human) can't be bleached, colored or toned.

As for cutting a wig, a regular hairdresser should have no problem handling that. If you ant to cut your wig yourself, it is strongly advised to cut the wig on a mannequinhead or on somebody else.

Curling

When curling a wig, it’s essential to first determine whether the hair can withstand heat. Traditional synthetic wigs cannot be curled using heat tools, but our heat-friendly synthetic fibers can. We recommend The Tresstech Cool Dual Flow Styler and Curler, specifically designed for styling heat-friendly synthetic wigs.

For human hair wigs, you can use heat tools without any problems, but it's best to start with lower temperatures. Experiment with these temperatures to see how well the curls hold; Slavic hair often responds very well to curling.

To achieve the best results, we love using a metal table stand with a canvas mannequin to pin the wig down. This setup makes it easier to style the wig, especially the back, compared to trying to curl it while it's on your head.

Perming

You can perm your wig if it’s made of uncolored/virgin human hair. It’s advisable to have the perm done by a professional stylist to ensure the best results and to minimize potential damage.

Styling

Styling a wig flat is similar to styling curls. Our human hair wigs are versatile and can be styled just like your natural hair, so you can experiment with different looks. For synthetic wigs, we again recommend using our special styling tool The Tresstech Cool Dual Flow Styler.

For our human hair wigs, we highly advise using a steam styler, such as our SteamPlus. The steam helps to maintain the integrity of the hair while creating a polished look, leaving your wig feeling soft and natural.

Products

To change the parting of your hairpiece, you can either lightly wet the area you want to adjust or do it after washing the wig when it’s still wet. If you're wetting it, use a spray bottle for even application. Then, gently comb the hair in the new direction you desire. If you're doing it after washing, simply style the hair in the new parting while it's damp and allow it to air dry in that position. Once it’s dry, the hair will typically hold the new parting more effectively.

Capsize bigger or smaller

there are ways to adjust the size of your wig, though making it smaller is generally easier than making it bigger. If you need alterations to the cap, feel free to contact us. We currently collaborate with a specialist who focuses on cap alterations, ensuring that your wig fits perfectly. For any questions or to request size adjustments, just reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through the process!

You can also contact us for other alterations such as change of lace, or cutting of eartabs etc.

! We only do alterations on wigs and hairpieces sold by Penelopé Wigs and Toppers

Yes, you can wear hairpieces in a ponytail! Toppers are particularly great for both low and high ponytails. Their smaller caps make it easy to style your hair up. It may take a little practice to get the clips positioned correctly, but once you master it, you’ll find it very easy to do.

Wigs, on the other hand, can be a bit more challenging for high ponytails, but they are suitable for low to mid-ponytails. Our lace cap wigs can also be styled into a messy bun (low to mid) or ponytail. If you're aiming for a sleek look, like a high ponytail, we recommend considering a topper as a stylish option.

Additionally, both toppers and wigs can be styled into elegant updos, making them great choices for special occasions like weddings.

For a human hair wig, always use a sulfate-free shampoo, like our recommended products below. Begin by filling the sink with cool to lukewarm water, adding a small amount of shampoo, and mixing it well. Gently place the wig in the water, allowing it to flow naturally, and softly massage the shampoo into the hair.

Afterward, rinse thoroughly, then add a bit of conditioner to the water. Ensure the conditioner only touches the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, avoiding the roots, as conditioner can loosen the knots. Finally, rinse with running water to remove any residue.

Dry the wig gently by patting it with a towel. If you notice any knots, use a wide-tooth comb like our recommended model to carefully detangle. Be sure to hold the hair close to the roots while combing to prevent pulling and loosening the hair from the base. Once detangled, let the wig air dry on a towel or place it on a mannequin head for best results.

We recommend to wash the hairpiece in the evening, so it can dry naturally during the night. In the morning you can dry the wig fully with a hairdryer if still wet.

You can also blowdry the hairpiece when still wet, just like your own hair.

How Often Should I Wash My Hairpiece?

It’s important not to over-wash your hairpiece, as it doesn’t need the same level of care as your natural hair. Since the hair doesn’t grow from your scalp, it won’t get greasy at the roots as easily. We recommend washing your wig only when it’s truly dirty or feels greasy, which is typically much less often than your own hair. Washing it every couple of weeks should be sufficient.

If you exercise regularly and feel the need to wash your wig afterward, that’s perfectly fine. However, it might be a good idea to have one hairpiece for everyday wear and another for sports, so you don’t have to wash it after every use. This will help keep your wig looking fresh without unnecessary wear.

What products do you recommend?

For washing your wig, it’s important to use a sulfate-free shampoo, as sulfates can be too harsh and strip the hair of its natural shine. Our favorite is Kerastase Bain Fluidealiste.

For conditioners, you can use any conditioner you like, but it's important to apply it only to the lengths of the hair, avoiding the roots. This helps prevent weakening the knots where the hair is attached to the cap.

Brush the Wig: Gently detangle the wig with our stainless steel synthetic hair brus before washing.

Prepare the Water: Fill a sink or basin with cool water (never hot, as it can damage synthetic fibers). Add a small amount of specially formulated wig shampoo, like our wig shampoos.

Wash the Wig: Place the wig in the water and gently swirl it for 1-2 minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the hair to prevent tangling.

Rinse: Drain the water and refill the sink with fresh, cool water. Swish the wig gently to remove all the shampoo.

Condition: You can use a wig conditioner or detangling spray, but avoid applying it to the wig's roots, as it can loosen the fibers. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends. Don't brush, but use your fingers if it needs detangling.

Dry the Wig: Gently pat the wig with a towel to remove excess water. Do not wring or rub the wig. Place it on a wig stand or mannequin head to air dry

If you're somebody who enjoys wearing makeup, you may have noticed that sometimes your foundation can transfer onto the lace of your wig, especially with lace wigs or silk wigs with lace fronts. This can make the lace more noticeable the next time you put your wig on, as the foundation can stain the lace and make it appear less translucent.

Luckily, it’s easy to clean and restore the lace to its original state! Here’s how:

Use Micellar Water:
I recommend using micellar water, which is gentle and effective for removing makeup. Take a cotton swab or cotton stick and dip it in the micellar water.

Clean Under the Lace:
Place the wig on your head and carefully run the cotton swab under the lace where the makeup has stained it. Gently wipe away the foundation or makeup residue.

For Heavy Stains:
If there’s a significant amount of makeup, I prefer to soak a small amount of micellar water directly onto the lace front, allowing it to sit for a few moments. You’ll see the foundation begin to lift off. Then, simply rinse it with water to remove any excess.

Dry and Restore:
After cleaning, the lace will look much clearer and more see-through, just like the first day you wore it. The makeup residue will be gone, and your wig will be back to looking natural!

You can do this as much as you want, when needed.

After washing, we recommend applying a small amount of oil to your synthetic hair wig—just enough to add shine without weighing it down. Personally, I love using the Steampod to make the hair silky smooth. This tool is gentle on the hair because it uses steam and plates, minimizing heat damage. After a good wash, the Steampod leaves the hair feeling soft and revitalized, perfect for straightening or curling. You can also use the Steampod between washes to maintain that smooth, sleek look.

Caring for Curly Wigs

Our curly wigs are made with real curly hair, which means they should be treated just like natural curly biohair. The same care methods apply—gentle handling, proper hydration, and the right styling techniques will keep the curls looking beautiful and defined.

We personally love using a diffuser to dry the curls, as it helps maintain their natural shape without creating frizz. Many of our customers (and team!) also follow the Curly Girl Method, which includes avoiding sulfates, using curl-friendly products, and gently scrunching or plopping the curls to encourage definition.

With the right care, your curly wig will look full of life—just like naturally curly hair.

We used to offer a lot of custom orders, but for now, we’ve decided to pause them. We're currently focusing on expanding our ready-to-ship stock and offering new pieces every week through regular drop dates.

That said, we plan to bring custom orders back in the future. So if you have something specific in mind, feel free to reach out to us—we’re happy to see what might be possible or offer a close alternative from our collection.

Yes, you can—and we’re very grateful for it! Whether you’d like to donate or sell your hair, feel free to send us a message. We’ll be happy to look at your hair and let you know what we can offer you in return.

At the moment, we’re actively working towards setting a fixed weekly drop day where all our new pieces will be released at once. While it's not in place just yet, we're getting close—and as soon as we have a set day, we’ll let you know! Stay tuned, it's coming soon.

Yes, absolutely! You're very welcome to visit us in our showroom in Waterloo. We work by appointment to make sure we can give you the time and attention you deserve.

You can book your appointment [here]. We look forward to meeting you!