Frankie Hair Toppers FAQ’s
Embarking on your hair loss journey and exploring alternative hair solutions can be daunting. To help you along the way, we've created a FAQ section for wigs and toppers, answering all your burning questions!
What type of hair does Frankie use?
We use 100% premium remy human hair. Premium remy human hair is one of the softest and longest-lasting types of hair available.
The cuticle of the hair remains intact and the hair lays in one overlapping direction, with the open end towards the tip of the hair. With the cuticle intact, it reflects the natural shininess of the hair and minimises matting and tangling whilst looking completely natural in appearance.
No two hair pieces will look the same due to variance in the donor’s hair texture. Frankie’s hair is naturally straight and depending on the donor may have a slight wave. Frankie pieces are shown with curls/waves which have been achieved by using heat styling tools.
Do I have to match my natural hair?
If you're uncertain about the colour or unsure which shade suits you best, feel free to send us a photo of yourself standing in bright area but non-direct lighting. The colour you decide on is completely a matter of personal preference. Some women choose a shade that closely matches their natural hair, while others go for a slightly different hue based on their topper styling preferences.
What length should I order?
Frankie hair toppers are measured from the centre part down. As a general guide we suggest adding two inches longer than your natural hair as this will allow your stylist to trim and blend your topper in with your existing hair. You may even decide you love the extra length!
Do you offer consultations?
We offer in-house consultations at our cozy home-based studio, providing a small and intimate setting. Additionally, we extend our services to Zoom consultations and complimentary virtual sessions, where we can delve into discussions about hair loss; hair toppers, wigs, or anything else you can think of relating to hair!
Can Frankie pieces be styled up?
Absolutely! Our hairpieces are versatile for styling in any way you desire.
Just like your natural hair, you can tie them in a low to mid ponytail or braid them during exercise. It might take a few practice runs, but styling your topper will soon become second nature.
If you lead an active lifestyle, it's advisable to tie your hairpiece or wear it in a secure style to minimise tangling. Like any hairpiece, occasional tangling may occur, making it crucial to brush out your topper after each wear.
Can I swim in my human hair piece?
We do not recommend swimming in hair toppers or wigs as salt water and chlorine is damaging to the hair and will reduce its lifespan. Salt crystals can settle into the hair strands, making them rough and prone to snags. Chlorine strips your alternate hair of its moisture, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Plus, it can mess with the colour, turning your beautiful blonde piece into an unfortunate shade of green.
If you're determined to swim with alternative hair, consider purchasing an inexpensive synthetic piece specifically for this purpose. This way, you can enjoy the water without worrying about potential damage to your primary alternative hairpiece.
How do I care for my Frankie topper or wig?
Investing in a high-quality Frankie topper or wig comes with easy-to-follow tips to ensure a longer lifespan. Your hairpiece will include a care card with instructions on proper maintenance.
The frequency of shampooing your hairpiece depends on how often you wear it. If you lead an active lifestyle, you may need to shampoo it more frequently. Similarly, if you have fine or oily hair, the oils can transfer to the hairpiece, necessitating more regular cleaning. Before washing, ensure all clips are closed, and begin by thoroughly brushing out any knots or tangles using a paddle brush, working upwards.
Fill your sink with tepid water, and create a lather using salon-quality, sulfate and paraben free shampoo. Our favourite product (did we mention Australian made too!) is this. Grasping the silk top to minimise tangling, dip your piece in and out of the water and give it an occasional swirl. Rinse thoroughly in tepid water, then apply a moisturising, salon-quality conditioner directly onto your hands and gently distribute through the hair piece. Take care to avoid the silk top as it can cause the hand-tied knots to dislodge. Rinse thoroughly. Please note that it is normal for some hair fall during this period.
Blonde pieces need extra care. We recommend leaving the conditioner on for a longer period and ensure you use a monthly hair treatment mask. You can also use a violet shampoo to minimise any brassy or yellow tones.
Word of caution: do not apply violet shampoo directly onto the hair piece as this will create patchiness and staining, particularly on the silk top.
To dry, gently blot away excess water with a towel. Then, place it on an absorbent towel and let it dry overnight.
It's important to note that excessive washing can accelerate oxidation and decrease the overall lifespan of your hairpiece. We recommend not washing it more than once per month to maintain its longevity.
If you've purchased a lace front piece, exercise extra caution to avoid any rips or tears while shampooing and conditioning.
Coats or scarves can make your topper or wig more susceptible to tangling. To prevent this, we recommend using a leave-in treatment and brushing the hair more frequently.
Can I use heat tools on my topper or wig?
While heat tools can be applied to your Frankie topper or wig, it's crucial to avoid excessively high temperatures. Using high heat can lead to dryness, making the hair more prone to frizziness, tangling, and reduced longevity.
Always use a salon-grade heat protectant before applying any heat to your hairpiece.
How do I store my topper or wig?
Make sure to brush the piece from bottom to top to eliminate any tangles. If it's a topper, close all clips and place it on a mannequin head. For wigs, ensure that the mannequin head has a smaller circumference than your wig to avoid stretching.
Ideally, cover your alternate hair to prevent it from accumulating dust. Store your human hair piece away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
What is density and why is it important?
Density, in simple terms, is about how much hair is in a wig or topper cap, determining its fullness. Think of it like this: a 150% density wig looks fuller than a 130% one. Now, the catch is, there's no universal density standard for hairpieces; each company does its own thing. Frankie goes for a 130% density, keeping the topper lightweight. Wigs naturally have a higher density due to cap construction, but we make sure they still look natural.
Why 130%? After lots of testing, it's the right balance – not too heavy, no slipping or hair pulling, and just enough coverage without looking fake.
If we go for less hair than what we've chosen, the lace and silk underneath will become visible, and we definitely want to avoid that!
And hey, if you fancy a different density, reach out for a custom order. We've got your back!
What type equipment do you need to alternate hair?
We recommend purchasing a few essential pieces of equipment to help you look after your hair piece. These are:
Salon quality shampoo, conditioner and a treatment mask. Our toppers and wigs love the Pure hair care range. It provides ultra soft hair care therapy, it's organic, sulphate and paraben free. Best of all it's manufactured here in Australia.
Grab a mannequin head for storing and styling your piece. Just a quick reminder, if it's a wig, opt for one with a slightly smaller circumference to avoid any stretching.
A suction clamp that secures onto a flat surface and connects to the mannequin head. This makes styling a breeze!
A collapsible plastic wig stand for travelling.
Stainless steel T-pins to attach your human hair piece to the mannequin head for styling.
Alligator clips for sectioning the hair when styling.
Paddle brush, wide tooth comb, spray bottle and a rat tail comb for getting that part just on par!
What are hair toppers?
Hair toppers can be referred to as hair extensions, hair enhancers or wiglets. Virtually undetectable, our 100% remy human hair toppers are designed to be clipped and blended into your own hair, they give an illusion of greater thickness and instant length whilst camouflaging areas of hair thinning or hair loss.
Toppers are a versatile solution. They can be tied up, curled and straightened. They can be worn at the hairline or further back depending on where you are looking to add volume. Whether your hair loss is due to genetics or medical, our remy human hair toppers provide the ultimate hair loss solution.
They are also perfect for fashion and events, you don’t necessarily need to have thinning hair to enjoy one of our gorgeous Frankie Hair Toppers.
What features do Frankie toppers offer?
Frankie hair toppers are meticulously crafted by hand, using 100% remy human hair. Renowned for their remarkable lightweight feel and breathability, these toppers have a multi-directional hand-tied 4' x 4" silk top. This specific area allows for the flexibility to style and part your hair in any direction, maintaining an exceptionally realistic and natural scalp appearance even from up close. The remaining portion of the topper features a machine-sewn wefted back, which adds stretchiness for a comfortable fit on the head.
Another significant feature of our toppers is our pressure-sensitive clips. These clips are meticulously designed to delicately cradle your hair, guaranteeing a secure fit without any unnecessary hair-pulling drama.
Our hair toppers also come with a detachable comb positioned at the front of the piece. While some prefer to remove it, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Simply place, snap & go!
Our toppers are available in two base sizes: either 8 x 8" or 9 x 9", which we've discovered suits the majority of our clients. If you're seeking a smaller base size, please shoot us an email, and we'll be happy to assist you.
Does the topper base size truly make a difference?
The base size of the topper is a matter of personal preference. Whilst the base size doesn’t influence the topper’s visual appearance, many women find a larger base to be more comfortable by not clipping into sensitive areas on the scalp.
A larger base size will also cover a greater area of hair loss. Additionally, consider potential future hair loss. Choosing a larger base size now may be a cost-effective decision, saving you money in the long run.
How do I measure for a wig?
Are you on the look out for a wig but unsure how to measure for one? Grab yourself a flexible tape measure and measure as shown in the chart. Then you will need to compare your measurements to those reflected on the Wig Chart. If you find that you are in-between sizes, opt for the larger size as the wigs have adjustable straps at the base. Another option is to use a wig grip which will lessen the circumference space. These are complimentary and are enclosed with your topper or wig.