Is Your Hair Thinning? Here's What You Should Try

Everything you need to know about wigs, weaves, extensions and toppers.

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Published May 15, 2025
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James Yates

Decades ago, while I was still in college, I not only decided that I wanted to be a costume designer. I actually sent out resumes to local theater companies saying that I was a costume designer. Reasonably enough, I got no bites — until a designer named Santo Loquasto was tapped to work on an early Woody Allen movie, and when he fled, I was called in a panic to take over his job.

That show was called The Long Way, and with only two weeks to complete it, I was fortunate that I could rent army uniforms for the 30 men in the cast. But so that the uniform-wearing cast didn’t all blur together, their characters had to be differentiated in some way — and that was when I discovered the power of wigs.

Of course, this help with our hair, be it thickening or lengthening, is much appreciated far beyond the stage. Celebs from Jane Fonda to Salma Hayek (who dons a wig when she wants to go blonde for a day) to Chrissy Teigen, who experiments with extensions, are all fans of giving their natural hair different twists or lengths. Country legend Dolly Parton is well-known for her big blonde styles.

Wigs, hair extensions, weaves and toppers offer versatility and styling options, whether for managing the hair loss that frequently comes with age or simply experimenting with different hairstyles.

We get to test different personas, with varying colors and textures — do we go curly or straight? Whether you’re looking to add a cover-up or a shot of glamour, here are some tips on what choices to make:

Hair Extensions are strands of additional hair that are attached to your natural hair to add length, volume or highlights. They can be applied in several different ways. Clip-in extensions are temporary and can be applied at home. They feature small clips that attach to your natural hair and can be removed daily. These are ideal for occasional use and cause minimal damage, though they may feel slightly heavy and can slip if not properly secured.

Other extensions involve adhesive strips that sandwich your natural hair in place. More permanent than clip-ins, they require professional installation and removal, and the adhesive can sometimes damage fine hair.

Weaves are sewn into natural hair and are particularly suitable for those with textured and/or braided hair. They can last two to three months, longer than clip or tape-ins. Weaves provide excellent security that the added hair will stay in place and they can protect natural hair when properly installed. However, weaves can put tension on the scalp, and improper installation or removal can damage natural hair, so make sure you have an experienced stylist. Add some splices of fun and surprise to your dark hair with some streaks of blonde or silver.

Wigs are different from other hair enhancements because they cover the entire head.  They come in two main categories. Human hair wigs offer the most natural look and can be styled, colored and treated like natural hair. They're more expensive but can last up to three years, or more, with proper care. Synthetic wigs are more affordable and they can look quite natural, though they can't be styled with heat. Wigs are ideal for those wanting low-maintenance options or trying out different styles. The array of lengths and colors and textures is vast, to cater to cancer patients and women who must cover their natural hair, as ruled by their religion.

When choosing a wig, look for hand-tied, lace caps for the most natural appearance and comfortable fit.

More and more celebs are admitting to wearing wigs. Thus, their ability to never have a bad hair day.

After years in the modelling business, Tyra Banks was suffering hair damage from frequent styling. She found respite in wearing wigs, which allowed her natural hair a chance to recover. Performers like Cher and Lady Gaga, both famous for their bold fashion choices, wear extravagant wigs to make a statement and express creativity.

Yes, it’s true that wigs can be hot and itchy, but they provide the most tried-and-true coverage. And, as my then-four-year-old, Alliana, once said when a manicurist unintentionally nipped her skin, “Beauty hurts!” But frankly, in the case of wigs, not so much.

Toppers are partial wigs that cover specific areas, typically the crown and top of the head. They're ideal for those with thinning hair rather than complete hair loss. Toppers come in various sizes and attachment methods. Clip-in toppers are the most common and can be removed daily. They require some natural hair for attachment, but provide excellent coverage for crown thinning.

Still, if you’re worried about living in a windy city and the chance that your topper might fall off, I’d opt for a tape-in style. This offers a more permanent solution, and can stay in place for several weeks, and can be part of the shampoo regimen. These require professional installation but provide secure, natural-looking coverage. While they’re more lightweight and comfortable than a full wig, they are not suitable for those with extensive hair loss.

What to look for when buying any of the above:

· Quality of Hair: For human hair pieces, look for hair where cuticles are aligned in the same direction, preventing tangling. Virgin hair (unprocessed) offers the most natural appearance and longevity.

· Color Matching: Natural hair varies in tone throughout, so look for pieces with subtle color variations rather than solid colors. Many suppliers offer color matching services.

· Installation and Maintenance Costs: Consider the total investment, including regular maintenance, cleaning, and potential replacement. Professional installation might be necessary for certain options. Though most women decide that having a marvelous mane is worth the price!

As always, if you want to find out where to buy your hair toppers, a recommendation is best. Get advice from a happy wig-wearing friend. A quick online search of "best places to buy wigs, weaves, extensions," then adding the name of your hometown, will get you to a quality shop.

Hair loss can be traumatic — especially when it’s the result of disease or chemotherapy. I’ll always remember years ago, going to a wig store with my good friend Susan, who was balding as a result of cancer treatment. We tried on the most outrageous wigs — purple shags, long red locks and had the best time. Then she found a beautiful auburn bob that mimicked her natural color and style.

From this experience with Susan and from conversations with friends who are simply insecure about thinning hair, I know that the right wig at the right time makes women feel better about themselves. And isn’t that what our beauty routines should be about?

Have any of you tried hair extensions or toppers or wigs? How did it go? Let us know in the comments below.

Lynn Schnurnberger is a bestselling author, longtime contributor to major national publications, frequent TV guest, former NBC talk show producer, and founder of Foster Pride, a nonprofit empowering youth in foster care through mentoring and the arts.