Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 Australia Wide! 🇦🇺

Pay in 4 × interest-free with Afterpay OR or from $10/week with Zip

 'Best extensions I've ever bought!' – Sarah, Sydney

Rated 4.8/5 Stars by Aussie women.

Join 3,000+ happy Australian customers.

Trusted by Thousands | Easy Returns 🇦🇺
How To Take Photos For The Best Colour Match

How To Take Photos For The Best Colour Match

by Olivia in Articles

Most colour match problems start with the photo, not the hair. If I want the closest match for hair extensions, I need to send clear, unedited photos in soft daylight, with my hair dry, down, and shown from more than one angle.

Here’s the short version:

  • Use soft daylight near a window or in open shade
  • Avoid direct sun, flash, backlighting, and warm indoor lights
  • Keep hair dry and product-free
  • Wear neutral clothing and stand in front of a plain background
  • Use normal camera mode only with no filters or edits
  • Send front, both sides, back, and close-up shots
  • Show the mid-lengths and ends, because that’s where the blend usually matters most —especially when fitting halo hair extensions or clip-ins.

A phone is enough. In fact, with today’s cameras, most people already have what they need. The main thing is setup. Even a small lighting shift can change how blonde, brunette, grey, or balayage tones look on screen. That matters because hair can show more than one tone at once from root to end.

If I’ve had highlights, old colour, or balayage, I should say so when I send the photos. That gives the team a better view of what needs to match first.

So if I want a closer colour match, I should keep it simple: good light, no edits, dry hair, plain background, and all the key angles.

How to Take the Perfect Hair Colour Match Photo

How to Take the Perfect Hair Colour Match Photo

How to choose lighting that shows your real hair colour

For the most accurate colour-matching photos, use soft, indirect daylight. Once your lighting is right, you’ve got a much better shot at showing your hair’s true tone.

Use soft daylight near a window or in open shade

The most reliable setup is indirect natural daylight. If you’re indoors, stand facing a window so the light falls across the front of your hair. If you’re outside, look for open shade, like under a covered area or next to a building, where the light is bright but diffused.

Both setups help your hair appear in soft, even light. That makes it easier to see its true depth and undertone without colour distortion.

Face the light source so your hair is lit evenly from root to tip. This helps show the mid-lengths and ends clearly for colour matching.

Avoid direct sun, backlighting and yellow indoor lights

Direct midday sun is harsh. It can blow out highlights, create heavy shadows, and make hair look lighter or warmer than it is.

Standing with a window behind you causes the opposite issue. Your hair drops into shadow and can look darker or harder to judge.

Warm indoor lights can also add an orange or golden cast that isn’t there in person, which makes colour matching less reliable.

With lighting sorted, move on to hair, clothing and background.

How to prepare your hair, background and phone before taking photos

Before you take any photos, set things up properly. That gives the Silkara Hair team a much clearer view of your colour, tone and how the blend should look.

Wear your hair down and show its natural texture

Make sure your hair is fully dry before you take photos. Wet hair tends to look darker and shinier than it is, which can throw off the colour check straight away [5].

Wear your hair down and brush it through so the full length and natural texture can be seen [1]. The main area to show is the mid-lengths and ends, because that’s where the blend matters most [2][3].

It also helps to skip heavy oils, gels and sprays before taking photos. Those products can make hair look darker or flatter than it looks in person [5].

Use a plain background and neutral clothing

Stand in front of a plain white, beige or light grey wall or door. Wear a neutral-coloured top too, so your clothes or background don’t cast extra colour onto your hair [5].

Turn off filters and use standard photo mode

Use standard camera mode only. Portrait mode, beauty modes and auto colour correction can blur edges, smooth texture and shift undertones [3][5].

Leave brightness, saturation, contrast and exposure alone as well. Even small edits can make it harder to judge your real shade. A light crop or straightening the image is fine.

Once everything is set up, move on to the front, side and back shots next.

The key angles to photograph for colour matching

Once your lighting and prep are done, take photos from the front, both sides, the back, and a few close-ups. Those angles give the clearest view of your colour and make matching much easier.

Angle What to show Useful for
Front Roots, hairline and face-framing layers Clip-in bangs, fringes, halos and clip-ins
Side (left & right) Light reflection, highlights, lowlights and mid-length blend points Halos, clip-in sets and tape-ins
Back Full length, overall colour consistency and natural density Ponytail extensions, halos and full-head clip-in sets
Close-up (crown/part line) Root colour, part width and thinning areas Human hair toppers and thinning hair solutions
Close-up (ends) Exact tip shade and colour fade Clip-in extensions, halos and ponytail extensions

Front, left and right photos for shade and face-framing blend

For the front photo, face the camera with your hair down. This shot shows your roots, hairline, and how the colour sits around your face [4].

Then take a photo of each side. Left and right matter because hair doesn’t always reflect light the same way on both sides. One side might show highlights, lowlights, or blend lines that barely show in the front shot [4][3].

Back photo for full length, density and blending area

Take one back photo that shows your hair from root to tip. This makes it easier to see density through the length, along with any fade or shift in colour toward the ends [1][4].

Close-up photos of the crown, part line, hairline or ends

Close-ups help fill in the small details that wider shots can miss. For a human hair topper, a top-down photo of your natural part helps show part width and root depth [4][5].

If you have regrowth, grey strands, or balayage, take a close-up of the transition zone too. That gives a clearer view of how the tones change through the hair [4]. For clip-in bangs or fringes, move the hair back a little so your natural hairline is visible, along with any grey regrowth that needs to blend in [4].

Before sending the photos, check the common photo mistakes below.

Common photo mistakes and how to fix them before you send

Before you send your photos, give them a quick check. A few small issues can make it harder to assess your hair colour properly.

Common mistake Quick fix
Harsh sunlight or shadows Move to soft, indirect daylight near a window or in open shade.
Yellow or warm indoor lights Turn off indoor lights and use natural daylight instead.
Hair tied up in a bun or ponytail Wear your hair down from root to tip.
Filters, flash or HDR settings Use standard photo mode with no filters or flash.
Only sending one angle Send front, back and side photos, plus close-ups.
Dark or busy clothing Wear neutral-coloured clothing against a plain background.

If you’ve had any colour work done before, mention it when you send your photos. That includes old colour, highlights, or balayage. This matters because the mid-lengths and ends should be matched first. Roots are usually darker, so they’re not the best place to start.

Send clear, unedited photos in natural light, with your hair down and from a few angles.

FAQs

What if I can only take photos indoors?

If you can only take photos indoors, stand about 30 to 60 centimetres from a window with soft, indirect natural daylight. Switch off artificial lights, including overhead lights and lamps, because they can add blue or yellow tones and throw off how your hair colour looks.

Skip direct sunlight too. It can wash out the photo or create harsh shadows. This helps the Silkara Hair team see your hair’s true tones more clearly.

Should I mention highlights or old colour?

Yes. Please mention if your hair has highlights, lowlights, or if you’re transitioning from an old colour.

That gives the Silkara Hair team a better sense of your current shade, because hair is rarely just one flat colour. For the best match, make sure your photos are clear, taken in natural light, and show your hair worn down from root to tip so those differences are easy to see.

Which part of my hair matters most to match?

For the most natural blend, match the mid-lengths and ends of your hair instead of your roots. Roots are often darker because of new growth and less sun exposure. The ends, on the other hand, are usually the most visible spot where extensions or toppers need to blend in.

If you usually wear your hair up, like in a ponytail, matching closer to your roots can work better. Otherwise, matching the mid-lengths usually gives the smoothest transition.

Related Blog Posts

Related Posts

Why Doesn’t My Colour Match Exactly?

Why Doesn’t My Colour Match Exactly?

If your topper or extensions look right in one light and off in another, that’s normal. Hair colour shifts under different lighting, phone cameras can skew tone, and your roots, mid-lengths, and ends often aren’t the same shade anyway. Here’s the short answer: Check colour in soft daylight near a window Match your mid-lengths and ends, not just roots Focus on undertone as much as depth Expect a close blend, not a perfect swatch copy Multi-tonal shades often hide small differences better than flat shades A 1-shade difference can look minor once the piece is worn and styled, but the wrong undertone can stand out straight away. That’s why I’d judge colour on your visible lengths in natural light, with clean, dry hair and no flash photos. Check Higher risk of mismatch Lower risk of mismatch Lighting Warm indoor bulbs, bathroom lights, direct sun Soft, indirect daylight Match point Roots or regrowth only Mid-lengths and ends Shade type Flat single tone Multi-tonal shade Photo method Flash, filters, auto-edited images Clear daylight photos If I keep those four checks in mind, choosing a shade gets much less frustrating. What causes a visible colour mismatch Hair Colour Matching: High vs Low Mismatch Risk Factors A visible colour mismatch usually comes down to three things: lighting, natural variation, and the difference between flat colour and dimensional colour. How indoor light, outdoor light and phone cameras affect colour The light you use to check a shade changes what you see. Warm yellow bulbs, which are common in living rooms and bedrooms, can make hair look more golden or red. Cool bathroom lighting or fluorescent light can make it look ashier or flatter. Natural indirect daylight is the best way to see the colour as it is. A simple way to do that is to stand near a window, with no direct sun hitting your hair. Phone photos make things even trickier. Auto white balance, HDR settings, and exposure changes can all shift how colour looks in an image. The colour itself hasn't changed - the camera has. That's why shade checks should be done in neutral daylight, not based only on indoor lighting or a phone photo. Why roots, mid-lengths and ends rarely match each other Hair usually isn't one even shade from top to bottom. Roots are often darker, while mid-lengths and ends tend to be lighter from sun, colour, or regrowth. That matters because a topper sits beside your mid-lengths and ends, not just your roots. If you match it to the regrowth at the roots, it can end up looking too dark or a bit separate from the rest of your hair. For a better blend, match the visible length of your hair rather than focusing only on the roots. Flat colour versus multi-tonal hair Most natural hair isn't one flat shade. It has tonal shifts throughout, which is why it tends to look softer and more natural. A flat hairpiece can sit next to that variation and look like one solid block of colour, even when the depth level is close. In a lot of cases, the issue isn't the wrong depth level. It's the lack of tonal variation. Dimensional colour tends to hide small shade gaps better because it reflects the movement and depth you usually see in natural hair. Once you know if your hair looks flat or dimensional, it's much easier to judge the shade properly. sbb-itb-08feb2fHow to check your true colour before choosing a shade Once you know how light shifts colour, use this simple at-home check to narrow down the right shade for toppers and extensions. Assess your hair in natural, indirect daylight Check your hair near a window in soft, indirect daylight. Wear it down, clean, and fully dry. If you take a photo, skip filters and flash. Take a clear photo in natural light from the front and back so you can record your true colour. Match the mid-lengths and ends first After checking your hair in daylight, match the area where the piece will sit: the mid-lengths and ends. This matters even more if your colour has faded, if you have balayage, or if you’re blending grey. In those cases, a piece that matches the mid-lengths will usually blend in more smoothly. If you’re stuck between two shades, go with the slightly lighter one. A lighter piece is often easier to blend than a darker one. Quick colour-check comparison table Use this guide to compare your options. What you're comparing Higher mismatch risk Better for blending Lighting Warm indoor light or direct sun Soft daylight near a window Area to match Darkest roots or regrowth Mid-lengths and ends where the piece sits Colour type Single-tone shade Multi-tonal shade Why dimensional shades usually blend better How highlights, lowlights and tonal variation soften a mismatch That variation is a big reason a dimensional shade often blends better than a single flat colour. Natural hair already has depth built in. A dimensional shade mirrors those shifts in tone, so it tends to sit more quietly next to highlighted, balayaged or sun-faded hair. Because dimensional shades use more than one tone, they usually work better with hair that already has variation. By contrast, a flat colour can look more flat in bright light, even when the depth level is close. When a slight mismatch still looks natural once worn A small shade gap often looks softer once the piece is worn. After it’s on, movement helps blur small differences, which makes them less obvious. Undertone matters a lot here. Getting the undertone right - warm, cool or neutral - is often more important than matching the depth exactly. If the piece shares your hair’s undertone, it’s more likely to blend quietly into the full look. If the undertone is off, you can end up with a visible seam. The goal is blend, not an exact swatch match. How to improve blending and choose with confidence Style the piece with your own hair for a softer blend Once you've found the closest shade, the styling does a lot of the heavy lifting. Wear the piece with your usual parting, then blend your own hair through it. Curl or wave both together so the textures sit as one, not two separate layers. That small step can make a big difference. If the finish still looks a little off, compare your photos with a shade match. Sometimes the issue isn't the colour itself, but how the hair is sitting. If the length is slightly out, a stylist can do a dry cut or add light layers after the piece is fitted. This helps soften any visible step where your hair meets the piece, so it falls in a more natural way. Use Silkara Hair colour support before you buy If you're stuck between shades, use Silkara Hair's colour support before ordering. Send two clear photos - one from the front and one from the back - to info@silkarahair.com. Take the photos in natural, indirect daylight near a window, with your hair down and dry so the full length can be seen. It also helps to include the product type you're looking at, such as a ponytail, halo or clip-in. Silkara Hair usually replies with a shade recommendation within 12–24 hours [1]. Conclusion: Aim for blend, not exact sameness Hair colour changes under different lighting, and your roots, mid-lengths and ends often don't match perfectly anyway. So chasing an exact copy of your hair colour usually isn't realistic - and you don't need it to be. In most cases, a dimensional shade with the same undertone as your hair, and one that sits close to your mid-lengths and ends, will blend better than a flat shade picked just to match a swatch. Aim for a close undertone match, choose the shade that works with your mid-lengths and ends, and let styling handle the rest. FAQs How do I know my hair undertone? Check your hair in natural sunlight and look for the secondary tones under the main colour. Warm undertones tend to show golden, copper, amber, or red notes. Cool undertones usually look more ash, grey, silver, or violet. If your hair doesn’t lean clearly either way, it’s likely neutral. You can also check your wrist veins. Green often points to warm undertones, while blue or purple usually suggests cool. If both gold and silver jewellery look good on you, your undertone is likely neutral. Should I match faded ends or fresh colour? Match your extensions or topper to your mid-lengths and ends, not your roots. Your roots are often darker because of new growth, but the mid-lengths and ends are the parts that need to blend. Hair colour tends to shift and fade over time, so matching the ends usually gives you a smoother, more natural look. Multi-tonal shades often work best because they blend in with the variation already in your hair. Can a stylist adjust the piece colour? Yes, a professional stylist can adjust the colour of human hair pieces, including 100% Remy human hair extensions or toppers. That said, human hair pieces don’t always react to colour the same way as hair growing from your scalp. So it’s best to book with a stylist who has experience working with alternative hair. If you’re having trouble finding the right match, go a little lighter if you can. That’s usually the safer option. It’s much easier to darken a piece or add lowlights than it is to lighten one that’s already too dark. Related Blog Posts Common Hair Extension Problems and Solutions 6 Ways to Match Hair Extensions to Natural Hair Color How to Choose the Perfect Hair Extension Colour for Seamless Blending Ultimate Guide to Dyeing Hair Extensions

Learn more
Understanding Hair Topper Density: Light vs Medium vs Full Volume

Understanding Hair Topper Density: Light vs Medium vs Full Volume

If I choose the wrong density, even a good colour match can still look off. The short answer is simple: light density suits early thinning, medium suits most day-to-day wear, and full volume suits more advanced hair loss or bigger styles. Here’s what matters most: Light density is often about 80% and works best if I have fine hair, a slightly broader part, or early crown thinning. Medium density is often about 130% and is the safest starting point for many women because it gives more cover without too much bulk. Full volume is often about 150% to 180% and suits larger areas of visible scalp, but it can feel heavier and take more work to blend. If I need more cover, a larger base can be a better fix than adding more hair density. For the best match, I should compare the topper to the hair at the sides and back, not the thin area on top. Colour, layers, and placement matter just as much as density. Hair Topper Density Details For those seeking a natural look with a 120% density hair topper, synthetic options provide a lightweight way to add volume. sbb-itb-08feb2fQuick comparison Density Typical % Best for Main watch-out Light 80% Mild thinning, fine hair Scalp may still show in bright light Medium 130% Moderate thinning, daily wear May still need some styling to blend well Full volume 150%–180% Advanced thinning, clip in hair topper with bangs More weight, less airflow, harder edge blend I’d keep one rule in mind: match the topper to my own hair thickness, not to the look I wish I had. That usually gives the most natural finish and the best comfort through the day. Light Density vs Medium vs Full Volume: Key Differences Hair Topper Density Comparison: Light vs Medium vs Full Volume Density changes more than fullness. It also affects coverage, weight, and how well the topper blends with your own hair. That’s why the right pick should line up with your stage of thinning. Here’s how each density level tends to work in day-to-day wear. Light density toppers: mild thinning and soft volume A light density topper - usually around 80% density[4][3] - is made to match naturally fine hair. It feels light on the scalp, moves with ease, and tends to blend well around the hairline. If you’re dealing with early-stage thinning, like a slightly wider part or a small patch of loss at the crown, this density often gives the most discreet look. The downside is coverage. Because the hair is finer and less packed, a bit of scalp can still show in bright light. If your thinning has moved past the early stage, light density may not hide enough. Medium density: balanced coverage for daily wear Medium density - around 130%[4][3] - is the most common choice. It gives more scalp coverage than a light density topper, but still looks natural and avoids the bulky look that can come with heavier options. For moderate thinning, it offers a good middle ground: enough coverage, with movement that still feels like real hair. It’s also the easiest density for everyday styling. Medium density toppers keep their body and shape well, so they work for casual wear and neater, more polished looks. Full volume: advanced coverage and maximum thickness Full volume toppers - usually 150% to 180% density[4][3] - are meant for more advanced thinning or larger areas of visible scalp. They offer the most concealment and suit women who want a thicker, more dramatic finish, including styles like a blow-dry or big waves. The trade-off is extra weight and less airflow. Blending can take more effort too. If the topper is much fuller than the hair at your sides and back, the edge can look stepped rather than smooth. Feature Light Density Medium Density Full Volume Best for Early/mild thinning, fine hair Moderate thinning, daily wear Advanced thinning, fuller styles Weight Very light Balanced Heavier Scalp coverage Scalp may peek through Full coverage of scalp Maximum concealment Blending Easiest to integrate Needs styling Needs layering Styling Best for sleek, natural looks Works across many styles; holds body and movement Ideal for high-volume styles From here, the next thing to figure out is how much visible scalp you want to hide. How to Choose the Right Density for Your Hair Loss Stage Once you know the difference between light, medium and full volume, the next step is to match density to your stage of thinning. The key idea is simple: choose the density that matches your own hair, not the fullest option on the shelf. Matching density to mild, moderate and advanced thinning Mild thinning usually looks best with light density. Moderate thinning tends to suit medium density. If thinning is more advanced, full volume often gives the cover people want. That said, more cover doesn't always mean you need denser hair. In many cases, a larger base does the job better than moving straight to a heavier density[1]. If thinning has spread across a bigger area, a wider base may fix the coverage issue first. Then there are the finer details. Once you've matched density to your stage, things like texture, length and scalp sensitivity help shape the final fit. Other factors that affect your result Texture, length and scalp sensitivity can change how natural the topper looks and how comfortable it feels through the day[2][4]. For example, if your scalp is sensitive, lighter densities are often easier to wear for long hours. Density comparison table Density Level Best Stage Main Benefit Light Mild/early thinning Lightweight, natural blend Medium Moderate thinning Balanced coverage for daily wear Full Volume Advanced/extensive thinning Maximum concealment and fullness After density is set, colour matching and styling do the final work. Blending, Styling and Colour Matching for a Natural Finish Getting the density right is only half the job. Once that part is sorted, blend, colour and styling decide whether the topper melts into your hair or stands out for the wrong reason. How to avoid a topper that looks too thin or too thick The main issue is simple: a topper can look too full or too sparse next to your own hair. If the topper is too dense for your natural hair, it can create a visible step at the edge, where the topper ends and your own hair begins. That contrast is what gives the piece away. The fix is to keep the finish matched to your own hair thickness. Soft layers can help a lot here. They let the topper flow into your cut instead of sitting on top of it like a separate piece. If it still looks bulky, lightly thinning the edges and the top layer can help soften the join. Placement matters too. Set the base in your natural parting and thinning area, not on the hairline. When the base is sitting where it should, the next thing to check is the shade match. Why colour matching and styling matter as much as density Colour should match your mid-lengths and ends, not your roots. Roots are often darker and keep growing out, so they’re a poor guide if you want the match to last. Blended or multi-dimensional tones are usually easier to work with than flat, solid colours because they mirror the natural variation in human hair. Silkara Hair offers a free colour match service using customer photos. After colour, styling pulls everything together. Set the part while the hair is damp, then blow-dry with gentle tension to help hold a natural-looking part line. You can also lightly tease your natural hair at the roots where it meets the topper base so the piece lies flatter against your hair. Front-edge blending matters even more if you wear a fringe or soft bangs. Conclusion: Choosing the Density That Looks Right and Feels Comfortable The right density comes down to your stage of hair loss and how much hair you still have around the topper. After you pick a density level, check how the topper sits against your own hair. The best match is the hair on the sides and back of your head, not the thinning area on top [1]. If you're wearing a topper for the first time and you're not sure where to begin, medium density is usually the safest place to start. A stylist can thin it out if needed [1]. In many cases, a slightly larger base blends better than simply adding more density. Density and colour need to work together. When both match your own hair, the topper blends in instead of standing out. FAQs How do I know if my topper looks too dense? A topper can look too dense when it has a lot more volume than your natural hair. When that happens, you may notice a visible step around the perimeter. It can also feel bulky and look less natural. For a smoother blend, your stylist can lightly thin the topper, mainly at the surface and around the perimeter. The aim is simple: match the topper’s density to your natural hair. Should I choose a larger base or higher density? For more coverage, a larger base is often better than going with higher density. A bigger base covers more area. Higher density, on the other hand, adds more hair, weight, and bulk, which can look unnatural if it doesn’t match your own hair. For the most seamless, comfortable blend, get the base size right first. Then choose a density that matches your natural hair. If you’re new to toppers, natural or medium density is usually the safest place to start. Can a stylist thin out a medium density topper? Yes. A stylist can lightly thin a medium-density topper if it feels a bit too thick. Done well, this can help it blend in more naturally with your own hair. The main goal is to take out some bulk from the perimeter and the top surface. That’s usually where a topper can look a little heavy or sit too obviously against your natural hair. What you want to avoid is aggressive thinning near the knots or the base. That area needs to stay intact so the topper keeps its shape and holds up over time. Related Blog Posts Human Hair Toppers Hair Toppers: The Secret to Natural-Looking Coverage & Volume Why Does My Topper Look Bulkier Than Expected? How To Choose The Correct Hair Topper Base Size

Learn more
How To Choose The Correct Hair Topper Base Size

How To Choose The Correct Hair Topper Base Size

The right topper base should cover your thinning area plus an extra 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm on each measurement. That extra room helps the clips sit on stronger hair, which can make the topper feel more secure and look less obvious. If I had to boil it down, I’d do this: Find where the thinning starts and ends Measure front to back and side to side in centimetres Add 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm to both numbers Choose the nearest base size, and go up if you’re between sizes This matters because a base that’s too small can leave thin spots showing. A base that’s too big can feel bulky and harder to blend. For many people, thinning starts around 2.5 cm to 5 cm behind the hairline, and toppers tend to suit hair loss on the top third of the scalp. A quick guide: Small bases suit part-line thinning or small crown spots Medium bases suit more visible crown or part thinning Large bases suit thinning across more of the top Extra large bases suit broad top coverage Base size Best match Small Part line or small crown area Medium Crown thinning or a widening part Large Thinning across much of the top Extra large Broad thinning over the top of the head In short: measure the thin area, add clip room, then size up if you’re unsure. How to Choose the Right Hair Topper Base Size: Step-by-Step Guide How To Choose a Base Size for your Hair Topper Choosing the right size ensures your clip in hair topper with bangs sits naturally and securely. sbb-itb-08feb2fIdentify Your Thinning Pattern Before You Measure Before you grab a tape measure, check where your hair is thinning. That part matters more than people think. The spot and spread of the thinning area tell you how much coverage you need, which then tells you exactly what to measure. Part Line, Crown or Full Top Thinning Use a hand mirror and a wall mirror in good lighting to check the top and back of your head [4][5]. You’re looking for one of three common patterns: Thinning Pattern What to Look For Part line A widening gap or "V" shape where you part your hair Crown Visible scalp at the back-top of your head in bright light Full top Reduced density across the entire upper surface of your head Mark where the thinning starts and ends. In many cases, that begins about 2.5 to 5 cm behind the hairline [4]. When a Topper Is the Right Choice A topper tends to work best when thinning is focused on the top third of the scalp, including the part line and crown, and you still have enough healthy hair on the sides and back to blend the piece and hide the edges [6][7]. You also need enough healthy hair around the thinning area to hold the clips in place [1][2]. Once you’ve worked out the thinning pattern, measure the area in centimetres. How to Measure Your Thinning Area in Centimetres Tools and Setup for Accurate Measuring Once you've marked the thinning area, measure the full zone in centimetres. You'll need a soft measuring tape, a mirror, and a notes app to write everything down. These numbers tell you how much coverage you need, which makes it easier to match the area to the right topper base size. Measure your hair when it's dry and styled the way you normally wear it. That way, the base follows your usual part instead of some awkward version of it. Clip the hair around the area away so you can see the full thinning section. If you're measuring the crown, use mirrors to keep the tape level. If someone can help, even better - they can hold the tape flat and give you a cleaner reading. Measure Front to Back and Side to Side Start at the front edge of the thinning area and measure straight back to where the thinning stops. That's your front to back measurement. Then measure across the widest part from side to side. That's your side to side measurement. Write both numbers down in centimetres, for example 7.5 cm x 10 cm. Measurement Step Action Purpose Front to back Front edge to back edge of the thinning area Determines base length Side to side Widest point side to side Determines base width Allowance Add 1.5 cm – 2.5 cm to both Ensures clips land on healthy hair Add 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm for Clip Clearance Your base should be a little larger than the thinning area itself. Add 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm to both measurements so the clips sit on stronger hair and the edges blend better [1][3]. This also helps reduce traction on thinning sections. Record both figures for the next step. Match Your Measurements to the Right Base Size Now compare your front-to-back and side-to-side measurements with the closest base size. Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large Base Categories Explained If your numbers land between two categories, choose the larger size [1][3]. Base Category Approx. Size (cm, front to back x side to side) Best For Small 6 x 12 cm to 10 x 10 cm Part-line widening, small crown patches Medium 12 x 15 cm to 15 x 15 cm Noticeable crown thinning, widening part Large 15 x 18 cm to 20 x 20 cm Broad thinning across the top Extra Large 20 x 23 cm and up Maximum coverage across the top of the head A bigger base is often the safer pick when you're in between. It gives you enough coverage, and it's usually easier to work with than a base that ends up too small. Choose a Base That Works With Your Hair and Style Once you've sorted the size, look at how the base fits your hair density and the way you wear your hair most days. Base size is only one piece of the puzzle. Your topper also needs to blend with your natural hair density and your usual parting. If the density is too high, it can look bulky on fine hair. If you're thinning near the front hairline as well as the crown, a topper with bangs can help soften the front edge while covering the part and crown. Use Silkara Hair Support Before You Buy Getting the size right before you order can save a lot of frustration later. Silkara Hair offers a free colour matching service. You send in a photo of your natural hair, and the team suggests the closest shade match. Before you place an order, check each product's base size against your measurements. Conclusion: Choose Coverage First, Then Size With Confidence Once you’ve measured the thinning area, picking the right base size gets pretty straightforward. First, map the thinning zone. Then match your adjusted measurements to the base size that fits best. From there, you’re ready to order a natural-look hair topper. When the size is right, a topper sits flat, feels secure, and blends in naturally [3]. Key Takeaways Before You Order Use this final check before you order: Map the thinning zone with a mirror and comb so you can spot the exact points where hair density starts to drop Match your adjusted measurements to the closest base size that fully covers the thinning area Size up if you’re between categories - a slightly larger base tends to blend better, sit more securely, and gives you extra room if the thinning area changes over time [1][3] Choose the base category that fits your final measurements and coverage needs FAQs What if I’m between topper base sizes? If you’re between two base sizes, it’s usually best to go a little larger. That extra size gives you more coverage, often helps the topper sit more naturally, and can make blending much easier. A larger base also gives you more room to place clips on healthy, strong hair around the thinning area. That can help the piece feel more secure. If needed, a professional can adjust it for a comfortable, natural fit. Can I wear a topper if my thinning is near the hairline? Yes. Measure the length and width of the thinning area, then add 1 to 2 centimetres so the clips can grip onto healthy hair. For a natural look, line the topper up with your front edge instead of placing it too far forward. A base that reaches far enough forward helps create a smooth, secure fit. How do I know if I have enough hair for topper clips? You need enough healthy, dense hair around the thinning area so the clips can hold firmly. Use a soft measuring tape to check the length and width of the thinning area, then add 1–2 cm. That extra space helps you place the clips onto your own strong, healthy hair instead of weaker spots. If the thinning reaches beyond the sides or back, or your scalp is fully exposed, a topper may not be the right fit. Related Blog Posts Hair Toppers: The Secret to Natural-Looking Coverage & Volume The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Hair Topper for a Seamless Hairline Fringe vs Bang Topper: Which One Is Right For You? Why Does My Topper Look Bulkier Than Expected?

Learn more

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.