Hair fibres are short keratin fibres that attach statically to your own hair and make thin patches look fuller. They don't grow anything new and are not a medicine; they hide the scalp that shows through thin hair. Within about 30 seconds your hair looks fuller, and it stays that way until the next wash.
How exactly do keratin fibres work?
The fibres are made from the same protein as your hair: keratin. They carry a small static charge, which makes them cling around your existing hair rather than falling onto the scalp. This makes each hair look thicker and the whole head catches more light, so the see-through scalp stands out less. The effect is cosmetic: you see more volume, but no hair is actually added. If you want to really slow down hair loss, look at a different route; hair fibres are there to make it look less visible today.
Do the fibres last all day?
On a normal working day the fibres stay put just fine: they attach firmly to your hair and don't easily come loose. Rubbing hard with a towel, a rain shower or a tough session at the gym can loosen them though. A layer of hairspray or a fixing spray over the top makes the whole thing resistant to a long day and to wind. Because the fibres are water-soluble, you simply rinse them out in the evening with ordinary shampoo; nothing stays behind in your hair and your scalp can breathe as normal.
How much do you need and how long does it last?
For most people a quarter teaspoon at a time is enough to touch up the crown or the hairline. A pot of 55 grams therefore often lasts for months with daily use on a small area. If you use it over a larger area or generously every day, the 27.5 gram pot is a cheaper way to first try out whether the colour suits you.
Which colour and size do you choose?
Choose the colour closest to your darkest hair section; fibres may be slightly darker than your average colour, as that gives more depth. These three are a good starting point:
| Variant | Volume | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Toppik Hair Building Fibers in medium brown | 55 grams | brown hair, daily use |
| Toppik in dark brown | 55 grams | dark brown to black hair |
| the smaller pot in light brown | 27.5 gram | light brown hair or to try out |
How to apply the fibres
- Start with dry, styled hair; on wet hair the fibres clump together.
- Hold the pot about 5 centimetres above the thin patch.
- Tap or sprinkle on in small amounts, so you can build it up.
- Pat gently with your fingers so the fibres distribute evenly.
- Finish off with an ordinary hairspray if you like, so it lasts through the day.
Do hair fibres stay put in the rain?
They hold up well against light rain and sweat, especially with a fixing spray over the top. A downpour will rinse them out; just apply them again afterwards.
Can you combine hair fibres with a fixing spray?
Yes, a fixing spray locks the fibres in place and extends how long it stays neat, especially on a windy day.
Are hair fibres suitable for bald patches?
They work best where there is still hair for them to attach to. On a completely smooth patch the fibres find nothing to hold onto.
