Traction Alopecia? Try This Clip-Free Topper Trick That Actually Works

If you wear a hair topper, you know how important it is to have a secure and comfortable attachment method. Traditional pressure-sensitive clips can sometimes cause discomfort, especially if you have a sensitive scalp or fragile regrowth from conditions like traction alopecia.

In this guide, we’ll break down a gentle, clip-free method for securing your topper using hair velcro grippers—just like the technique shared in the viral YouTube video featuring the Upgrade Courtney Topper.

Whether you’re dealing with:

Traction alopecia (from tight ponytails/braids)

Thin or regrowing baby hairs

Extreme scalp sensitivity

Humid weather challenges

…this method could be your new go-to for a pain-free, seamless blend.

Why Avoid Traditional Topper Clips?

Most hair toppers come with metal or silicone clips that snap onto your bio hair. While effective, they can:

Pull on fragile strands, worsening hair loss if using incorrectly

Cause tension headaches for sensitive scalps

Slip in humidity, requiring constant adjustment

Damage baby hairs trying to regrow

The YouTube creator mentions her struggle with traction alopecia from years of tight ponytails, leaving her with bald patches and delicate regrowth. Standard clips would tug at her new hairs, so she switched to hair velcro grippers for a kinder hold.

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What Are Hair Velcro Grippers?

Hair velcro grippers (sometimes called ”soft Velcro clips”) are small, hook-and-loop fasteners designed to:

Grip hair gently without pulling

Stay secure even in wind/humidity

Reduce scalp pressure (great for migraines!)

Work on fine or thinning hair

Pro Tip: Buy them pre-joined (like the ones in the video) and cut them in half for topper use.

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Step-by-Step: How to Attach a Topper with Grippers (Instead of Clips)

What You’ll Need:

Your hair topper (e.g., Upgrade Courtney Topper)

2-4 hair velcro grippers (depending on topper size)

A comb & mirror

(Optional) Hair fibers (e.g., UniWigs Hair Fibers) for blending

Step 1: Prep Your Bio Hair

Part your hair where the topper will sit.

Leave out a small section of your natural hair at the front for blending.

If you have baby hairs, avoid slicking them back—let them frame your face.

Step 2: Modify the Grippers

If your grippers come connected, snip them into individual pieces.

Open your topper’s existing clips and insert the grippers into the prongs.

Step 3: Position the Topper

Hold the topper at the front hairline, ensuring it’s not too far forward (unnatural) or back (visible gap).

The monofilament top (if your topper has one) should mimic scalp realism.

Step 4: Secure with Grippers

Press the grippers into your bio hair—you’ll feel a light prickling (no pain!).

Avoid pressing too hard; the Velcro-like grip does the work.

Once attached, fluff your natural hair over the topper for a seamless blend.

Step 5: Final Touches

Use hair fibers (e.g., UNiwigs) along the hairline if needed.

Lightly hairspray (if desired) for extra hold.

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Why This Method Works Better (Especially for Traction Alopecia)

The YouTuber highlights that this technique:

Protects regrowing hairs (no pulling)

Stays put in humidity (great for the Upgrade Courtney Topper’s breathable design)

Lies flatter than bulky clips

Blends invisibly with baby hairs

FAQs About Hair Topper Grippers

1. Will grippers damage my hair?

No! They don’t tug—just gently hold.

2. Can I use this on synthetic toppers?

Yes, but check if the clips are removable/modifiable.

3. Do grippers work for full wigs?

Best for hair toppers/small pieces—full wigs need stronger hold.

4. How long do grippers last?

~3-6 months with proper care (avoid excess hairspray).

For those with sensitive scalps, traction alopecia, or fine hair, ditching traditional clips for Velcro grippers could be a game-changer.