What do i need to apply a lace front wig

Lace front wigs can be intimidating for wig newbies looking to make the switch from standard wigs to the more popular, versatile option. With a ton of information out there shouting about toupee tape, wig glue, plucking, bleaching and other weird and wonderful methods of affixing a lace frontal, it would be easy to become confused and decidedly unnerved in regards the whole process.

With the help of wig lover and makeup artist extraordinaire Isabelle Lockett, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide, including video tutorial demonstrating just how easy it is to put on a lace front wig.

First, the basics…

What Is The Difference Between A Standard Wig and A Lace Front Wig?

Not a huge amount and nothing so dramatic that it will significantly change the way you prep your natural hair or apply / wear a lace front wig.

Both our standard and lace front wigs feature the same cap construction with breathable, internal mesh cap and adjustable straps to the rear. Our lace front wigs include 3 added mini hair combs sewn into the crown and nape area for added security.

The obvious difference is a panel of very fine lace that stretches across the front section on the underside of a lace front wig. A row of individual hairs is sewn into this lace panel to act as a faux hairline. The (hairless) lace extends to eye level, allowing you to cut away the excess as close to the hairline as desired.

Without this lace, it is not possible to achieve an ‘exposed’ hairline – a benefit that standard wigs do not provide. Instead, the edge of the wig must be concealed.

There are 2 techniques when it comes to concealing the ‘join’ or ‘edge’ of a standard wig. For fringeless wigs, the hair is sewn so as it carefully covers the edge. The appearance is of hair growing from the scalp along the part line. A full fringe is the more common method of concealing the join of a standard wig entirely.

What Do I Need To Apply A Lace Front Wig?

How Do I Put On A Lace Front Wig?

Isabelle walks you through how to put on a lace front wig in our step-by-step guide video tutorial. See how simple it is?!

1. Remove your lace front wig from the box and the protective hair net. Shake it out and hang ready.
2. Separate your natural hair into 2 sections, plait and secure with elastics.
3. Pin the plaits around your head, making the hair as flat and even as possible.
4. Apply a wig cap to cover and conceal all natural hair.
5. Place the wig on your head, stretching the cap from the nape of the neck to the top of the forehead. Push the hair combs through the wig cap for added security and adjust the rear straps as required.
6. Ensure the hairline of the wig lines up precisely over your natural hairline.
7. Pull the shorter, baby hairs forward for extra authenticity.
8. Brush through the hair lengths with a wide tooth comb and admire your gorgeous new hair.

Dealing With The Lace

Simply cut the excess lace away with a pair of scissors. Go slowly and take care that you do not cut into the hair itself. This step can be performed once the wig is in place or by laying the wig on a flat surface before application.

To begin with, you may find that you still have too much lace that reaches down the forehead a little. This will increase the likelihood of the lace moving or lifting very slightly. In this case, apply a thin layer of hair gel on the skin directly under the excess and press the lace down. Set and seal the fusion with a hair dryer on a cool setting. We recommend ‘Got2b Glued’ gel for use with lace front wigs.

For smaller sections close to the ear, eyelash glue works just as well.

We use a soft, transparent lace in our wigs. This ensures that any overlap of lace onto the skin can be concealed with ease by applying a little foundation or concealer that matches your skin tone.

As your confidence builds and you are happier to cut very close to the hairline, there should be no need for any hair gel or makeup application.

Isabelle wears the Copper Leaf Lace Front Wig.

Anything we’ve missed? Tweet us with any questions about lace front wigs, or anything in general (just not train fares, we don’t understand the whole off-peak, super saver, super off-peak options either).

Lace front wigs have recently made a comeback, and part of the reason is because lace fronts are designed to make your hairline look more natural. Unlike wig-cap wigs, the part will look fairly realistic on a lace front. You also have the option to change where your part lies on most lace front wigs, which gives you more versatility over a regular wig. For women looking for styling alternatives, wigs are often a great choice because you can sport any color you like without damaging your hair. Plus, you can go long or short without waiting for growth or touching a pair of shears. Of course, it's all about learning how to wear a front lace wig the right way.

And there is a right way and a very wrong way to wear this type of wig. Done incorrectly, not only will it look bad, it can be detrimental to the health of your own hair and scalp. Actress Countess Vaughn suffered a severe infection, which she attributes to the glue used to secure her wigs. (It also didn't help that she ignored the problem for several months before seeking medical attention.) We spoke with Brittany Johnson, a licensed hairstylist for Mayvenn to get advice on how we can wear lace fronts while keeping our edges and scalps intact. Scroll on for some expert tips on how to wear a lace front wig — without damaging your hair.

Meet the Expert

Brittany Johnson is a licensed hairstylist & senior content manager for Mayvenn, a 100% virgin human hair wig and extension company.

Secure Your Natural Hair

You can braid longer lengths to your scalp to create a flat surface, or if your hair is short, you can wrap it. Make sure all of your own hair is secured before applying any adhesive—you don't want to mess this part up, because a bad foundation is going to make the rest difficult.

Use the Right Adhesive

When it comes to knowing how to secure a lace front wig, using the proper type of glue is key. Look for one that's specifically formulated to secure lace fronts, like Hair Queen's Meltdown Invisible Lace Bond Glue ($28). This isn't the time to pull out lash glue, or (god forbid) glue designed for craft projects. Before you try a new adhesive for the first time, do a patch test to ensure you're not allergic to the glue you're using. If you plan to swim in your wig, you'll need a waterproof adhesive. You can also use double-sided tape to attach your wig if you know you only plan to wear it for a couple of days.

Don't Forget to Give Your Wig the TLC It Deserves

Wigs need to be taken care of just as much as the hair that comes from our scalps. As Johnson says, "We tend to forget that our wigs are made of human hair, too. They need shampooing, conditioning, detangling, and protection from heat styling - just like our natural strands. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse both the lace on your wig and the hair in general to ensure maximum longevity. The timeline for shampooing and conditioning your wig can vary on the amount of styling product and type of adhesive you use, but never going longer than every couple of weeks is ideal."

Take Care of Your Hair

If you only wear your wig a week or so at a time, you can feasibly skip shampooing and conditioning until you remove it. Long-term wear, however, requires routine care so that your natural hair doesn't become dry and brittle. After cleansing your hair and scalp, thoroughly dry your tresses using a hood or bonnet dryer to avoid bacterial growth.

Don't Wear Your Wig for More Than Six Weeks at a Time

While experts generally agree that you should take a break after six weeks, don't hesitate to remove it sooner. In fact, some adhesive types are designed for short-term use only, so the maximum length of time you should wear a lace front wig depends in part on the type of adhesive you use. Don't use a short-term adhesive if you want to wear your wig for several weeks at a time. Once the six week time period is up, however, it's time to remove the wig and give your hair the post-wig attention it needs in the form of thorough cleansing, deep conditioning, and moisturizing.

Practice Gentle Removal Methods

And speaking of removal, don't take off your lace wig when you're rushed—patience is key. Use a designated adhesive remover for lace front wigs. Apply enough of it to soften the glue and slowly take the wig off. If you feel any resistance, apply more remover and wait several minutes before trying again. Take your time to avoid damaging your skin and hair. Johnson states, "After you safely remove your wig, don't forget to cleanse the excess glue off of the lace. You can use the same designated remover and a bit of diluted rubbing alcohol if necessary, then shampoo and condition as well."

If You Can, Remove Your Wig While You're Sleeping

While it might be convenient to sleep in your wig, it's not the best for your natural hair. Johnson gave me the following advice, "Removing your wig only works with most temporary adhesive solutions, of course, like Got2B Glued Gel ($4). This product is a strong gel that can be safely removed every 1-2 days, and still helps to secure and blend the lace on a wig's hairline. Plus, if you're doing activities like working out or live in a humid environment, it may actually be easier to use less-rigid adhesive solutions—like gel and a Wig Grip ($15)—to secure your wig and remove it nightly. Bonus points that your natural hair will get a breather, too!"

A Reminder

While knowing how to wear a lace front wig can you feel glamorous and make daily styling a breeze, don't become overly reliant on them. After all, wigs are an accessory; your hair is uniquely yours. Give your tresses the time and attention they deserve, and a wig will continue to be an enhancement, not a replacement, for the real thing.

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