The Ultimate Guide to Applying a Lace Front Wig: Step-by-Step Instructions for a Seamless Look

What Is a Lace Front Wig?

Before diving into the application process, let’s clarify what makes lace front wigs special. These wigs have a sheer lace panel at the front where individual hair strands are hand-tied. This lace is designed to mimic the natural hairline, providing a realistic and undetectable transition from the wig to your skin.

The lace front creates an illusion that the hair is growing directly from your scalp, allowing for flexible parting and styling options.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Before you start applying your lace front wig, gather the following essential tools:

• Lace front wig (sized to fit your head)
• Scalp protector (optional, for sensitive skin)
• Wig cap (matches your skin tone)
• Tweezers (for customizing the hairline)
• Hair gel or wig glue (preferably waterproof)
• Lace adhesive remover (for cleaning up mistakes or removing the wig)
• Scissors (for trimming excess lace)
• Edge control brush or toothbrush
• Hair clips or pins (to hold the hair back)
• Foundation or concealer (matches your skin tone)
• Blow dryer
• Elastic band (optional, for extra security)

Step 1: Prepping Your Natural Hair

Properly prepping your natural hair is critical to achieving a smooth and secure fit. How you prep your hair depends on its length and texture.

1. Clean and condition your natural hair. Ensure your scalp and hair are oil-free to help the wig adhere better.
2. Braid or flatten your hair to create a smooth foundation. If you have long hair, create cornrows or flat twists. For shorter hair, a simple wrap-around or slicked-back style works. The goal is to have your hair as flat as possible beneath the wig.
3. Apply a wig cap that matches your skin tone. A wig cap smooths out your hair and creates a barrier between your hair and the lace front wig.

Step 2: Preparing the Wig

Before applying the wig, a little customization may be required for a natural look.

1. Trim the lace. When you purchase a lace front wig, there will be excess lace around the hairline. Put the wig on and use scissors to carefully trim the lace, leaving about 1/4 inch of lace to blend into your skin.
2. Customize the hairline (optional). If the hairline looks too dense, use tweezers to pluck out some hair along the front. This will create a more realistic, “pre-plucked” look that mimics natural hair growth.
3. Tint the lace. If the lace does not match your skin tone, use foundation, concealer, or a lace tint spray to blend the lace with your complexion. This ensures the lace blends seamlessly into your scalp.

Step 3: Securing the Wig

Apply scalp protector (optional). If you have sensitive skin or want extra protection, apply a scalp protector along your hairline before using any glue or adhesive.

Apply adhesive. There are several ways to secure a lace front wig, but the two most popular methods are using wig glue or a wig adhesive gel.

• Wig glue: Apply a thin layer of glue along your natural hairline, avoiding your actual hair. Wait for the glue to become tacky (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
• Wig gel: If you prefer gel, it can offer a temporary hold that washes out easily. Apply a layer of gel and blow-dry on a cool setting until the gel is tacky.

Position the wig. Starting from the center of your forehead, carefully place the wig on your head, ensuring that the lace aligns with your natural hairline. Press the lace into the glue or gel, using the back of a comb or your fingers.

Blow-dry the adhesive. Use a blow dryer on a cool setting to help the adhesive set faster. This ensures a secure hold.

Step 4: Blending the Lace

For a flawless look, blending the lace into your skin is crucial.

1. Press the lace into the adhesive using the edge of a comb or your fingertips. Be gentle, as tugging can shift the wig or cause wrinkles in the lace.
2. Use an elastic band around your hairline to keep the lace pressed into place while the glue dries. Leave the band on for 10-15 minutes for the best results.
3. Blend with foundation or concealer. To hide the lace entirely, apply a small amount of foundation or concealer that matches your skin tone to the edges of the lace. This will blend the wig into your scalp for a seamless look.

Step 5: Styling the Wig

Now that your lace front wig is securely in place, it’s time to style it. The beauty of lace front wigs is their versatility. You can create a middle part, side part, or pull the hair back without revealing the lace.

1. Style the hairline. Use an edge control brush or toothbrush to lay down the baby hairs along the front of your wig for a more natural look. You can also use edge gel to create swoops or waves for added flair.
2. Style the hair as desired. Lace front wigs are heat-friendly, so you can curl, straighten, or add volume. Be sure to use a heat protectant spray if applying heat tools.

Step 6: Removing the Wig

At the end of the day, properly removing the wig is just as important as applying it.

1. Use lace adhesive remover or an oil-based product (like coconut oil) to dissolve the adhesive. Apply the remover along the edges of the lace and wait a few minutes for it to loosen.
2. Gently lift the lace from your skin, working from the sides to the center. Avoid tugging to prevent damage to your skin or the wig.
3. Clean the lace by removing any residual adhesive from the lace and your skin using a cotton ball soaked in adhesive remover. This keeps the lace intact and ready for future applications.