How To Wear A Lace Front Wig—Without Damage - Byrdie

Lace front wigs have recently made a comeback, partly because they're designed to look more natural than other wigs. For people 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 correctly.

If installed incorrectly, a lace front wig will not only look bad, but it can also be detrimental to the health of your hair and scalp. We spoke with two hair care experts to get advice on how to wear lace-fronts while keeping our edges and scalps intact.

Meet the Experts

• Brittany Johnson is a licensed hairstylist and senior content manager for Mayvenn, a company that sells 100% virgin human hair wigs and extensions.
• Christina Jones is an education and product development manager at The Wig Company and a licensed cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience.

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. Ensure all of your hair is secured before applying any adhesive—you don't want to mess this part up because a bad foundation will make the rest of the process difficult.

Use the Right Adhesive

When securing a lace-front wig, the proper type of adhesive is key. Look for glue specifically formulated to secure lace fronts. Before testing a new adhesive for the first time, do a patch test to ensure you're not allergic to it. You'll need a waterproof adhesive if you plan to swim in your wig. You can also use double-sided tape to attach your wig if you only want to wear it for a few days.

Put Your Wig On With Care

Everyone has their method for installing wigs, but Jones recommends starting from behind. "Once your hair is wrapped, whether braided down or with a wig cap, you can bring the wig from behind and place it on the front hairline. Hold the front down and then pull the neckline down to secure," Jones says.

Jones suggests placing the wig slightly behind your natural hairline. "This creates the most realistic but flattering look," she explains. "If you can't use your hairline as a guide, place four fingers above the brow bone to find the perfect spot. Using a velvet hair grip or adding clips can keep your wig from moving and shifting if you plan on being active while wearing it."

Byrdie Tip

Jones recommends grabbing the wig from the ear tabs to adjust. "You never want to pull on the lace since this could cause stretching or tearing," she says. "If your scalp is sensitive, use a nail buffer to soften the edge and underneath. Avoid cutting the lace on ready-to-wear lace front wigs since this could cause fraying down the line."

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

Wigs need to be taken care of just as much as the hair from our scalps. "We tend to forget that our wigs are made of human hair, too," Johnson says. "They need shampooing, conditioning, detangling, and protection from heat styling, just like our natural strands. The timeline for shampooing and conditioning your wig can vary depending on the 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 wear your wig only a week or so at a time, you can 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, dry your tresses thoroughly 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 you should take a break after six weeks, don't hesitate to remove it sooner. Some adhesive types are designed for short-term use only, so the maximum length of time you should wear a lace front wig depends partly on the type you use. Don't use a short-term adhesive if you want to wear your wig for several weeks. However, once the six-week period is up, 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

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 to soften the glue and slowly remove the wig. 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. "After safely removing your wig, don't forget to cleanse the excess glue off the lace," Johnson says. "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. However, Johnson says, "Removing your wig only works with temporary adhesive solutions like Got2B Glued Gel. 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."

She adds, "Using less-rigid adhesive solutions like gel and a wig grip may be easier to secure and remove your wig nightly—especially if you're often doing activities like working out or living in a humid environment. Your natural hair will also get a breather, too."

Key Takeways

• Lace front wigs provide a natural look and versatile styling options while protecting real hair from heat and damage.
• You should treat your wig like your natural hair. Regular shampooing, conditioning, and styling will ensure the hair remains pristine.
• Proper installation and gentle removal are crucial to prevent damage when wearing a lace front wig.