Lace front wigs have been used for years in the theater and for hair replacement. In recent years, lace front wigs have attained increasing popularity in the mainstream because of their frequent appearances within the celebrity world. Salons charge extra to apply a lace front wig for you or inflate the price of the wig to include application. However, you can put on a lace front wig yourself.
Step 1
Start with clean, dry hair. Put the wig cap on your head. If your hair is long or thick, braid it first or secure it into a beehive pattern underneath the wig cap.
Step 2
Wash your hands and face, including the skin surrounding the hairline. Excess oils may prevent the adhesive from binding. Pat dry with a towel or allow your skin to to air dry before proceeding.
Step 3
Use rubbing alcohol and gauze to remove any traces of dirt or oil from the area surrounding the hairline on which you will be attaching the lace.
Step 4
Place the lace front wig on your head in the position in which you will be wearing it. Using the eyebrow pencil, trace a line onto the lace, about 1/4 inch away from your natural hairline. Do this carefully. If you trace and cut the lace incorrectly, your unit may not fit.
Step 5
Remove the wig from your head and cut along the outline you have drawn. Cut carefully and precisely. To minimize fraying, use fewer long cuts rather than several short ones.
Step 6
Apply skin prep solution to the skin surrounding the hairline. This will allow the adhesive to bond tightly and for a longer period of time. Allow to air dry.
Step 7
Cut adhesive tape into 1/4-inch-wide strips, patterned to fit your hairline. You may need to use a pen to trace a pattern so the individual strips fit together like a puzzle around your hairline. Pull away the backing and apply the strips to your skin. If you are using glue adhesive, apply the glue to the skin surrounding your hairline, following the package directions. Some glue adhesives may require two coats.
Step 8
Carefully place the lace front wig on your head and firmly press the edges of the lace into the adhesive. There may be combs or straps inside the back of the wig. Secure the back of the unit using the combs or straps and style the wig as desired.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a fray block product from a craft store after cutting the lace to prevent fraying of your unit. Experiment with different adhesives to find which one provides the look and holding capacity that you desire. Depending on the brand, some tape adhesives may look thicker than glue. Choose an eyebrow pencil shade that is close to the color of the lace. Follow care instructions included with the lace front wig to avoid shedding and tangling.
- It is better to cut the lace too large, rather than too small, and then go back and trim it. Adhesives and other products may cause an allergic reaction. Read the directions on the package and always patch test products first. Adhesive may require a special removal solvent. Most vendors will not take wig returns once the lace is cut. Make sure everything is as ordered before cutting or altering the unit.
Things You'll Need
- Wig cap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Gauze
- Eyebrow pencil
- Scissors
- Skin prep solution
- Lace adhesive
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