Lace Front Wig: What is it? And How to wear it

Shopping for a new wig can be fun. Especially when you have all the right information you need and know exactly what you are in the market for. While natural hair wigs are the next best thing to have if you want to try something different with your look, figuring out which option to go for is the hard part.

Whether you have been obsessed with lace front wigs lately or you're simply exploring your options, this guide will walk you through all the basics about lace front wigs. 

What Is A Lace Front Wig?

Lace wigs are of different types, there's the lace cap, full lace, lace 360, and lace front wigs. The lace cap wig is made with a lace cap instead of the regular wig cap used, while a full lace wig is a ventilated unit that has a full lace cap with lace around the whole area of the head. This allows you flexibility and versatility to part your hair in any direction you like.

Just like the full lace wig, the lace 360 wig affords you a lot of styling options; you can easily style your wig into a ponytail, braids, or a cute top bun. A lace front wig is a wig that has a sheer lace attached to the crown of the wig to blend with your skin easily and resemble your natural hairline. Lace front wigs are very popular because of how it can be worn to look like your natural scalp, and they would cost between $30 - $500, depending on the quality, hair type, and length.

Benefits Of A Lace Front Wig

  1. Lace front wigs have a breathable unit. This means that it allows for the easy passage of air into the scalp. 
  2. Lace front wigs are great for people with a thinning scalp, as it helps them make up for their bald hairline. 
  3. With the realistic look it gives, you can style your lace front wig in a variety of ways, from side parts, fishtail braids, ponytails, or a messy bun. Unlike regular wigs, its versatility allows you to style and change where the part lies on your lace front wig, while still retaining a flawless natural hairline. 
  4. If you're in the mood to switch up colors, with a lace front wig you can rock any color you like without having to damage your hair
  5. While sew-ins have to be attached to the scalp to pull off a natural look, lace front wigs give you a more natural look without having to damage your hairline. 
  6. With proper maintenance and care, you would be able to wear your lace front wig for up to a year. Storing it by placing your wigs on a synthetic head, or in a satin sealable bag will control frizz and tangles.

How To Wear A Lace Front Wig

There are several ways you can wear a lace front wig. You can either wear it with tape, elastic bands or use glue. If you decide to use glue, make sure you use the right adhesive type designed specifically for installing lace fronts in place.

Don't use lash glue or glue for craftwork. Before you install your wig, do a skin test a day before to check if you are allergic to any of the materials you intend to use. You can do this by dabbing a small amount of liquid adhesive or double-sided wig tape onto the back of your hand and then observe for any changes. 

Wearing a Lace Front Wig Without Glue

You can install your lace front wig without glue in no time, with these easy steps.

What you Need to Wear a Lace Front Wig Without Glue

  • Adjustable elastic band
  • Lace wig cap
  • Comb
  • Scissors
  • Clips
  • Hair mousse
  • Silk scarf 

How to Wear a Lace Front Wig Without Glue

  1. First prepare your skin by washing it with a gentle cleanser, then dab some alcohol on a cotton bud and wipe across your hairline to remove excess oils.
  2. Braid your hair into cornrows and put on the wig cap to flatten your hair and help keep the wig in place. Make sure all your hair is tucked into the wig cap, from the hair at the front to the ones at the nape of your neck.
  3. Test the fitting of your wig by placing it on your head and lining it with your natural hairline to ensure it fits properly. If it is too loose around your head, you will need to tighten the elastic band. If it is too snug on the scalp, just loosen up the elastic band a bit.
  4. As soon as you are satisfied that the wig fits properly, then you can trim the excess lace off the wig.
  5. First, you pull the hair away from the face with a few clips and trim the lace along your hairline with sharp scissors.
  6. If your wig is unplucked, you will have to pluck them with a pair of tweezers and then bleach and tint the knots to resemble your natural hairline and match your skin tone. 
  7. To create the baby hairs, you will need to cut some strands of hair at the hairline into smaller strands and pull them out to create a more natural look. Then lay the part you want with water and mousse.
  8. Tie a scarf over the edges and let it lay in place.
  9. Comb and style your hair however you want.

@Ropo Demure shows in this video tutorial how her hairstylist, Melissa installs a lace front wig without glue:

Wearing Lace Front Wig Using Glue

Find out how to install your lace front wig using glue with these simple step by step guide.

What you Need to Wear a Lace Front Wig Using Glue

  • Lace wig cap
  • Brush
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Freeze spray
  • Hair mousse
  • Silk scarf
  • Foundation brush and concealer

How to wear a lace front wig using glue

  1. Start with a clean and oil-free scalp.
  2. Braid your hair into cornrows, then secure and flatten all your hair into the wig cap to prevent damage to your edges when the glue is applied.
  3. Put on the wig to check if it fits properly and aligns with your natural hairline.
  4. Take off the wig and apply the first layer of glue in bits with a brush, spread it evenly around along the hairline, and blow-dry it. Apply the second layer of glue and blow-dry it until it's tacky and has a clear color. Never install your wig when the glue is still white. 
  5. Then apply a freeze spray to help your wig stay in place.
  6. Once it's dry, gently pull the wig back on. Adjust the edge of the wig so that the hairlines match. Also, adjust the back of the wig so that it hangs naturally over your hair. 
  7. When you press the lace into the glue it becomes pretty difficult to remove, so you have to ensure that the wig is perfectly aligned with your hairline, also check both ears for alignment.
  8. Then trim out the lace with a pair of scissors.
  9. With your foundation brush apply some concealer and use it to blend the knots with your skin tone to achieve a more natural look.
  10. Pull out some strands of hair, and cut with a razor into little bits to create the baby hairs. Use the hair mousse to lay your baby hairs into place. Then tie a scarf over the edges and let it sit for a few minutes.
  11. Comb and style however you want.
  12. When you are removing your lace front wig, use an adhesive remover to soften the glue before taking off the wig from your scalp.

Watch how to install your lace front wig using glue in this video tutorial by @Amber Sharniece:

However, if you don't want to do all the work of installing a lace front wig, you can go for a natural wig that matches your hair texture and has all of this already worked on.