TL;DR: Applying a lace front wig is easiest when you start with a smooth base, place the wig at your natural hairline, and secure it without pulling. With gentle application, light styling, and proper care, a lace front wig can look natural while protecting your hairline and extending the life of the piece.
- Flatten or braid your natural hair first so the wig has a smooth foundation.
- Position the lace at your natural hairline and use built-in clips, bands, or a wig grip for a secure fit.
- Glue is optional for many lace front wigs, especially high-quality glueless designs.
- Blend the lace carefully, style with a light touch, and use heat sparingly when the wig allows it.
- Wash, store, and remove your lace front wig gently to help it last longer.
Putting on a lace front wig for the first time may seem overwhelming, but it’s simple when you break it down into manageable steps.
To apply a lace front wig, start by flattening your natural hair. Place the wig at your natural hairline, then secure the cap in place with the built-in clips or adjustable band. Finally, smooth the lace so it lies naturally. Many lace front wigs can be worn without glue, especially when the cap fits well.
With most lace front wigs, you have the option to change your part, which provides more freedom than a regular wig. The hairs are individually tied into a thin lace material at the front of the hairline, providing a more natural hairline.
We have outlined some expert tips on how to wear a lace front wig without damaging your natural hair. Keep reading to discover our stylist-approved tips for your first wig application.
How to Apply a Lace Front Wig Step by Step
The process of applying your new lace front wig should be gentle and stress-free from start to finish, especially if you are wearing a wig because of thinning hair or hair loss. Here are the five steps to follow when putting on a lace front wig.
1. Secure Your Real Hair
Before putting on your lace front wig, it is crucial to secure your hair. If your hair is short, you can wrap it, or if your hair is longer, you can braid it. Make sure all of your hair is pulled back before applying adhesive to ensure a solid foundation.
The goal is to create an even foundation without pulling tightly at your hairline. If you use a wig cap, choose one that feels comfortable and keeps your natural hair tucked away. A smoother base helps the wig sit more naturally. As a result, your wig is less likely to shift throughout the day.
If you have little to no natural hair, you can still create a secure base. A silicone wig gripper or soft wig grip can help the cap stay in place without relying on glue. In fact, it takes much less work!
2. Position the Wig at Your Hairline
Place the lace front wig on your head and gently adjust it until it sits where your natural hairline begins. Avoid pulling the wig too far forward, which can make the lace more noticeable. Check the ear tabs and make sure the wig feels even on both sides. The lace should lie flat against your skin without pulling or buckling.
3. Secure the Wig Without Pulling
Next, secure your wig using the built-in features of the cap. Many high-quality lace front wigs include adjustable bands or clips that help the wig stay in place without harsh tension.
The fit should feel snug, not tight. If you feel pulling at your temples, crown, or hairline, adjust the cap before moving on.
Do You Need Glue to Apply a Lace Front Wig?
No, you do not always need glue to apply a lace front wig. Many high-quality lace front wigs can be worn glueless. Luxury wigs often include adjustable bands, clips, combs, or a wig grip, especially when they’re made with thinning hair or hair loss in mind.
Adhesive may help with longer wear or extra hold, but it should be used carefully. Always keep adhesive away from fragile natural hair when possible and remove it gently to protect both your hairline and the lace.
4. Blend the Lace
The lace should sit smoothly along your hairline and look as seamless as possible against your skin. If the lace needs trimming, use small scissors and cut slowly. It is better to trim a little at a time than to remove too much at once. If you’re nervous, a stylist might be able to help you with this initial step.
5. Style Lightly and Check the Fit
Set your part while the wig is on your head so the hair falls in the most natural direction. If your lace front wig is made with human hair or labeled heat-friendly, you may be able to use heat tools on a low setting. With that said, a light touch usually looks more natural than an overly styled finish.
Tips for Caring for Your Lace Front Wig
If you’re wondering how to wear a lace front wig every day, it’s crucial to understand that a wig needs the same amount of care as our natural hair. If you own a human hair wig, it needs to be shampooed, conditioned, and protected just like the hair on your scalp.
To ensure maximum lifetime, wash the lace and the hair strands on your lace front wig. Always use high-quality products, and stay away from any that contain sulfate and alcohol because they can cause tangling and damage to your hair.
Here are some other care tips recommended by our stylists.
Wash Your Lace Front Wig Every 6 Wears
Like most wigs for women, lace front wigs need to be washed every 6 weeks but don’t be afraid to wash them even sooner. However, be careful not to overwash your lace front wig as this could cause damage to occur too soon.
When deciding how long to wear a lace front wig before washing it, consider the time spent wearing it. The more you wear the lace front wig, the more often you should wash it. If you wear the wig every day, washing it twice a month should suffice.
It also depends on the type of adhesive you use because some adhesive types are only meant for the short term. In that case, you may need to wash your lace front wig more frequently. Once you have reached the 6-week mark, it is time to clean and moisturize your wig.
Remove Your Lace Front Wig While Sleeping
Even though it may be easy to fall asleep in your lace front wig and forget you even had it on, it is not very good for your natural hair. If you sleep with your lace front wig on, you'll probably wake up with knots and tangles, and styling your wig the next day will take more time. Plus, sleeping in a lace front wig will greatly reduce its lifespan.
If you want to sleep in your lace front wig, follow these tips to maintain the lifespan:
- Brush out the hair to remove any tangles
- Apply a moisturizer to the edges of the lace front wig
- Sleep with a silk pillowcase to avoid friction
- Sleep in a satin or silk wig cap
Do Not Shower With a Lace Front Wig
Showering with a lace front wig puts it at risk of breakage and can cause stretching of the materials. Wash the wig with lukewarm water in the sink or bathtub to protect it. Sweat and oils will collect in your wig, so it is important to use proper cleaning products to ensure maximum longevity.
How Long Does a Lace Front Wig Last?
How long a lace front wig lasts depends on the quality of the wig and how often you wear it. Gentle care can help extend the life of your wig, even if you wear it every day. In general, however, a well-made human hair lace front wig lasts much longer than a lower-quality or synthetic piece.
To help your lace front wig last longer, avoid tugging at the hairline. When styling, be sure to use heat sparingly and keep heavy products away from the lace. Always store the wig properly between wears.
Gentle application matters, but gentle removal is just as important. Be kind to your wig and your wig will be kind to you!
Find a Lace Front Wig Made for a Natural, Secure Fit
The Lauren Ashtyn Collection offers luxury-quality lace front wigs designed for a natural-looking finish and confident daily styling. Browse our lace front wigs to find a piece that feels secure, polished, and easy to wear.
