Lace front wigs are a common choice for women that want full coverage from ear to ear so that it will mimic a natural hairline. To apply wigs, glue is common but there are a number of other options, too. If you want to know how to put on a lace front wig without glue, sewing, using clips, and wig grips are good options.
Each technique has its pros and cons so we’ve put together this simple guide to help you make the best decision so your crown can fit the way you want it.
How to Prep Your Hair for Wig Installation
Getting your natural hair ready for your lace front wig is an important step in securing your new look. Methods for prepping your hair vary depending on your hair’s length, texture, and thickness but ultimately, you want your hair to be as flat and smooth as possible.
Regardless of which method you choose, start by moisturizing your hair and scalp and making sure your forehead is dry. This will help your lace front lay better.
Here are three common ways to prepare your hair for a wig install:
Braids
Simple braids or straight back cornrows are a great way to prep hair for a lace front wig. Short and long hair can be braided, but this is especially useful for short, fine hair
1) Use moisturizing cream as needed if hair feels dry.
2) Smooth edges and hairline back with styling gel or cream.
3) Separate your hair into four or five sections, while being mindful of where you want to part your hair.
4) Braid each section, twisting at the ends to secure loose edges.
5) Pull braids towards the middle-back of head and secure with bobby pins.
Cornrows
Cornrows create the flattest surface for a lace front install, especially if you’re prepping for a sleek, fierce wig. It’s also a great choice for thick, long hair that may stick out more with a regular braid.
You can cornrow your hair yourself, or ask someone to help to ensure clean, tight braids. The braids shouldn’t be too tight or it causes tension on your edges.
Twists
Twists require less prep time, but hair tends to come out more quickly. Here are some tips to prep sleek twists:
1) Separate hair into multiple sections on your head using clips.
2) Unclip one section and apply a moisturizing cream, using fingers to gently work the product into hair and stretch. Do the same for each section.
3) Begin taking small sections of hair, splitting into two parts, and tightly twisting towards the nape of the neck.
Once you’ve properly prepped your hair for wig installation, it’s time to choose which method to use to secure your wig to your head:
1. Lace Front Installation Using a Wig Grip
Wig grips are a flexible fabric (usually velvet) that wrap around your head and provide a place to secure your wig, which is great if you’re moving around a lot. It’s best to choose a band that’s close to your skin color so it’s more difficult to see the band underneath your wig, especially for wigs without bangs. To install, follow these simple steps:
- Prep your natural hair with braids, cornrows or a ponytail, then use a stocking cap to keep hair close to your head and create a smooth flat surface. You can also use styling gel or hairspray to help secure the cap in place and follow up with a cool blow dry. If using a stocking cap, trim any excess fabric away from the forehead. This will create a seamless base for your wig.
- Place the wig grip around your hairline so that it lands just behind your ears. Adjust the size and secure it to your head using the Velcro strap.
- Place the unit on top of the wig grip beginning at the front of your head. Be sure to match up the edge of the lace front wig with the edge of the grip.
- Gently pull your hair into the desired place and adjust where necessary so your wig sits on your head where it’s comfortable.
- Clip the hair on either side of your face back. Then cut away the excess lace at the front of your wig.
- Remove any clips and style the baby hairs to your liking.
2. How to Apply a Lace Front Wig with Glue
For a lace front installation with glue, you want to first secure your hair with a stocking cap or clips, just like you would in step one for installing with wig grip. If you use a stocking cap, make sure to use hairspray or styling gel to secure the edges in place.
Then, follow these steps to show off your locks, your way:
- Dab rubbing alcohol along your hairline where you’ll place the wig glue. Alcohol removes oils and makeup that can interfere with the glue sticking to the wig. If you have sensitive skin there are adhesive preparation products on the market that will clean the surface of your forehead and prep for a wig placement.
- Take your lace front wig and place it on your head and adjust where you want it to be secured. If you need extra help remembering where to place your lace, you can use an eyeliner to mark points to mimic your hairline.
- Using the long end of a comb, part the hair just above your ear and begin to cut excess lace that’s around your ear and hairline. This can make or break your install because you don’t want your wig covering your ears.
- Place glue along the edges of your stocking cap at your hairline. Avoid placing glue on your hair.
- Blow-dry glue on a cool setting. Glue shouldn’t be stringy or overly tacky.
- Pull the lace forward over the top of glue and make sure it’s in the desired spot before pressing the lace into the glue.
- Put a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a towel and carefully dab around the edge of hairline to remove excess glue on forehead, but don’t wipe the glue on the lace.
- Style and you’re ready to go!
3. Lace Front Installation: Sewing
If you want a long-term wig solution that protects your hair and skin from adhesives, sewing in a lace front wig may be your go-to. This process does require more time and is best done with the assistance of an extra pair of hands. For sewing, you’ll need the following supplies:
• Clips
• Small bristle brush or toothbrush
• Thread (you can choose from cotton, nylon, or polyester)
• C-shaped needle
• Sharp scissors
Before sewing in your wig, you’ll want to cornrow your hair so that you have a secure surface to sew in the lace front wig. If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection and security, you can use a wig/stocking cap on top of your braids. Use the same technique with hairspray to ensure your wig cap’s edges stay in place.
Then, follow these steps for a secure sew-in lace front installation:
- Place your wig on your head and part the hair above your ear. Cut any excess lace and hair so that your ears are not covered by your wig.
- Find the braids closest to the tops of your ears and section off the front hair into two parts and secure them with clips. Then, create a defined part that goes from one ear, over the top of your hair, top the other ear.
- Using your threaded c-shape needle, begin to sew the edge of the frontal through the wig cap and your tracks. Continue along the part you just created over the top of your head until you reach your other ear. A few stitches per braid will keep it secure.
- Next, part one of the front sections about ½ inch above your ear, creating a part that spans from your ear to your hairline. Sew along that part, stopping just before your hairline so that the thread is hidden by your hair. Repeat on the other side of your head.
- If you want to keep the lace from slipping back, sew the lace front into one of the braids that you will not create a part at. Use a thread that’s similar in tone to your hair. For instance, if you have a 613 unit use white or light yellow thread, for brunette and dark-colored hair use black thread.
So many ways to install lace front wigs, but which hair to choose? Mayvenn hair is the leading choice for virgin human hair, ready-to-wear wigs, lace front wigs, and 360-degree lace wigs. Want to learn more about our wigs, how to wash a human hair wig, or how to choose your look? Check out our blog for all the latest.