Lace front wigs can be intimidating for wig newbies looking to make the switch from standard wigs to the more popular, versatile option. With a ton of information out there shouting about toupee tape, wig glue, plucking, bleaching and other weird and wonderful methods of affixing a lace frontal, it would be easy to become confused and decidedly unnerved in regards the whole process.

With the help of wig lover and makeup artist extraordinaire Isabelle Lockett, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide, including video tutorial demonstrating just how easy it is to put on a lace front wig.

First, the basics…

What Is The Difference Between A Standard Wig and A Lace Front Wig?

Not a huge amount and nothing so dramatic that it will significantly change the way you prep your natural hair or apply / wear a lace front wig.

Both our standard and lace front wigs feature the same cap construction with breathable, internal mesh cap and adjustable straps to the rear. Our lace front wigs include 3 added mini hair combs sewn into the crown and nape area for added security.

The obvious difference is a panel of very fine lace that stretches across the front section on the underside of a lace front wig. A row of individual hairs is sewn into this lace panel to act as a faux hairline. The (hairless) lace extends to eye level, allowing you to cut away the excess as close to the hairline as desired.

Without this lace, it is not possible to achieve an ‘exposed’ hairline – a benefit that standard wigs do not provide. Instead, the edge of the wig must be concealed.

There are 2 techniques when it comes to concealing the ‘join’ or ‘edge’ of a standard wig. For fringeless wigs, the hair is sewn so as it carefully covers the edge. The appearance is of hair growing from the scalp along the part line. A full fringe is the more common method of concealing the join of a standard wig entirely.

What Do I Need To Apply A Lace Front Wig?

How Do I Put On A Lace Front Wig?

Isabelle walks you through how to put on a lace front wig in our step-by-step guide video tutorial. See how simple it is?!

1. Remove your lace front wig from the box and the protective hair net. Shake it out and hang ready.
2. Separate your natural hair into 2 sections, plait and secure with elastics.
3. Pin the plaits around your head, making the hair as flat and even as possible.
4. Apply a wig cap to cover and conceal all natural hair.
5. Place the wig on your head, stretching the cap from the nape of the neck to the top of the forehead. Push the hair combs through the wig cap for added security and adjust the rear straps as required.
6. Ensure the hairline of the wig lines up precisely over your natural hairline.
7. Pull the shorter, baby hairs forward for extra authenticity.
8. Brush through the hair lengths with a wide tooth comb and admire your gorgeous new hair.

Dealing With The Lace

Simply cut the excess lace away with a pair of scissors. Go slowly and take care that you do not cut into the hair itself. This step can be performed once the wig is in place or by laying the wig on a flat surface before application.

To begin with, you may find that you still have too much lace that reaches down the forehead a little. This will increase the likelihood of the lace moving or lifting very slightly. In this case, apply a thin layer of hair gel on the skin directly under the excess and press the lace down. Set and seal the fusion with a hair dryer on a cool setting. We recommend ‘Got2b Glued’ gel for use with lace front wigs.

For smaller sections close to the ear, eyelash glue works just as well.

We use a soft, transparent lace in our wigs. This ensures that any overlap of lace onto the skin can be concealed with ease by applying a little foundation or concealer that matches your skin tone.

As your confidence builds and you are happier to cut very close to the hairline, there should be no need for any hair gel or makeup application.

Isabelle wears the Copper Leaf Lace Front Wig.

Anything we’ve missed? Tweet us with any questions about lace front wigs, or anything in general (just not train fares, we don’t understand the whole off-peak, super saver, super off-peak options either).