A lace front wig can switch up your whole look in the best way possible. When you get it right, that hairline looks so natural people will swear it's growing out of your scalp. No weird edges, no lifting, no "is that a wig?" looks. Just you looking absolutely gorgeous with hair that stays put whether you're at brunch, the gym, or out dancing. I'm breaking down every single step so you can get that professional install without stepping foot in a salon.
What Things You Will Need
Get all your stuff together before you start. Nothing worse than having sticky fingers trying to dig through drawers looking for scissors.
- Lace front wig (human hair holds up better if you're gonna be styling it)
- Wig cap in your shade—please don't grab just any color
- Rat-tail comb
- Some hair clips
- Good scissors that actually cut (test them first!)
- Alcohol wipes or cleanser
- Wig adhesive or spray
- Blow dryer
- Edge brush
Step 1: Flatten Your Hair
Your natural hair needs to be completely flat. I mean flat-flat. Because any bumps underneath are gonna show through and throw off the whole look.
For longer hair, braid it down in cornrows going straight back. Keep those braids tight to your head—this isn't the time for puffy braids. Shorter hair? Brush it back as smooth as you can get it and we'll secure it with the cap. The whole point is creating an even surface. Don't skip this thinking it won't matter because it will. Nobody wants a lumpy wig situation, and you're not gonna be comfortable either if your hair's all bunched up under there.
Step 2: Place Wig Cap
The wig cap matters more than you'd think. Get one that actually matches your complexion so if any of it shows, it blends in.
Stretch it over your head and make sure it's covering everything—your whole hairline, behind your ears, all of it. You want it fitting snug but not giving you a headache. If it's bunching up weird around your ears or there's extra fabric flopping around, trim that off. A good wig cap keeps everything smooth underneath and helps that lace blend better once we get to that part. It's also what keeps you comfortable when you're wearing this wig for hours.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skin
Your skin's gotta be clean and oil-free or that adhesive is not gonna stick. Simple as that.
Take your alcohol wipe or cleanser and go over your whole hairline. Get rid of any oil sitting on your skin, any product residue, foundation if you put makeup on—whatever's there, it needs to go. Then let it dry all the way. Don't rush this. Give it a full minute. Wet skin and adhesive don't mix, and you'll end up with your lace peeling up in a couple hours if you skip the drying part.
Step 4: Test The Fit of The Wig
Put the wig on before you do anything permanent. This isn't optional.
Place it on your head and adjust those straps in the back until it feels secure. The combs inside should sit where they're comfortable and actually helping hold the wig in place. Check yourself out in the mirror. Look at where that lace is hitting your hairline. Does it look natural? Is the part sitting where you want it? Can you see your wig cap peeking out anywhere? Fix all of that now while you still can, before you start cutting lace or applying glue.
Step 5: Trim the Lace
This is where people get nervous, but you're gonna be fine. Just go slow.
Get your scissors and start trimming along your hairline. Don't go in a straight line—that looks fake. Cut in these little snips that follow the natural curve of where your hair would actually grow. Leave a teeny tiny bit of lace past your hairline, not much, just enough to blend. That little bit makes all the difference between "obviously a wig" and "wait, how'd you get your hair to grow that fast?"
And listen, if you're scared you're gonna mess up, cut less at first. You can always trim more if you need to. Can't exactly put it back once it's gone, you know?
Step 6: Apply Lace Frontal Wig Properly
This is the step that makes or breaks your whole install, so pay attention.
Spread a thin layer of adhesive right along your hairline. And I do mean thin—you're not trying to glue down a construction project. Most glues need like 30 seconds to get tacky, so give it a minute. When you touch it and it's sticky but not wet anymore, that's when you press your lace down.
Start in the middle of your forehead and work your way to the sides. Press it down smooth and firm. Get your blow dryer on low or cool and blow it over the lace while you're pressing down on it. This sets everything and helps that lace literally melt into your skin. Some people tie a scarf around it for a few minutes after. Do whatever works for you, just make sure that lace is sealed down good.
Step 7: Style Your Hair
Now you get to make it yours.
Part it where you like it. Curl it, straighten it, leave it wavy—whatever makes you feel good. Most of us add some baby hairs with edge control to really sell that natural hairline. Just don't go overboard. Baby hairs should look soft and natural, not drawn on.
If you're using heat tools, keep the temperature reasonable so you don't fry the hair. And when you're done, move around a little. Flip your hair. Run your fingers through it. It should move with you like it's actually attached to your head. That's how you know you nailed it.