What Exactly is a Lace Wig?

If you've never heard of lace wigs, then you are certainly not alone.
The history of the lace wig dates back to at least the early 1990’S when lace wigs first began to be used in Hollywood for theatrical purposes in movies and on stage. Eventually, celebrities and their stylists began to realize the potential for the lace wig to be used not only as a part of character and theatrical makeup, but as a way to add glamour and versatility to one’s everyday look. Intially, when lace wigs first started to become available for public use, they were extremely expensive, bulky and not very realistic looking.
However, the increasing popularity of lace wigs has lead to the evolution of better and more undetectable ventilating methods and has also made lace wigs widely available and affordable for the everyday woman.

Whether you are experiencing hair loss, or simply want a fabulous new look, a lace wig can be an excellent option for you!

Lace front wigs have several benefits over traditional weaves, strand by strand methods, and braiding techniques. The greatest benefit comes from the cap design “lace” base of the wig, which is designed to make it appear as though the hair is growing directly from your scalp. This innovative design means no more blending issues, no more covering tracks, and best of all, the versatility of being able to wear your hair in any style that you can imagine. Styles that are impossible with traditional weaving methods such as high ponytails, corn rows, and twists can be achieved with a full lace wig. Also, because all of your own hair is tucked safely away beneath the wig, it is possible to maintain a healthy hair care and growth routine for your own locks, avoiding heating utensils and the wear and tear of daily styling all while maintaining a fabulous, natural look.

The possibilities really are endless!

How are lace wigs made?

If you are new to lace wigs, or considering a purchase, you are probably wondering exactly what you can expect when open a lace wig box for the first time.

Well, it's pretty simple.

A lace wig is a wig made with human hair tied to a lace base. The two basic types of lace used in lace front wigs are French lace and Swiss lace. A "lace front" wig has lace at the hairline (ear to ear) that is secured with liquid adhesive or tape. When the lace is adhered to your own hairline, it gives an invisible hairline, making it look as though the hair is growing out of your scalp. "Full lace" wigs have the entire cap base made of lace so that the unit can be parted in any direction and worn in a high ponytail or updo if desired. We will detail the differences between lace front and full lace wigs in a later post.

The best quality lace wigs are made with Remy hair. Remy (or Remi) hair is the complete hair strand and has not been weakened by stripping. Remy hair is created by careful processing which leaves the cuticle in place. The result is stronger, superior hair. Still, this hair has undergone some processing (such as cleaning and dyeing), so it should also be treated gently. Remy hair is often referred to as "cuticle hair" because the cuticle is left intact. Hair that is stripped of the cuticle is often chemically treated to give the hair an artificial softness and shine, which wears down over time, causing tangling and a poor appearance. Remy hair does not have this problem and is the highest quality hair you can purchase.


There are 3 basic types of lace wig cap designs. The "Full Lace Cap", the "Lace Front" and the "Lace Frontal". Within these three types there are many variations on exactly how the cap can be designed. For examples, many vendors can have units with straps or elastic, stretch lace, silk caps, thin skin, and several other design elements that can be adjusted to best suit your lifestyle and personal preferences.

When making your first lace wig purchase, it is important that you understand and research your choices so that you can select the options that work best for you. Discuss your choices with your lace wig seller. Any reputable vendor should be more than happy to explain the options that they offer and help you to to make a good decision.