Lace Wigs 101

The Good, the Bad, the H.A.M.

2010-12-31T12:53:00.001-06:00

Isn't it exciting? When you finally find the perfect hair solution, something so versatile, something that can change your appearance in minutes without compromising the health of your hair or scalp?
No lumps, no bumps, no blending. No more clutching desperately at your hair every time the wind blows, for fear that your tracks are going to show. Goodbye, "perma-part.” Goodbye, thread and glue.
Hello, high ponytails, windswept locks and perfect hair days from now on!

This is how many women feel when they first discover lace wigs!
...and then you come back down to earth.

The truth is, there is no perfect hair extension system. Every system has pros and cons. Though lace wigs address many of the concerns that women have had about traditional weaves, the fact remains that a lace wig is not your real hair.

Let me repeat that.

Yes, I know, I know. You love your wig, and you have it parted every which-a-way, and yesterday you wore it in a high ponytail, but still Ladies, it must be said, a lace wig is not your real hair. A lace wig is an extension system and like any extension system, it requires time, knowledge, patience, and care to look its best and to stay in good condition.

Otherwise, you may end up looking a H.A.M. If you don’t know that is refer to the picture to the right.

Sorry, Girls. I know that's scary. But fear not, we are here to help.

Many women buy a lace wig with the misconception that wig hair will require little care or maintance. Nothing could be further from the truth. Keeping your lace wig looking and feeling good and natural will require quite a bit of effort on your part. However, the reward is the most natural looking, versatile, and growth producing extension system available today.

Our site is dedicated to providing you with basic information as well as insider tips and tricks that you will need to acheive a flawless lace wig application and develop a care and maintanance routine that can provide the same flawless results time and time again.

Feel free to add comments, ask questions, and provide links and other information that you think will be interesting to our readers.

Thank you for viewing our site. Now, lets get down to the business of looking fabulous!

Nape lifting? How to achieve a Long Lasting Bond at the Nape.

2009-01-17T00:47:00.006-06:00

Bonding the nape of a lace front wig can be challenge for even the most experienced lace veteran. To begin, you can't see what you're doing, and many women have a lot of hair on our necks which interferes with the adhesive bond. This can quickly lead to frustration as the adhesive either will not stick at all, or when it does it will not stay bonded for any length of time.

Many women often wonder what it is that they are doing wrong that makes them unable to get the nape bond right. In my experience, I've found that there are usually pretty simple reasons why someone might not be have to maintain a successful hold at the nape ,and with a few adjustments, every woman can have a flawless nape application. If you are having problems with your nape hold, read the following guide carefully and consider what changes you can make to youe application routine to get better results.

Wig Size

One of the most important steps to getting a good nape application begins before you even receive your unit. It starts at the point when you take your measuremants and order your unit. I have found that one of the biggest sabatuer of lace wig applications is trying to apply a too small unit.

When to comes to securing the nape, the "front to nape" measurement is by far the most important. The front to nape is the measurement that begins at the forehead and ends at the nape of the neck. If this measurement is too short, you simply will not be able to pull your unit far enough down in the back to glue it properly. When measuring your head, if you are unsure about any of the measurements it is better to err on the side of caution and order a unit slightly too big than too small. You can always trim a too large unit, but if your unit is too small, you won't have many options.

Positioning

Another important element of achieving a lasting nape bond is the placement of your wig. The nape of a lace front wig should be bonded in the "bend" of your neck, not below. To locate this area, hold your head all the back and look up at ceiling. Feel the crease that forms at your nape? The bottom of your unit should be applied just above this crease. It really doesn't matter what adhesive you use, if your unit is bonded below the nape, or the bend in the neck, it will not hold. The adhesive will release from the natural bending and pivoting of your neck.

Too Much Nape Hair

Ok, so now that you've located the area where you should be placing your unit, you have to consider whether or not you have too much nape hair to get a good hold.
One thing is clear, and that is that lace wigs do not bond well to hair. Many women shave the extra hair below the crease in order to achieve a better bond. Now, I must clarify this point. This does not mean that you should shave the back of your head. I am not suggesting that you shave anything above the bend in your neck. As a matter of fact, all of your hair should be braided up and growing while you are wearing lace wigs.

Whether you decide to shave or not, keep in mind that in order to have a truly flawless nape application, this may be a necessary step for women with a lot of hair at the nape.

As an alterantive, if you don't want to shave your nape, then you may to try parting your hair just above the crease and putting the adhesive in the part. Tape does not stick very well to hair at all, so if you try this method you will need to use a liquid adhesive in the part.

Handle With Care

Once you do get your nape applied applied securely, it is important to handle your unit gently. Do not pull at the back of the lace front wig when styling your hair in a ponytail, or updo. Remember the hair is just glued, or taped down - it isn't nailed down. The less stress that you place on your adhesive, the longer your bond will last.

Patience
The simplest element, but a very significant factor nonetheless.
Hang in there, Ladies! You are all capable of acheiving a perfect nape application. It just takes a little practice.

Ok, so that's it for today!
I welcome all of your comments, experiences, and questions. If you have an idea for a topic you would like to se covered in Lace Wigs 101, let us know. We want to hear from you!

Until next time Ladies, Stay Fabulous!

How to Avoid Lace Lifting and Sliding Back

2009-01-15T23:57:00.011-06:00

Hello Divas!
Today's article addressed an issue that many of us that dealt with in the past. Lifting and sliding back of your lace wig unit.

Office Lace

Imagine yourself at work one day... There you are just going about your day, canoodling with co-workers and friends, pretending to work while surfing the internet, flirting with the cute guy from accounting. You get the picture, doing whatever it is that do while err, working. So, you're just sailing along, doing your thing, blissfully unaware of the fact that your lace wig has also decided to its own thing. And unfortunately for you, the thing that it is doing is coming unglued from your head. Right in the front.
Of course, you don't know this until you start getting the "hairline stares". A quick mirror check confirms your fears. Yep, your wig has slid back. Glue and everything is out for the entire world to see. You instantly panic, "How long has it been like this?" "Did the cute guy from accounting see it?"
Humilified, you feign illness so you can go home early and fix your damn wig.
As you can imagine, (and many of you can testify) this scenario is one that can make wish that you could shrink into a tiny version of yourself and hide under the nearest rock.

Today's article is devoted to describing ways to keep your unit secure and in place in hopes that I can save someone a little (or a lot, depending on the circumstances) of embarrassment.

If you are having problems with lifting here are a few tips to help reduce and eventually eliminate this situation:

1. Make sure that your skin is free of oil and perspiration prior to applying your lace wig. Oil on your skin will lead to your lace wig lifting and reducing the length of time that your wig remains attached. Use 91% alcohol to remove any oil from the perimeter of your hairline. (99% alcohol works as well but may be harsh to your skin. 99% alcohol is better suited to remove adhesive from your lace as opposed to your skin.)

2. Allow the alcohol to dry completely before applying a dermal barrier like Skin Shield or Scalp Protector. Allow the dermal barrier to dry completely.

3. Style your hair in a manner that allows it to lay as flat as possible underneath your wig - a wig cap may help you achieve this. A nude wig cap also helps seal in moisture to your natural hair and gives the illusion of “scalp” from any direction that your wig is parted.

4. Fit is important. If any of your measurements are too small, it be a constant struggle for you to keep your unit bonded. It is important to make sure that when your hair is measured for your lace wig, that your natural hair is styled in the same manner that it will be when the wig is applied.

5. Make sure that your wig does not rest too far down on your neck at the nape. Hold your head back and look directly up at the ceiling. If your lace wig extends past the crease at the nape of your neck when you hold your head in this manner - your wig will constantly lift at the nape. Adjust by applying Frayblock and cutting the excess lace and hair of the wig away. Cut from the back INSTEAD of at the front hairline. The front hairline of most wigs feature natural hairlines and may have bleached knots and babyhair. Cutting into this front portion could lead to an unnatural looking front hairline.

6. When applying your lace wig at the nape, be sure to hold your chin down toward your chest. This will prevent the nape area from lifting up once you have completed your wig application.

7. Make sure that the sideburns on the wig do not extend too far down on your face. This is especially important if you wear sunglasses or glasses. If the sideburns on the wig are too long, they will lift when your wig is pulled back into a pony tail or worn with a headband. Adjust by applying Frayblock and cutting the excess lace and hair of the wig away.

8. The last rule of bonding is to pay attention to the cleaning agents that you use on your lace unit. It is a well known fact that adhesives and oils do not mix. However, many women use oil based products such as Goo Gone or C-22 to remove adhesive residues from the lace on their units. Keep in mind that using a product like this can interfere with your wig bond during subsequent wig applications. If you use oil based removers or cleaning agents on your unit, it is good idea to cleanse the unit with a grease dissolving agent such as Dawn Dish detergent to cleanse away any oil remaining oil residues.

Ok, so that's it. By following the above tips, you should have little problem maintaining long term bonds with little to no lifting.

As always, thank you for viewing our site, and until next time, Stay Fabulous!

How to Apply Your Lace Wig

2009-01-15T13:31:00.025-06:00

Whew! this is the topic that every lace wig novice wants to know more about!
How do I apply my unit, and more importantly, how I get it to stay applied?

A Lace Wig Horror Story

So, you're going out, now that you are looking extra hot with your new lace wig on. Shoot, you know you look good and can't nobody tell you any different. You're going about your business, flipping your new hair all around.
...And then you notice that people are giving extra long glances at your hairline.
But whatever, you brush it off, they're just trying to figure out if this is your real hair, and of course, as far as they know, IT IS. So, you just give your hair a toss and keep on stepping.

But it keeps happening, over and over again. Everywhere you go people are staring. Now, you know you look good, but this is just ridiculous. And even more disquieting is the fact that they aren't staring at your beautiful eyes or your pretty face, but they are staring directly. at. your. hairline.

So you make your way in a most expedient manner to the nearest mirror. Ohh, the horror!
Your lace wig has slid back a few inches, and is sitting waaay back on your head leaving your hairline, glue, wig cap, and furry cornrows in full view of everybody and their mama. No wonder people were staring! So, you slink home, humilified (my new word), and curse the day you ever heard of lace wigs.

Of course, you don't want to end up like the sad diva in the story above. But this frightening tale is not uncommon. Every day, lace wig wearers aroung the world are being humilified when their units slide back revealing their secret to the world. Thankfully, with a little practice and the right tools and knowledge, you can avoid a similar fate.

How to Apply Your Lace Wig

If you are a new lace wig wearer and you are doing your own application for the first time, the most important factor in making your application a survivable and successful one is preparation.

Lace Wig Tool Kit

To begin, there are a few tools that you will need to gather in order to apply your unit. I recommend assembling a "tool kit" such as a basket or box where you keep all of your lace wig application supplies.

If you've ordered a custom unit and are waiting for it to arrive, it is a good idea to order your supplies a week or so before you expect to receive your unit. Since there are very few places that sell lace wig supplies locally, you need to keep in mind that you will need to order most of your supplies and allow transit time for them to get to you. TIP: It is also a good idea to order a few extra supplies, especially adhesives, because if you run out, you will not be able to just go out and buy more.

Below is a list of the basic application tools that you will need.

The Adhesive or Tape of your choice. Self explanatory, you won't get far without it.

A razor (like the kind you use to shave your legs) or clippers. This will be used to shave any stray hairs from your hairline and nape. This step is optional, but it will help to ensure a longer lasting bond.

Wig cap if desired. A flesh colored wig cap can enhance the illusion of scalp if worn under lace, however it is not necessary. We will discuss other ways camouflage the lace in later posts.

Scalp Protector. Scalp protector will enhance the strength of the bond between the lace wig and your flesh by providing a smoother bonding surface. Also, it will protect your skin from irritation.

Alcohol. Rubbing alcohol, not the drinking kind. Save that until after you get your unit applied :). For best results rubbing alcohol should be at least 90%. This will be used to cleanse the application area of oils that could interfere with the bond.

A Rat tailed comb. The rat tail works great for pressing the unit into place without getting glue in the unit babyhairs.

Adhesive Remover. You will need to purchase a remover to remove the glue from your skin and from your wig. Lace Release is a great product. 100% Acetone also works well and can be purchased from any drugstore or cosmetic store.

OK, so here goes...
You have all of your tools assembled and you're ready to apply.

Applying your lace front for the first time can be a daunting task. Just remember to be patient and to avoid becoming frustrated. Also, make sure that the first time you apply your lace wig, you have a nice quiet environment and plenty of time set aside to learn so that you won’t feel rushed. First time applications can be trying enough without the added frustration of trying to rush through it. Allow yourself at least two hours for a first time application with any new unit.

That being said, let's get down to basics.

Cutting the Lace

First, you will need to cut the excess lace from your wig. It’s really quite simple, just cut the lace all the way back to where the hairs first begin, making sure to cut off as much lace as possible without cutting off the baby hairs. Some people recommend leaving a small strip of lace in the front, but I do not recommend this because no matter how much makeup you put on it, a strip of lace glued to your forehead looks very strange and unnatural. For the most natural application, just go ahead and cut all of the excess lace off.

Basic steps to wig application

1) Prepare your own hair for the application by making sure it as flat as possible. You can put your hair into small cornrows, or do a hard flat set with gel if your hair is shorter.

2) Clean the hairline area where the lace will be applied with the rubbing alcohol. Make sure to clean the application area well to remove any oils from the skin. If desired, you can use a wig cap to keep your hair flat under the wig, but it is not necessary.

3) Use the razor or clippers to shave the stray hairs from your hairline and nape area. This step is optional, but keep in mind that a hair free application area will allow you to achieve a longer lasting and neater looking bond. Also, if you are placing adhesive on top of any hairs they will be pulled out which can thin your hairline over time. You should not shave your entire hairline, only the stray hairs. And, yes, the hair will grow back.

4) Apply the scalp protector to your hairline to the area where you will place the adhesive. Apply the scalp protector generously. You cannot apply too much scalp protector.

Allow the scalp protector to dry before proceeding to step #5. When dry, the scalp protector will appear shiny on the skin, but will not feel wet or sticky.

5) Apply tape to the perimeter of your hairline area where the lace wig will be applied. Whether you decide to use a liquid adhesive or tape is your personal choice. To get the strongest and longest lasting bond we recommend using a combination of both tape and glue. If you are using liquid adhesive only, skip this step.

6) At this point, you should also apply the tape to your nape area. However, do not remove tape backing or attempt to adhere the nape until the front hairline of the unit has been secured.

7) Apply 1-2 thin coats of adhesive to the front hairline. The adhesive should be applied to the skin and a little bit on the tape.

8) Wait 5-10 minutes between coats for adhesive to dry.

You will know that your adhesive is dry enough when it is tacky to the touch but does not feel wet.

9) After adhesive has set align the unit by placing the wig on your head and make sure that it is aligned properly with the center of the wig matching with the center of your head. If your unit is long put the wig hair into a ponytail first in order to keep the hair out of the way while you are applying

10) This is the trickiest and most important step, so take your time here. Beginning with the center of the wig, use the rat tailed comb to press the lace of the wig down into the glue and/or tape. Slowly and carefully work your way from the center of your head towards your ears one side at a time, aligning and adjusting the wig as you go. You should be lining up the very edge of your lace with the edge of the glue on your hairline. Continue pressing the lace into the glue one small section at a time. If your unit is the right size, you will be able to apply the unit without having to pull or tug it into place.

11) Now that the front is secure, you can move on the nape. Roll the unit up and remove the tape backing.

TIP: Many lace wig wearers do not always glue down the back of their unit, especially if you usually wear your hair down. If you are not planning on wearing an updo, try gluing down the front hairline only and securing the back of your unit with bobby pins or clips. This application method is a lot easier and less time consuming, and can also be more comfortable because if your scalp itches you can always lift up the back of your unit to scratch your head!

12) Apply adhesive to the nape area and apply the nape of the unit in the same manner as the front.

TIP: In order to achieve a more secure application, after your unit is applied, you can tie a scarf around the perimeter of your head, placing light pressure on the bonded areas, and allowing it to set for at least 20 minutes.

That's it, all done! Now give yourself a pat on the back :).

FINAL TIP: After you apply your unit, wait 24-48 hours before you wet your application area. Your adhesive needs time to set; after that time, you are good to go. Also, do not use any alcohol based products or oils around your lace perimeter. Keep this area dry and product free or your wig will lift sooner than it should.

Well, that's it. By following these steps, you should be able to achieve a flawless application every time you apply. As always, Ladies, feel free to add comments, ask questions or suggest new topics. I am glad to help!

Thanks for viewing my site and until next time, Stay Beautiful

What Exactly is a Lace Wig?

2009-01-15T12:21:00.014-06:00

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.

Ensuring a Proper Fit: How to measure for a Lace Wig

2009-01-14T14:32:00.007-06:00

Finding a proper fitting lace wig can leave you feeling like Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, this one's too big, the next one's too small. How do you find the fit that is just right?

I know a million sites have information on how to measure your head, but it is such a basic and important element of lace wig satisfaction, that I figured that it is a topic that we need to explore here. Miscalculations in measurements is one of the biggest mistakes made by novice lace wig wearers.

Biggest Error: Measurements too small

If your measurements are too small, then you will run into big problems immediately when you try to apply your unit. This applies even more so if you are doing a full perimeter application. As soon as you get one side of the unit secured with the adhesive and you try to pull the other side into place, the original side that you already had secured is tugged out of place. If you are having these kinds of problems, then unfortunately, your unit is too small. And unfortunately, there isn't much than be done to fix a unit that is too small. You can always try using bobby pins or clips to make your application more secure. But if you really want to get a flawless full perimeter application you will need to purchase another full lace wig with new, accurate measurements.

Slightly Larger can be Just Right

If your measurements are too large, then the cap will be looser on your head and you will probably end up having to trim off quite a bit of lace and hair in order to get a proper fit. Many lace wig wearers find that a slightly larger unit is more comfortable for them to wear and also holds applications longer because there is less pulling at the hairline and adhesive than there is with a tight fitting unit. I usually advise my customers to always add and extra 1/4 inch to allo of their measurements to allow for a little extra "give" to their unit. The extra space can also help when applying because you will not have to be so precise withyour unit placement. Say for instance you are having an off day and you accidentally place your unit 1/4 inch too far forward or too far back or right or whatever. You get the picture. If you have the extra room in your unit then you will still be able to apply it successfully. However, please be careful not to get your unit far too large as this will result in a baggy unit that will look wiggy and unnatural.

So, now that we have that out of the way. Here are the how to measure instructions. This is pretty standard stuff and is consistent across vendors, so once you get your measurements correct, you can save them and use them over and over again.

Lace Wig & Frontal Measurement Info

Please remember that you must measure your head in the same condition as you will wear it under the lace wig and you want to get your hair as flat as possible. That means if you plan to prepare your hair in cornrows or braids to wear the wig, you must take your measurements with your hair prepared in braids. You will also need a cloth or plastic tailoring tape measure that is flexible in order to take your measurements in inches. Do not pull the tape too tight, but it should be a snug fit. We recommend measuring at least 3 times to assure accuracy, as your wig will be constructed based only on the measurements you provide. We also recommend to start & end the measurements approximately 1/4 inch beyond your hairline to ensure that when glued, your wig will adhere to your skin and not directly on your hairline. Take your measurements based upon where you plan to place the adhesive, not where your hairline actually begins and ends.

1) Measure your head Circumference around your hairline.Place the tape flat against your forehead at your hairline and wrap around your head. The tape should rest behind your ears and also sit on the nape of your neck.
Average circumference measurement is 21-22 inches.

2) Measure Front to NapeLooking downward, center the tape measure on your front hairline. Place the tape measure about a 1/2 inch in front of your hairline and measure back to the nape of your neck going over the crown of your head. If you are unsure where your nape is, bend your head backwards and note where your skin folds- this is your nape. Keep in mind that you want to adhere glue to the outside perimeter of your natural hairline, so if you have some hair below your nape area that you want to cover, measure up to that point. The measurement should be taken with your head held down.
Average front to nape measurement is 13-14 inches.

3)Measure from Ear to Ear Across ForeheadPlace tape just in front of your ear at your hairline (at sideburns), and measure to your opposite sideburn bringing the tape across your front hairline. Average Ear to Ear Across Forehead measurement is 11-12 inches.

4) Measure from Ear to Ear Over Top of HeadPlace tape at your hairline at the top of your ears and measure over the top of your head over to your opposite ear. If your hairline falls under your ear, start the tape measure there and position as stated above.
Average Ear to Ear over top of Head measurement is 13 inches.

5) Measure from Temple to Temple Around the Back of HeadPlace the tape measure at your hairline from your temple going around the back of your head to the opposite temple.

Average Temple to Temple around Back measurement is 14 inches.

6) Measure the Nape of Your Neck. Measure the width of your hairline across the nape of the neck.

Average Nape measurement is 5 inches.