How to Apply Your Lace Wig

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