Curious about trying a lace front wig? Whether it’s for cosplay or regular wear, choosing a lace front wig will give you the most realistic looking hair with a natural hairline. In this post I’ll cover what exactly a lace front wig is and how to wear it.

What is a lace front wig?

A lace front wig (also called a lace frontal) may sound like a wig with actual frilly lace in front, but that “lace” is usually a fine mesh material. It’s located just in front of the wig, along the hairline. Some may go just around the forehead, while others extend along the sides.

You trim the mesh front to fit your face, and then you can wear it with or without adhesive, depending on your head. I always have to secure mine with glue, or it creeps back. There’s usually little baby hairs along the hairline, giving the wig a realistic appearance.

The wig pictured here is by HAIRCUBE and available on Amazon: Blond Lace Front Wig

How to Put on a Lace Front Wig

First you want to trim the lace a little and try it on to see how it fits. Then trim your lace to custom fit where you want it on your head. Remember, you can always go shorter, so cut cautiously! I cut mine straight with scissors, but I’ve also seen people do a rough cut with a razor for a more uneven edge.

The neat part about lace fronts (besides how real they look) is that you can have a totally different hairline if you want. If you aren’t using glue, then next you just put it on and go! But for longer wear, I recommend adhesive.

Using Adhesives on Your Wig

There are many different options when it comes to wig adhesives. You can use different types of glues or tape. I use Ghost Bond Classic, which is made specially for adhering lace front wigs and is waterproof and sweatproof. Another popular option is Got 2b Glued, which is actually a spiking gel, but works to hold wigs as well.

I dab the adhesive directly on my head, a little below where I want the wig to sit. Smooth it all around, wait about 20 seconds, then put your wig on. If you are going for really long term wear, then apply several layers of glue first.

People have different methods of how to put on wigs, but my usual go-to is to flip my head over, put the wig on front first, flip my head back, make sure the front is where it want it, then secure the back. Once you have it in the right spot, tap on the lace to make sure it contacts the adhesive.

The final step is to dab a little matching foundation over the lace to seamlessly blend it in. This step is only necessary if the lace is visible.

Removing a Lace Front Wig

Ghost Bond is waterproof, so you’ll need alcohol to loosen it first before removing. This will also clean the makeup off the lace so it’s fresh for your next wear. Got 2b Glued can be removed with soap and warm water.

You can also just pull it off, but it hurts a little when you pull out those fine hairs on your face, and you risk damaging the lace front. I am guilty of occasionally just pulling it off, so I speak from experience.

To see all this in action, check out my reel in Instagram:

10 Tips for Wearing a Lace Front Wig

For even more lace front wig tips, check out the list below that covers a bit of everything:

1. Prepare Your Hair: Braid or cornrow your natural hair close to your scalp to create a flat surface for the wig to sit on. Use a wig cap that matches your skin tone to further secure your hair and create a smooth base.
2. Clean Your Skin: Ensure your forehead and hairline are clean and free of oils or residue. This helps the wig adhesive or tape adhere better and last longer.
3. Trim the Lace: Carefully trim the excess lace along the front edge of the wig. Leave a small amount of lace to blend with your skin for a natural look. Be cautious not to cut too close to the hairline.
4. Apply Adhesive: Use a wig adhesive or tape designed for lace front wigs. Apply a thin layer along your hairline, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the adhesive to become tacky before placing the wig on your head.
5. Position the Wig: Place the wig on your head starting from the front. Gently press down on the lace to secure it to the adhesive. Adjust the wig so that it aligns with your natural hairline.
6. Blend the Edges: Use a makeup sponge or brush to apply foundation or concealer that matches your skin tone along the edge of the lace. This helps the lace blend seamlessly with your skin for a realistic appearance.
7. Style Your Wig: Style your lace front wig as desired using heat tools, braids, or twists. Avoid excessive heat to preserve the quality of the wig.
8. Secure with Clips: If your wig has adjustable straps or clips, use them to secure the wig firmly in place. This prevents the wig from shifting or slipping during wear.
9. Protect Your Wig: When not wearing your wig, store it on a wig stand or mannequin to maintain its shape and prevent tangling. Avoid storing it near heat sources or direct sunlight.
10. Care and Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for washing and styling your lace front wig. Use specially formulated wig shampoos and conditioners, and avoid using regular hair products that may damage the wig fibers. Regularly brush and detangle the wig to keep it looking fresh and natural.

These tips should help you achieve a comfortable and natural-looking style with your lace front wig.