How to Apply a Lace Front Wig: 15 Easy Steps That Work

If you’re new to wigs, it can feel a little scary at first, but trust me, it’s not that hard once you get the hang of it. Learning how to apply a lace front wig is mostly about prepping your real hair, making the lace blend, and securing everything so it doesn’t move. The goal is simple: a natural hairline that looks like it’s growing right from your scalp. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 15 super easy steps, plus a few extra tips, so you can install your wig at home and feel confident wearing it anywhere.

How to Apply a Lace Front Wig: Step-by-Step Guide (15 Easy Steps)

Step 1 – Wash & Condition Your Hair

Start with clean hair. A healthy scalp makes the install way easier and way more comfortable. Wash and condition like you normally do, then let your hair dry fully before moving on.

Step 2 – Flatten or Braid Your Hair

If your hair is long, braid it down into cornrows or twist it close to the scalp. Got short hair? Slick it back with a little gel. The goal here is just a smooth base.

Step 3 – Put on a Wig Cap

Slide on a wig cap that’s close to your skin tone. This keeps all your strands tucked in and gives the wig a fresh base to sit on.

Step 4 – Bleach the Knots (Optional)

See those tiny knots on the lace? They can sometimes show. Lightly bleaching them makes the wig look like the hair is growing straight from your scalp. Don’t overdo it, though keep it safe.

Step 5 – Pluck the Hairline

Grab some tweezers and carefully thin out the hairline. This stops it from looking too dense and gives it that softer, realistic vibe.

Step 6 – Tint the Lace

If the lace shade doesn’t match your skin, use lace tint spray or even a little foundation powder to even it out. Quick fix, big difference.

Step 7 – Cut the Lace

Clip the hair back and trim the lace using small scissors. Instead of a straight cut, go zig-zag or curved it hides better and blends smoother.

Step 8 – Clean Your Hairline

Before glue or gel, wipe your forehead with a bit of alcohol on cotton. This clears oil and sweat, so the adhesive sticks right.

Step 9 – Apply Scalp Protector

Think of this as a shield. A thin layer of scalp protector keeps your skin from getting irritated and helps the glue last longer.

Step 10 – Apply Glue (Thin Layers)

Less is more. Spread 2–3 thin layers of glue or gel right where the lace will sit. Wait until each layer turns tacky before adding the next.

Step 11 – Position & Press Wig

Now, place the wig starting at the center of your forehead and slowly press it down toward the sides. Take your time once it sticks, it’s not easy to move.

Step 12 – Melt the Lace

Tie a silk or elastic band around your hairline for about 10–15 minutes. This “melts” the lace into your skin. A hot comb on low heat can help smooth it down too.

Step 13 – Use a Wig Grip (Glueless)

Not a fan of glue? Pop on a wig grip over your wig cap. It stops sliding and gives a solid hold without the mess.

Step 14 – Secure with Straps & Combs

Most lace front wigs come with adjustable straps and small combs inside. Tighten them just enough to feel snug, but not so tight that it hurts.

Step 15 – Lay Edges with Mousse or Spray

The final touch: baby hairs. Use a little mousse or holding spray to shape them, then tie a scarf for a few minutes so they stay in place. That’s it you’re done.

Styling Tips for a Natural Look

Once your lace front wig is on, it’s all about styling. A good install can still look off if you don’t play around with the details, so here are a few tricks to make it feel more “you.”

Add baby hairs – A little swoop goes a long way. Use a tiny brush and some mousse or spray to lay down a few soft edges. It breaks up the hairline and gives a realistic finish.

Try different partings – Don’t get stuck on one look. Shift between a middle part, deep side part, or even bangs if your wig allows. Changing the part makes the wig feel fresh and way more natural.

Go for a sleek ponytail or bun – Lace fronts are made for versatility. Once it’s secure, pull your hair back into a low ponytail or a smooth bun. It’s clean, simple, and still gives off a natural wig finish.

Blend the lace with makeup – If the lace tone still peeks through, dab a little foundation or powder along your hairline. That tiny touch helps the lace disappear and creates a realistic hairline.

Maintenance & Removal Guide

Taking care of your lace front wig is just as important as installing it right. If you treat it well, it’ll last longer, look fresher, and save you money in the long run. Here’s how to keep it in good shape.

Safe Removal

Don’t just yank it off that’s the fastest way to ruin the lace or your edges. Use an adhesive remover or a spray made for wigs. Let it sit a minute, then gently lift the lace starting from the sides. Slow and steady keeps both your wig and hairline safe.

Washing & Cleaning Tips

How often you wash depends on how much you wear it, but on average every 6–10 uses is a good rule. Use a mild shampoo and a little conditioner, nothing too heavy. Always wash in cool water, pat it dry with a towel, and let it air dry. Heat tools can mess with the fibers if you overdo it.

Extending Wig Life

A couple of simple habits can add months to your wig’s life. Always store it on a wig stand so it keeps its shape. Limit hot tools like straighteners or curling irons, and if you do use heat, go low and quick. Keeping glue build-up off the lace also makes a big difference for wig longevity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good wig, small mistakes can mess up the whole look. Here are a few things you’ll wanna skip:

Using too much glue – More isn’t better. Piling on glue just makes a sticky mess and can even ruin the lace. Thin layers are enough.

Wrong wig cap color – If the cap’s too light or too dark, it shows right through. Always go for one close to your skin tone so it blends.

Over-plucking the hairline – Plucking gives a natural vibe, but doing too much can leave bald patches. Take it slow and check as you go.

Not letting the glue dry fully – If you rush, the lace will lift. Wait until the glue is tacky before pressing the wig down. Patience here saves a lot of fixing later.

FAQs 

How long does a lace front wig last?
It depends on the hair quality and how well you care for it. A good human hair lace front can last 6 months to over a year if you wash it gently and store it right. Synthetic ones usually don’t last as long.

Can you sleep in it?
Yeah, you can, but it’s not the best idea. Tossing and turning can tangle the wig and wear out the lace faster. If you do sleep in it, wrap it with a silk scarf to cut down on friction.

Can you swim with it?
Technically yes, but chlorine and salt water are rough on wigs. If you must, use a swim cap. Otherwise, it’s better to take it off so it doesn’t get damaged.

Do lace wigs damage natural hair?
Not if you wear them right. The damage usually comes from using too much glue or not removing it carefully. Keep your real hair clean, braided, and moisturized under the cap, and you’ll be fine.

Can beginners install lace wigs easily?
For sure. The first try might feel tricky, but with a step-by-step guide, anyone can do it. Start with a glueless method like a wig grip way less stress than glue when you’re learning.

Buyer Tips

If you’re in Australia and shopping around for lace front wigs, pay close attention to the little details. Go for human hair lace front wigs Australia sellers that actually show clear photos and reviews, not just stock pictures. Make sure the wig comes with adjustable straps, decent lace quality, and a solid return policy ‘cause let’s be real, sometimes the color or density looks different in person. A good seller will also guide you on care, which saves you from wasting money in the long run.

Conclusion

So now you know exactly how to apply a lace front wig whether you go for glue or keep it simple with a glueless grip. The whole trick is prepping your hair, cutting and blending the lace, then styling it the way you like. Take your time, avoid the common mistakes, and you’ll get that natural, flawless look every single time. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature.