If you’ve been wondering how do you put on a lace front wig, you’re not alone. This styling option has become a favorite for people who want versatility, a natural hairline, and a quick transformation. Once you learn how do you put on a lace front wig, you’ll realize it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. The key is preparation, patience, and a few insider tricks to make the wig look as seamless as possible. And yes — once you’ve done it a couple of times, it can be almost second nature.

What is a Lace Front Wig and its Benefits

What is a lace front wig? By the mere definition, a lace front wig is a wig that has a see-through lace fabric at the forehead. Fake strands of hair are also sewn by hand to the lace to have a natural hairline. The lace ends merge naturally with the skin once they are put on, hence making the wig look like real hair on your head.

A lace front wig does more than change your hairstyle. It allows you to cover up bald spots where you experience hair loss, can give your hair a break when perming and dyeing it, and experiment with various natural lengths, colors, and styles without altering your hair in the process.

It is also a practical feature for people who may want to change their appearances in a short period of time to change their costumes, pose at photo shoots, or on stage.

Prep Your Natural Hair

Before you touch the wig, your hair needs some attention. How you prep your natural hair matters when it comes to how the wig fits and how natural it lies. Most people braid their hair into flat cornrows or wrap it close to the scalp. If your hair is too short, slick it back with gel or mousse.

The objective here is to make the surface as flat as possible, with no lumps or bumps that will show through lace. This is one of the first things to remember when you’re figuring out how do you put on a lace front wig, because a smooth base is what keeps the wig looking real.

How to Trim the Lace for a Natural Hairline

Prior to trimming, reverse the wig and find the lace area at the forehead. And do not cut so near to the hairline! At all times, maintain a safe gap of about 1-2 mm. Gradually and using small, sharp scissors, remove any excess lace after trimming it to how you would like the natural hairline to be.

The lace in the center of the wig can be trimmed relatively straight or with a slight curve. The sideburns will need additional care to taper down into a thinner, more pointed shape over time to integrate with your natural sideburns and temples once they have been applied to the point of looking natural and almost natural. 

The key principle of this trimming process is "better to be more, not less"! Trim only a very small amount at a time, allowing you to adjust the lace repeatedly by wearing the wig. Overcutting is irreversible; the goal is to ensure that the final trimmed lace edge fits precisely where you plan to apply it, and that the shape appears natural.

How do You Put on a Lace Front Wig

When applying adhesive, choose glue or tape. Using glue, apply a thin first coat of glue to the clean skin of your forehead, approximately 1-2 cm wide from temple to temple. Use a cotton swab to apply a thin layer, slightly wider than the edge of the lace. Allow it to completely dry until it becomes transparent and sticky.

If you need stronger adhesion, apply a second thin coat after it is partially dry. When using tape, select a 0.5-1 cm width of custom double-sided tape. Apply it firmly to the clean skin at your hairline. Press firmly, then remove the outer protective film to reveal the sticky surface.

To wear the wig, grasp the inner sideburns of the wig with both hands and apply it from back to front. The first step is to adjust the center of the forehead lace to the position marked and very carefully insert it.

Next, attach immediately the sideburn lace, and press with fingers. Rub along the adhesive edge using your fingertips, particularly on the sideburns, to press for a minimum of 10-15 seconds to ensure that the lace is properly tacked down and there are no air bubbles.

The back of the wig is to be adjusted, and the inside adjustment buckle or fastener is locked in place. Lastly, when you use glue, give it some time to dry thoroughly, and do not touch the front edge.

Final Thoughts

Learning how do you put on a lace front wig is a mix of technique and personal preference. Everyone develops their method over time, but the foundation stays the same — prep, fit, secure, blend, and style. And before you know it, you won’t just be wearing your lace front wig — you’ll be rocking it like it was made for you. For a flawless fit and top-quality styles, check out ALIPEARL’s lace front wigs that blend beauty, comfort, and durability.