The full lace wig is made with a lace mesh cap and the hair sewn into it throughout. It gives you a natural-looking hairline, is more frequently made with human or animal hair, and is easier to style because it can be parted anywhere. It also allows for more comfort when you are wearing it because it breathes more. The downside is that these wigs can often much more expensive than other types of wigs. [1] X Research source These can also get damaged easier because they are not made of more durable fabric. The front or partial lace wig is made with lace mesh at the front instead of all the way around. It gives you a natural-looking hairline on your forehead, but it is made of more durable materials around the main part of your head. These wigs can be made of any of the materials such as human, horse, Brazilian, or synthetic and are cheaper than full lace wigs. The downside is that these wigs are not as natural looking as full lace and can be harder to style because of the way the wig is made. Non-lace wigs are made on materials such as nylon mesh. These wigs can be made with any type of hair material, are more durable, and are much less expensive than other wigs. The downside is that these wigs don’t look as realistic as other wigs and don’t blend into the hairline as easily as lace wigs. [2] X Research source
If your hair is long, you can separate the hair into two pieces and twist them, crossing the two pieces behind your head. Attach them across the top and bottom with bobby pins. [3] X Expert Source Patrick EvanProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 January 2019. If you have long and thick hair, you can do small 1 inch (2. 5 cm) twists curls and pin them all around your hair. Grab a 1 inch (2. 5 cm) wide portion of your hair and twist it, wrapping the end around your forefinger. Curl the strand down toward your head, making a 1 inch (2. 5 cm) wide circle with your hair. Once all the hair is in the curl, pin it with two bobby pins, making an X over the curl. Do this for the entirety of your hair. This will give you a smooth surface on which to apply your wig. Shorter hair can simply be combed and pinned away from the hairline. Try to get your hair as flat against your head as you can. [4] X Expert Source Patrick EvanProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 January 2019. You can also use a stretchy cloth headband or similar item to push your hair away from your hairline. [5] X Research source
Even if you don’t have hair and have skipped the previous step, make sure you prepare your skin.
Whether you have long or short hair, you need to use a wig cap under your wig. [6] X Expert Source Patrick EvanProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 17 January 2019. If you don’t have any hair, this step is optional. It may prevent some wig slippage but isn’t necessary to help smooth out the hair area. [7] X Research source
To ensure that the wig and wig cap doesn’t slip, apply the glue or tape slightly on the edge of the cap. This will adhere to the wig, the cap, and your skin together, making it more stable. You can use a combination of these two methods. It is up to you. You don’t have to apply glue or tape to your entire scalp line, but make sure you place some at the front of the forehead and on your temples. These are necessary areas for a natural-looking wig. You can then choose any other areas which you think need it and place the adhesives there. [8] X Research source
If you are working with a full or half lace wig, cut the lace to match your hairline. Make sure you don’t cut too much off and disrupt the natural hairline of the wig. Leave a little bit on the edge so it can be glued to your head in a natural-looking way. Don’t worry about styling your wig now. It will get messed up during the application process. You will be able to style it after the application.
Don’t bend over and put your wig on upside down. This will give your wig an uncentered look and might stick parts of the hair to the adhesive material before you’re ready. If you are putting a wig on for the first time, allow enough time to adjust the wig before you need to leave the house. It may take practice to get it perfect.
You can also use bobby pins to make your wig feel more secure. Place bobby pins through the top of your wig, hooking them into your wig cap and hair underneath. Do this more towards the middle to ensure they aren’t visible. [10] X Research source Once it’s in place, check to see if there is any glue residue visible under the wig. If there is, remove it by gently rubbing the areas with a cotton pad dipped in an alcohol solution. If you don’t get the placement of your wig right on the first try, gently run a Q-tip dipped in alcohol solution around the area to detach it from your skin. Re-position your wig and reapply. [11] X Research source
You can have your wig cut into a style that fits your face before you apply it. This will make the wig feel more like you and appear more natural on your head. Remember that less is always better. Whether your wig is made of human hair, animal hair, or synthetic materials, don’t use too much product because it leaves a residue on your wig.
