Lace front closures and silk closures have replaced traditional wigs due to how they offer a more natural look. However, to achieve the unrecognizable wig style, you have to put a little more effort in than just pulling the wig out of the package and placing it on your head.
As you probably already know, the installation process usually requires adhesive products that are best left for professionals to use on you, however, there are some lace front closures that you can safely apply at home.
This how-to guide will walk you through installing a lace front closure with and without glue in a few simple steps.
I’m Lori and I’ve worn all types of wigs: long, short, straight, curly, and crochet to switch up my look from time to time and protect my natural hair… Basically, I know a lot about wigs and weaves first hand.
So allow me to help you explore some of the best ways to install a lace front closure that will leave you feeling more confident about doing it yourself for your next hairstyle.
How to Install a Lace Front Closure
To install a lace front closure you can sew it in, use adhesive tape or even clip and pin it in place, but the most common and popular method is to glue it down.
- Sewing your lace front closure on yourself will take a long time for you to get the hang of.
- Adhesive tape can appear thick and bulky under the closure and may even lift if not applied properly.
- Glueing down your lace front closure provides a thin layer for the wig to stick to which gives more natural looking results. This is also the reason it’s become the preferred method for most wig wearers and professional hair stylists.
Of course with every hairstyle, the decision is yours to choose a suitable method to apply the lace front closure and things you want to consider before making that decision are: have you had scalp or skin sensitivity with any hair products in the past?
How long would you like the wig to stay with you? Also, do you feel capable to sew or glue the closure by yourself?
If you are a complete beginner then, this guide will definitely give you two great options to try out, and hopefully you’ll have a flawless experience.
Method 1 – Installing a Lace Front Closure With Glue
Things to be prepared in advance: Wig cap, Scissors/Hair shears, Scalp protector, Wig adhesive, Small adhesive brush, Blow dryer, Wig clips, Hair clamps, Brush, or Comb.
Step 1: It is very important to conduct a patch test first in a small area on your forearm. This step shouldn’t be missed, as your skin may be sensitive to the chemical substances in the wig adhesive glue.
Observe the adhesive for at least twenty-four hours. In the case the skin becomes red or irritated, you can either purchase a hypoallergenic wig adhesive to use instead of or stay away from the glue method altogether.
In the case the skin is unaffected, you can safely wear the wig with glue.
Step 2: Proceed to prep your hair to fit under the wig cap by braiding it down if you have long hair or flattening it with mousse if it’s short. You can then double-check that the wig fits properly on your head and lines up with your hairline.
Step 3: Make sure your forehead, especially the skin closest to your hairline, is clean, with no styling products and oils. This is the area where your lace front closure will be secured.
You can use a gentle cleanser followed by rubbing alcohol. This will remove the excess oils on your skin. Spray scalp protector directly on your head to act as a barrier between your skin and the adhesive. Allow the serum to dry completely before continuing.
Step 4: Gently put on your wig cap making sure all of your hairs are tucked into the cap, even the hairs on the nape of your neck, you may have seen videos where the cap is pulled over the ears and cut around them, feel free to do the same but bear in mind more glue is required.
Step 5: If your lace front closure is not new skip to step 6. Place the lace front closure in line with your hairline and use hair clamps to pull the hair far from your face. Then use sharp scissors or hair shears to trim the excess lace along your natural hairline.
You should leave around 1/8 inch (3 mm) of lace in order to not lose any hair from the lace, especially the baby hairs.
Step 6: Use a small eyeshadow brush or the brush included with the wig adhesive glue to apply it to the wig cap or the area of your forehead below the hairline.
Step 7: Dry the glue for at least 30 to 45 seconds with a blow dryer that’s on a cool setting. The purpose of this is to make the glue tacky, which will provide better adhesion.
Step 8: Press the front hairline of the lace front closure to your skin or the wig cap where the glue has been applied, then press down firmly until the lace closure stays in place on its own–this can take up to one full minute.
Repeat this process for the sides of the lace front closure near your ears too. Additionally, you can use a silk scarf to tie it down for extra hold and flatness.
Wait at least 15 minutes for the glue to dry before trying to style your lace front closure. If you try to style it too soon, the lace closure can be moved out of place.
Method 2 – Installing a Lace Front Closure Without Glue
It’s great to know that when it comes to installing a lace front closure, you don’t have to use glue. There are so many alternatives and techniques to create a perfect lace front install, and I’m here to help you out!
Beyond allergies and the time costs involved, many wig wearers opt for a glueless lace front install to preserve the closure for longer and to protect their natural hair.
Using a strong adhesive like wig glue to secure your lace front can cause problems, and honestly, sometimes the damage is irreversible.
Wig glue is known for blocking the pores in your scalp which then leads to damaging your hair follicles. This damage then prevents your hair from growing along your hairline and even causes thinning, which ultimately leads to hair loss.
You definitely don’t want that so this glueless lace front method of using a wig grip could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
If you’re unfamiliar with wig grips, it’s basically a band that holds your wig securely in place. It comes in various scalp shades, so be sure to purchase the one closest to your skin.
Step 1: Place your wig grip in line with your edges and secure the wig grip by connecting the velcro ends. Be sure not to fasten it too tightly.
Step 2: Carefully place your lace front closure on your head where you like it. Remember, once attached to the wig grip its “grips” firmly and won’t move.
Step 3: Clip your hair back and focus on slaying your edges to create a more natural look and feel then release your hair from the clips, fluff, and style as desired.
Wrapping Up
No matter how you decide to install your lace front closure, post-application care is necessary just as you would care for your natural hair. Remember, beauty always asks for patience and creativity, so whichever method you use, give your best and have fun in the process.
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