In this article, I will talk about how to remove wig glue properly.
Removing glue the right way can extend the lifespan of the wig and protect our edges and hairlines.
My name is Lori, and I love wearing wigs and dancing. I use wig glue to secure my wigs from slipping off, especially when I dance or exercise.
Over the years, I have tried many different methods to remove wig glue on my skin, hairline, and on my wigs too. Some of the methods work well on sensitive skin too! Today, I will share the detailed steps of my most preferred ways to remove wig glue, together with some useful tips.
Let’s get started with the methods!
Why is Removing Wig Glue So Important?
According to our experience, if you don’t remove wig glues properly, it may cause these problems:
On your face and edges:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne breakouts
- Inflammations
- Allergies
On your wigs:
The leftover glue may build up at the knot, causing the hair to loosen up, or the wigs may cause your lace to break or become very fragile.
How to Remove Wig Glue on your Hairline and Skin (2 Best Methods)
Depending on whether you have sensitive skin or not, there are two ways to remove wig glue from your skin and hairline. Here is a handy tip for both methods: only apply the wig glue below your hairline and avoid the edges.
It removes the glue a lot easier, saves your edges, and gives you a much more natural look.
Method 1: Remove with Alcohol or Alcohol Based Solution
This is the most commonly used method because it is swift and efficient. The alcohol will break down the wig glue left on your skin and hairline for easy clean-up after wig removal.
A downside to using alcohol or an alcohol-based solution to remove wig glue is that it can be drying and can cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin. Therefore, it is best to do a patch test with the alcohol-based solution before applying it to your hairline to remove the wig.
Materials needed
- Alcohol or alcohol-based solution
- Conditioner
- Styling strips
- Wet towel
Detailed Steps
Step 1: Pin the wig back.
Step 2: Wet a towel with alcohol or any alcohol-based solution and gently rub it onto the edge of your wig. Wait for around 30 seconds to one minute. You may need to repeat this step a few times before lifting your wig for removal. Make sure not to scrub too hard.
Step 3: Gently pull up the wig from the edges. I recommend you to start from your forehead first. If you are wearing a lace front wig, it’s better to start from the lace part first.
Step 4: Soak some styling strips in alcohol for 5 mins and place them on your hair to dissolve any leftover glue. Gently clean your face and skin with a towel and alcohol.
Step 5: Check and make sure there is no leftover glue on your skin and headline, or else it can cause skin irritation.
Step 6: After removing the glue, moisturize your hair with a conditioner of your choice since the alcohol can cause your hair to dehydrate.
Method 2: Remove with No Alcohol (Suitable for Sensitive Skin)
If you have sensitive skin, you may consider using alcohol-free alternatives, such as coconut oil, grapeseed oil, etc to remove the wig glue. It may take a bit longer, but there is a much lower chance of causing an allergy.
Materials needed
- Vaseline
- Wet Towel
Detailed Steps
Step 1: Place any desired amount of vaseline on the lace wig glue and leave it on for a few minutes.
Step 2: Use a wet towel to wipe the vaseline off of your wig. Repeat this step until all the glue is removed.
How to Remove Wig Glue on Your Wig
After taking care of your skins and headlines, we need to ensure that our wigs are cleaned thoroughly, so no residue is left.
If you don’t remove all the glue on the wigs, you will find it very difficult to put it on again. Also, it will shorten the lifespan of your wig too! You do not want to mess up a great wig because of improper wig care.
Materials needed
- Cloth or Towel
- Warm Water
- 99% alcohol
- Shampoo
- Sponge
Detailed Steps
Step 1: Wipe the glue residue on the wig with a damp, warm cloth.
Step 2: Dip your sponge in 99% alcohol. Using the sponge, rub it on the wig tape or glue bonds on the wig, then wait for 2 minutes. Any adhesive or bond release spray will work, if not? Use alcohol Just make sure not to soak your wig in the alcohol because it will damage the hair.
Step 3: Wash the entire wig with the shampoo (or wig shampoo) of your choice. This will remove anything that could have been leftover on the wig. Refrain from rubbing the wig strands together while cleansing to prevent tangles in your wig.
Adding conditioner after thoroughly cleansing your wig can be beneficial for your wig for the next time you want to wear it. The shampoo strips the hair of moisture, so adding conditioner in the routine will bring that moisture back to your wig to keep it looking great.
Tips: Other than daily conditioner application, leave in conditioners, hair oils, deep conditioners, heat protectants… all these products are the best friends of your wigs! Do make sure you get these products and use them!
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions relating to removing wig glue and their quick answers.
How do you Remove a Glued Stocking Cap?
Once you have removed the wig from your head, you have to remove the glued stocking cap. A great thing is that the process for doing so is similar to removing the wig from your hairline and skin.
Once you have done those repeated steps, it should be easier to remove the glued stocking cap from your head without pulling any hair. Be very gentle when lifting your stocking cap to be removed.
Does Vinegar Remove Hair Glue?
Yes, vinegar can remove hair glue. And it is a great and inexpensive way to accomplish that. The acidity from the vinegar breaks down the hair glue and makes it a lot easier to comb out the glue residue from the wig.
This is another great alternative to using alcohol and removing hair glue from your wigs. However, just like using alcohol as a remover, you have to shampoo and condition your wig to keep it looking healthy.
Wrapping Up
Removing your lace wig glue is very important to maintain your edges and your wig. The most important thing to remember is to be patient and gentle with the removal process. The more you try these methods, the easier and less time-consuming it will be each time.
If this article was helpful to you to remove wig glue, be sure to leave a comment below!