Lace frontal wigs or lace fronts come with many benefits that include the style and ease of use. But besides going for a natural hairline on the frontal, there are some key things to remember no matter when or what kind of lace front you have. These golden rules will keep your natural hair and scalp healthy for the long run.
1. Don’t Wear a Wig Straight Out of the Package. Be sure to examine your wig when you take it out of the packaging. You never know what could’ve happened with shipping, what it could be shipped with or who packed it. Smell it as well as examine the fabric it was created on. Be sure to wash your wig if anything seems “not right” with your wig.
2. Secure your natural hair: You can braid longer lengths to your scalp to create a flat surface, or if your hair is short, you can wrap it. Make sure all of your own hair is secured before applying any adhesive.
3. Use The Right Adhesive: First and foremost, don’t try to install adhesive on your own if you are a beginner. There are glues made specifically for securing lace fronts in place, but not all of those are good. Before you wear a wig for the first time, do a patch test to ensure you’re not allergic to the glue. If you switch brands of glue, do a patch test with each new glue you try. If you plan to swim in your wig, you’ll need a waterproof adhesive. Some put on a skin protector to serve as a barrier between the glue and your skin. You can also use double-sided tape to attach your wig if you know you only plan to wear it for a couple of days.
Even if you use a non-glue adhesive, it’s better to test it out on your skin first. Wear it for 15-20 minutes first to see how your skin may react to it, before using something new on your scalp.
4. Don’t Neglect Your Natural Hair: If you only wear your wig a week or so at a time, you can skip shampooing and conditioning until you remove it. Long-term wear, however, requires routine care so that your own hair doesn’t become dry and brittle. After cleansing your hair and scalp, thoroughly dry your tresses, using a hood or bonnet dryer if necessary. Allowing your scalp to remain moist underneath your wig is inviting problems.
5. Remove your wig after Six Weeks: You might be trying to keep wearing it until your next paycheck, but yes, lace frontal wigs have an expiration date too! Six weeks is just a guideline, but the maximum length of time you can wear a lace front depends on the type of adhesive you use. Some adhesive types are designed for short-term use only, or around one week. Don’t use a short-term adhesive if you want to wear your wig for several weeks at a time. Once the six week time period is up, it’s time to remove the wig and give your hair the attention it needs in the form of thorough cleansing, deep conditioning and moisturizing.
6. Practice Gentle Removal Methods: Removing your lace front is just as important to your scalp as how you put it on. Don’t take off your lace wig when you’re rushed. Use a designated adhesive remover for lace front wigs. Apply enough to soften the glue, and slowly take the wig off. If you feel any resistance, apply more remover and wait several minutes before trying again.
7. Don’t expect the lace wig to last a lifetime. Your lace wig is temporary. While these types of wigs can make you feel glamorous and make daily styling a breeze, don’t become overly reliant on them. After all, wigs are an accessory; your hair is uniquely yours. Give your tresses the time and attention they deserve, and a wig will continue to be an enhancement, not a replacement for the real thing.