What Are Lace Wigs? How Long Do Lace Front Wigs Last on Head

A black woman with a chocolate skin tone is wearing a synthetic hair wig covering her own hair texture.

Lace wigs can transform your natural locks while giving them a break from the strain and mechanical stress of daily styling. But what are lace wigs? To find out the answer to this question and more, all you have to do is keep reading!

In this article, we’ll explain what lace wigs are and share tips on how to wear them. We’ll also give you the rundown on all the pros and cons of wearing lace wigs, so you can determine if they’re right for you.

What are Lace Wigs?

Lace wigs are a type of wig that features a wig base constructed wholly or partly from sheer lace. Hair strands are then inserted into the lace and knotted or glued to keep them in place. The lace mimics the appearance of the skin, which makes it seem like the hairs are growing from your scalp. This makes lace wigs incredibly natural-looking.

There are several types of lace wigs, including but not limited to:

Lace front wigs: Lace front wigs (sometimes called front lace wigs) have a lace strip covering the front half of the wig, usually from ear to ear. The back portion of the wig is typically wefted, like regular wigs. The placement of the lace gives you the freedom to part the front of the wig in any direction you prefer.
Full lace wigs don’t have any wefts. Instead, they are entirely made of lace. That gives you total freedom, so you can style and part your wig in any way you choose.
360 lace wigs: 360 lace wigs have lace around the perimeter of the head. They enable wearers to pull their hair up into low and high ponytails that look deceptively natural.
T-Part Lace Wigs: T-part wigs have lace around the hairline and down the middle or side to allow wearers to part their hair naturally. The wig has less lace than a lace front wig and doesn’t allow you to change up your part. For instance, a t-part wig with a middle part cannot be parted on the side.

Note: Synthetic wigs and human hair wigs are available with a wig lace cap construction. Wig wearers should review the quality of the lace fronts in their local beauty supply store and determine which style meets their needs.

A stylish African American female with an HD lace wig secured with an elastic band.

How Are Lace Wigs and Regular Wigs Different?

The difference between a lace wig and a regular wig is all in the construction. Lace wigs are either partially or entirely made from lace. As a result, they tend to be lightweight, breathable, and natural looking.

Lace wigs are also more flexible, which makes them easier to wear and install.

And because the lace recreates the look of your scalp, lace wigs have more parting and styling versatility than regular wigs. By comparison, regular, non-lace wigs are bulkier, less breathable, and less versatile.

How Long Do Lace Wigs Last?

Lace wigs can be pricey, so naturally, most people want to know what to expect from their investment. With proper care and maintenance, a human hair lace wig can last six to eighteen months. The good news is that this time range is for daily wear and styling. If you take breaks or switch out your wigs regularly, a lace wig can last substantially longer.

How Do You Put on a Lace Front Wig?

Wearing a lace front wig can be daunting if you’re a beginner. But with preparation and patience, you’ll get the hang of things in no time. So in this section, we’ll break down all the steps it takes to apply a lace front wig like a pro!

VERY DETAILED Lace Frontal Wig Install | Stocking Cap Method | Cutting The Lace | Charlion Patrice

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Prepare the Wig

Before you start your installation process, you’ll have to ensure your wig is ready to wear. Trim the excess lace around the hairline. Use a sharp pair of scissors, and be careful not to cut too close to the hairline.

Otherwise, you may damage the hairline and make the wig unwearable. You should also take this time to detangle your wig and get rid of any knots.

A fashionable young female wearing a front lace wig creates a very natural-looking hairline.

Secure Your Natural Hair

The key to getting a natural-looking wig installation is to create a smooth, flat base. One of the best ways to do this is to cornrow your hair flat against your scalp.

Then, tuck the ends of the braids into a low bun and secure them with a few bobby pins. But if you can’t braid, feel free to twist your hair or gather it into a bun at the nape of your neck.

Put on a Wig Cap

Once you’ve created your foundation, slide a wig cap or two over your hair. That will flatten your natural hair even more and give you a better fit. It’ll also create a buffer between your hair and the wig, which helps protect your natural strands.

A beautiful black girl with a great smile wearing a human hair wig that came in a satin sealable bag.

Prepare Your Hairline

Unless you plan on wearing a glueless wig, you’ll likely have to use an adhesive during your installation. Unfortunately, leftover lotion, styling products, and the natural oils produced by your skin can interfere with the bond.

So, to make sure your hairline is clean and free of oil, wash it with a gentle cleanser. For an even smoother installation, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol before moving on to the next step.

Apply Your Adhesive

Next, apply an adhesive around the perimeter. You can choose from a variety of adhesives, including gel, holding spray, or wig glue.

After you’ve chosen your adhesive, apply it right in front of your hairline. Let the adhesive air dry for a few minutes until it gets tacky. If you’re in a rush, you can use a blow dryer to speed things up.

An African American female covered her baby hair ("edges") with a lace front wig made from human hair.

Put on Your Wig

Grab the wig and gently slide it onto your head. Adjust the wig so it lines up with your natural hairline (without touching your hair). If your wig has ear tabs, ensure they are in the correct position.

If your wig comes with straps, adjust them so your wig fits comfortably and doesn’t slip around. For even more stability, add a few bobby pins or wig clips around the perimeter of the wig.

Dry the Adhesive

Once your wig is secure and properly aligned, use your fingers or a comb to gently press the lace into the adhesive. Next, let the adhesive dry for another 15 to 20 minutes. Tie a scarf around your hairline while you wait for an even more secure fit. After your time is up, carefully check the hairline to ensure your adhesive is dry.

A cheerful young African American female wearing a lace front wig with a stylish green dress.

Style Your Wig

Now that you’ve gotten the installation out of the way, your wig is ready to style! Depending on the material and construction, you can style your wig however you like. Just refrain from pulling on the wig too much, as it may loosen your adhesive.

What are the Pros and Cons of Lace Wigs?

Having learned about lace wigs, you may be asking yourself if they’re the right choice for you and your hair. The short answer is that lace wigs are an excellent option for some, but they aren’t for everybody.

So in this section, we’ll look at the benefits and drawbacks of wearing lace wigs.

Pros

Lace wigs can be parted and styled in more ways than regular wigs.
When correctly applied, lace wigs look incredibly natural.
They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and lengths.
Lace wigs give your natural hair a break from heat styling, detangling, and other styling-related damage.

A cute black woman with a subtle smile is wearing a human hair wig with a natural hairline.

Cons

Lace wigs are typically more expensive than other styles.
Lace is extremely delicate, so lace wigs are prone to ripping.
Applying a lace wig can be a difficult and time-consuming process.
Low-quality lace can be scratchy and irritate your scalp.
Some people may find lace wigs uncomfortable or heavy.

What’s the Difference Between a Lace Wig and a Regular Wig?

The primary difference between a lace wig and a regular wig is the construction of the base. This difference in construction leads to greater styling versatility and a more natural look for lace wigs than regular wigs. Lace wigs are constructed with a sheer lace base, giving them a lightweight and breathable quality.

The hair strands in a lace wig are individually attached to the lace, providing a realistic appearance as if the hair is growing from the scalp. In contrast, a regular wig is made without lace and is usually heavier and less comfortable. Regular wigs also lack the natural-looking hairline and styling flexibility that lace wigs offer.

Which Is Better Full Lace or Lace Front?

The choice between a full lace wig and a lace front wig depends on individual preferences and needs. Full lace wigs offer more styling versatility, as they are made entirely of lace, allowing for various parting options and updo hairstyles. On the other hand, lace front wigs feature a lace panel at the front, providing a natural hairline and some styling flexibility. However, lace front wigs are generally more affordable and easier to wear than full lace wigs.

Can You Sleep in a Lace Front Wig?

Sleeping in a lace front wig is generally not recommended, as it can cause damage to both the wig and your natural hair. The friction between the wig and your pillow can lead to matting, tangling, and shedding. Additionally, the adhesive used to secure the wig may weaken over time, causing the wig to shift or become loose. To protect your wig and natural hair, removing the lace front wig before going to bed is best.

What Is the Purpose of Lace Wig?

The purpose of a lace wig is to create a natural-looking and versatile hair option for individuals who wish to experiment with different hairstyles, protect their natural hair, or manage hair loss issues. The lace base of these wigs mimics the appearance of the scalp, making it appear as if the hair is growing directly from the wearer’s head.

This leads to a more authentic look than conventional wigs can achieve. Moreover, lace wigs grant numerous styling possibilities, enabling the wearer to change their look while sparing their natural hair from the stress of daily styling.