Gluing down your lace front wigs gives you a long-lasting hold without slippage worries. Unfortunately, the wig glue used to apply wigs can wreck your edges or even cause an allergic reaction.
So, what can you use instead of wig glue? You've got more options than you think! In this article, we will take a look at several methods you can use to apply your wig.
What Can I Use Instead of Wig Glue?
If you don't have wig glue, you can use wig tape, a holding spray or gel made for wigs, a wig grip, an elastic band, wig clips, or a few bobby pins. In the next section, we describe how to use our favorite hair-bonding glue substitutes and discuss the pros and cons of each alternative solution.
1. Holding Spray
Many wig wearers ditch the hair-bonding glue and use holding spray instead. If you'd like to try it, pick a holding spray made for installing wigs and labeled safe for skin, rather than a regular hairspray.
A holding spray can be built up in thin layers without becoming bulky, but it usually provides a lighter hold than wig glue. Wear time varies by product, so follow the label for how long to keep it on.
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How to Install a Lace Front Wig with Holding Spray
There are a few different ways to use holding spray to apply your wig. Here is one of the most popular methods. Since every spray is a little different, follow the directions on yours wherever they differ from these steps.
Gather Your Materials
These are the materials you'll need to apply your wig with a holding spray:
- A wig adhesive spray made for lace wigs
- Blow dryer
- Silk scarf
- Rubbing alcohol, if your spray's directions call for it
- Cotton ball
- A lace bond remover made for that spray, for taking your wig off
Step-by-Step Instructions to Follow
Follow the steps below to minimize the risk of setbacks and frustration:
- Clean the skin along your hairline to remove oils and leftover products, the way the spray's directions say. Only use rubbing alcohol if they call for it, and don't use this method on irritated or broken skin.
- Place the wig onto your head and adjust it until you like the way it lays.
- Gently lift the lace and spray a thin layer of the holding spray onto your hairline.
- Go over the spray with a blow dryer on a "cool" setting until the spray starts to get tacky.
- Once the spray is tacky, pull your wig down and press the lace into the spray.
- Working in small two-inch sections, apply the holding spray as directed, keeping the can the recommended distance from your skin.
- Press each section firmly into your skin and dry the spray with your blowdryer before moving on to the next two-inch section.
- Once you've secured your entire hairline, wrap your edges with a silk scarf to keep the lace against your skin as it dries.
- Remove the scarf and make sure the holding spray is thoroughly dried.
- Wipe any leftover spray off your face with the cleanser or remover the directions recommend.
- Style your wig, and you're ready to go!
When you're ready to take your wig off, apply the remover as directed and wait for the lace to loosen. If the lace doesn't lift easily, add more remover and wait. Don't peel or pull the lace from your skin.
Pros and Cons of Securing a Wig with Holding Spray
To give you a balanced look at this method, we'd like to provide you with a list of pros and cons. Use the information included in this section to determine if using a holding spray to secure your wig is right for you.
Pros
- You can skip lace glue altogether.
- This method is easy to touch up as needed.
Cons
- The holding spray can drip onto your face and make a mess.
- A holding spray doesn't provide as secure a hold as wig tape or glue.
- This method isn't sweatproof.
2. Hair Gel
Another popular way to apply a lace front wig is to use a gel as an adhesive. Choose one made for wig installation and labeled safe for skin, not a regular styling gel. It usually provides a shorter hold than wig glue, so follow the label for how long to wear it.
How to Install Lace Front Wigs with Hair Gel
Hair gel can work well for occasional, short-term wig wear. If you want to try this method, follow these steps along with the directions on your gel.
Gather Your Materials
Order or pick up the following items before you get started:
- Rubbing alcohol, if your gel's directions call for it
- Cotton ball
- Silk scarf
- A gel labeled for wig installation
- Blow dryer
Instructions for Applying a Wig with Hair Gel
Follow the below steps to secure your wig with hair gel.
- Clean the skin around your edges as the gel's directions describe. Skip the rubbing alcohol unless they call for it, and don't apply gel to irritated skin.
- Apply a thin layer of gel to your hairline and allow it to fully dry. You can use a blow dryer to speed up the process.
- Apply another layer of gel on top of the first layer and let it dry until it's tacky.
- Repeat step 3 one or two more times.
- Put on your lace wig and press the lace into the gel. Start with the center of your forehead so you can align the wig, and press down the sides next.
- Wrap a silk scarf gently around your hairline to hold the lace down while it dries.
- Allow the gel to dry completely.
- Remove the scarf, and style your wig.
To take your wig off, follow the gel's removal directions and let the hold soften before you lift the lace.
Pros and Cons of Using Hair Gel to Secure a Wig
Now that you know how to apply a wig with hair gel, it's time to get into the pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using hair gel to install your wig.
Pros
- There's no glue or tape involved.
- Hair gel is inexpensive.
- You can build up the hold in thin layers.
Cons
- Having to wait for the layers of gel to dry is time-consuming.
- Adding multiple layers of gel to one area gets messy.
3. Wig Tape
Wig tape is double-sided tape made for wigs. One side sticks to the lace, and the other sticks to your skin, so there's no liquid glue to apply or wait for. Choose tape made for lace wigs, and check the label to see how long you can wear it. Sweat and oil can cause the tape to loosen sooner.
Wig tape can irritate some people's skin. A 2024 dermatology review cites a case of allergic contact dermatitis (i.e., an allergic skin rash) caused by an acrylate adhesive in wig-fixing tape (Hwang et al., 2024). Patch-test the tape before your first install, and stop using it if your skin becomes red, itchy, swollen, or sore.
How to Install a Lace Front Wig with Wig Tape
Gather Your Materials
Here's what you'll need to apply your wig with tape:
- Wig tape made for lace wigs
- A remover made for wig tape
- A skin cleanser, if the tape's directions call for one
- Silk scarf
Instructions for Applying a Wig with Wig Tape
- Patch-test the tape and remover a few days before your install, following the directions on each label.
- Clean your skin as directed, and make sure it is completely dry. Don't apply tape to irritated or broken skin.
- Place the wig on your head and adjust it until you like the position. Fold the lace back so your hairline is exposed.
- Following the tape directions, place each piece on the underside of the lace with the adhesive side facing the wig. Avoid touching the adhesive.
- Peel off the remaining liner, then press the lace onto clean, dry skin one small section at a time. Start in the center and work toward your ears.
- Gently tie a silk scarf around your hairline for a few minutes to help the lace stay flat.
- Remove the scarf and style your wig.
When it's time to take your wig off, apply the remover to the taped area as directed and wait for the tape to release. If the lace doesn't lift easily, add more remover and wait. Don't pull the lace from your skin. Clean away any remaining residue according to the remover's directions.
Pros and Cons of Securing a Wig with Wig Tape
Here are the pros and cons of using wig tape to secure your wig.
Pros
- There's no glue to dry, so the install goes quickly.
- If one piece starts to lift, you can replace just that piece.
Cons
- Sweat and oily skin can loosen the tape.
- Some people are allergic to the adhesive on wig tape.
4. Wig Grip
In case you aren't familiar, a wig grip is a type of headband that you wear underneath your wig. The grip is made with a specialized, double-sided material that holds your unit in place and prevents it from slipping.
A wig grip lets you skip glue and tape on your skin. It may be a better choice for your edges as long as it fits comfortably and doesn't rub, pull, or leave a mark.
How to Apply a Wig with a Wig Grip
Wig grips are one of the most gentle and secure ways to install a wig. They can be used on their own or as a protective buffer along with another application method. All you'll need to install a wig using this method is a wig grip and your unit.
Wig Grip Usage Instructions
- Place the wig grip around your head, and secure the ends using the velcro straps in the back.
- Slowly pull the wig onto your head. Start with the front, and then move to the sides.
- Finish by gently pulling down the back of the wig.
- Check the perimeter of your head to ensure the wig grip is fully covered.
- Move your head from side to side to ensure the wig is secured.
- Style your wig as usual!
Pros and Cons of Applying a Wig with a Wig Grip
As with every method, using a wig grip comes with pros and cons. We'll get into those in the lists below.
Pros
- Wig grips are very gentle on your edges.
- Wig grips are much more comfortable than other methods of installation.
- The application process is fast.
Cons
- Wig grips can cause bulkiness at the top of your head.
- The lace doesn't sit as closely against your skin as it will with an adhesive.
5. Attach an Elastic Band
This method of wig installation involves sewing an additional elastic band to the back of your lace front wig. The extra band helps pull the lace snugly against your head.
This method doesn't require an adhesive, so it's easy on your edges. Just make sure your wig isn't too tight!
How to Install an Elastic Band to Your Lace Front Wig
If you want to add an elastic band to your wig cap, follow these easy steps. Make sure you use thread similar in color to your wig.
Get Your Supplies
Without the right supplies, the band attachment process may be difficult. So, do yourself a favor and gather these before you start:
Use These Steps to Attach Your Elastic Band
Read through the below steps to find out how to attach your elastic band securely and easily:
- Measure the circumference of the back of your head from ear to ear using the measuring tape.
- Subtract 1-2 inches, depending on how snug you want your wig to be.
- Cut the elastic band material to the new length.
- Use the needle and thread to sew each end of the elastic band onto your wig's ear tabs. Try to keep the stitches close together as you sew.
- Try your wig on to see how it fits.
Pros and Cons of Using an Elastic Band to Secure Your Wig
Here are some pros and cons to help you decide whether sewing in an elastic band is the best option for you:
Pros
- This is one of the more beginner-friendly approaches to installing your wig.
- This method doesn't use any adhesive, so it leaves your edges undisturbed.
- This method is sweatproof.
Cons
- The lace won't lay as flat as it would if you used an adhesive.
- The snug fit may make the wig more uncomfortable.
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- Why Do So Many Black Women Wear Wigs?
- How Long Do Lace Front Wigs Last on Your Head?
- How Long Does Wig Glue Last?
- Best Synthetic Natural Hair Wigs
So, there you have it! There are many different ways to secure a lace front wig without glue. We hope that one of the methods mentioned in this article is just what you were looking for. If one doesn't work, try a few different techniques to see which one gives you the best results.
