Lace front wigs are made with a thin, mesh-like material with hairs that are painstakingly added to this material. Strand by strand, hairs are hand-tied to give the most natural-looking scalp effect. This lace is delicate, meaning that it is one of the most fragile features found on a wig cap.
Like pantyhose or stockings, the lace material needs to be handled with a light touch. Improper care can cause the delicate lace to rip or become irreparably damaged. But, unlike your pantyhose and stockings, there is no amount of clear nail polish that you can DIY to ‘save’ your lace front!
Lesson 1: Don't Be a Lace Tugger
In the early days of my wig-wearing, I was extremely self-conscious about wearing a wig. I would continuously pull and tug on the lace at the front. This tugging resulted in the lace fraying near the ear tabs, small rips and tears, and worst of all, the dreaded warping where the lace front ended up looking like ripple-cut crisps.
Lesson 2: Lace Front Wig Warping
After one too many lace fronts warping, I went in search of information. I reached out to some ‘wig-sisters’ on social media. I asked many questions whether my lace problems were because of a specific wig flaw or whether I was the unlucky one to receive a manufacturer dud! I received a plethora of responses and theories as to why my lace didn’t withstand the test of time.
It took me a couple of years and a few ruined wigs to realize that it was actually me. I was making a mistake.
Lesson 3: Not Placing My Wig Correctly
You may have forgotten where your hairline actually started for those who have complete hair loss and are bald like me. Now, I typically recommend following this 4-finger rule as a guide.
Measure 4 fingers up from the bridge of your nose or your brow bone to find the hairline placement area. This technique is a good starting point for where your lace front should sit. If needed, you can move your hairline placement by small increments up or down. Hairline varies from person to person, so you’ll need to determine what feels right for you and looks best on your unique face shape and features.
To see how I put my lace front wigs on, read all about it here.
My Current Lace Front Favs
Some of the lace front wigs I have been loving and reaching for this month are all surprisingly in the bob-length category.
Drive by Ellen Wille in Pastel Blonde Rooted
My top pick is Drive. It’s perfect right out of the box, and I always feel so put together when I wear her!
Carrie Lite by Jon Renau in Shaded Sun (27T613S8)
Part of the new Jon Renau SmartLace Lite Collection, this cap is so lightweight and comfortable. It’s also perfect for updos!
Unfiltered by Raquel Welch in Fiery Copper (RL31/29)
The hairline on Raquel Welch wigs is beautiful every time. This shorter, wavy style is just so fun and feminine.
18 comments
Hi Kelly,
Great question! Generally your lace front should lay just before your hairline for a seamless transition and natural appearing hairline. It is important to note that this may not be the case for everyone and ultimately your lace front should lay where you feel most comfortable and confident when wearing your hair. To better assist you, please feel free to contact us directly at 1-800-581-2001 or email customerservice@beautyandhair.com. Our team of Experts would be happy to help you!
Best Regards,
The Wig Experts
I have an odd question. After I find where my hairline starts, should the front of the lace be on my hairline or where the actual hair starts on my wig and the lace lays in front of my hairline. Hope this makes sense.
Hello Ruth,
Yes, the lifespan of heat-friendly(HF) wigs can be shorter compared to non-heat-friendly synthetics. You may notice your heat-friendly styles have less shine and softer feel upon first wearing your HF styles however they tangle and frizz at the ends more quickly. This is due to the friction when rubbing against our shoulders or clothing, heat below 350 degrees will not damage the fiber and may help smooth this frizzing effect. When wearing HF styles, using a synthetic detangler is a must! This will protect the fibers from the friction and help your HF style lasting longer. We hope this information is helpful to you. You are welcome to contact us directly for more tips and tricks regarding care and how to make your wigs last longer.
We are pleased to offer you the benefit of licensed cosmetologists on staff ready to assist you and provide expert advice on color and style. If you would like to speak to us directly, please call toll-free 1-800-581-2001 (outside the U.S., please call 1-214-443-4848). Licensed cosmetologists are available to take your call Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 6:30PM CST.
Best Regards,
The Wig Experts
I want to add my comment regarding upstage by raquel welch, it is my absoute favorite wig, bought so many, but alas i have stopped, when it arrives its beutiful after two or three wearings it begins to frizz and then becomes unwearable in no time, i have mentioned this many times o the people at beauty and hair but seems to make no impact. i i try to stay away from heat friendly as it should be correctly called heat UN-friendly
My wigs are getting frayed on the ends. I’m i doing something wrong or could it just be regular wear on the wig?
They seem stiff
Theresa