My Mistakes & Lessons Learned with Lace Front Wigs by Kim Stamiris

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.