How Do You Put On a Lace Front Wig? A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide

How do you put on a lace front wig and make it look natural? If you’re new to wigs, applying a lace wig might feel overwhelming at first. But don’t worry—with WIGI Hair’s step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn everything from prepping your hair and securing your wig cap to cutting the lace and styling for a flawless, salon-worthy finish.

Why Choose a Lace Front Wig?

Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s answer the big question: Why should you choose a lace front wig over other types of wigs?

• Affordable value: Lace front wigs often cost less than full lace wigs, making them a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing style. You still get full head coverage and the ability to part naturally at the hairline—perfect for anyone who wants a natural look at a more accessible price.

• Natural-looking hairline: The lace front is designed to mimic the look of real scalp and baby hairs, making the wig nearly undetectable.

• Styling versatility: Unlike machine-constructed full-cap wigs, lace front wigs allow you to part your hair in multiple directions, giving you greater freedom to switch up your style.

• Lightweight comfort: The lace material is breathable, which means less sweating and more comfort for all-day wear.

• Beginner-friendly: With glueless options and adjustable straps, lace front wigs are easier to put on than you might think.

Beyond their natural look, lace front wigs are loved by women who want flexibility in styling without damaging their natural hair. They’re perfect for busy professionals who need a polished look every day, brides who want flawless hair on their big day, or anyone experiencing thinning hair and seeking a confidence boost. Compared to traditional wigs, lace fronts give you breathable comfort, lightweight wear, and a hairline so natural that even up close, no one will notice it’s a wig. For anyone asking “how do you put on a lace front wig for the first time?”, the answer is simple: lace fronts give you the perfect balance between beauty, comfort, and convenience.

What You’ll Need Before Applying a Lace Front Wig

Preparation is half the battle when it comes to applying a lace wig. If you’ve ever wondered how do you put on a lace front wig the right way, the first step is gathering all the essentials before you start:

• Wig cap (to secure and protect your natural hair)

• Scalp protector or alcohol wipes (for cleaning the skin)

• Adhesive or wig glue (optional if using glueless methods)

• Wig grip or adjustable straps (for extra security)

• Scissors (for trimming the lace)

• Rat-tail comb (for parting and precision)

• Foundation or powder (to match lace with your skin tone)

• Hair clips (to keep sections out of the way)

• Blow dryer or fan (to help glue set, if using adhesive)

And finally, the most important essential—a high-quality lace front wig that truly matches your style. If you haven’t found the perfect one yet, explore WIGI’s premium lace front wig collection here and discover styles designed to make you look flawless and feel confident every day. Having these tools ready will make the process smooth and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Put On a Lace Front Wig

Now let’s get into the core of this tutorial “how do you put on a lace front wig”. Whether you’re using glue or prefer a glueless application, these steps will guide you through the process.

Step 1 – Prep Your Natural Hair & Wig Cap

Your natural hair sets the foundation for how flawless your lace wig will look. Without proper prep, even the best wig won’t sit naturally.

• Braid, cornrow, or slick back your natural hair so it lies as flat as possible. This prevents bumps or uneven application.

• Put on a wig cap to protect your natural hair, reduce friction, and create a smooth surface for the wig.

• Apply a bit of foundation or powder that matches your skin tone directly onto the wig cap. This simple trick makes the cap blend seamlessly with your scalp, creating the illusion that the wig hair is growing naturally from your head.

Skipping this step is the most common beginner mistake. Take the time to prep, and your wig will stay comfortable and secure all day. Discover the complete WIGI Hair wig accessories collection and find everything you need to perfect your look here!

Step 2 – Position the Wig Correctly

This is the exciting part—actually placing your wig. Positioning it properly is the secret to making your lace front look natural.

• Hold your lace front wig by the back and gently place it on your head.

• Align the lace front with your natural hairline for the most realistic look.

• Use the adjustable straps or combs inside the wig to ensure a snug but comfortable fit.
  Check your ear tabs—they should line up perfectly with your ears. If they don’t, adjust the wig before securing it.

Step 3 – Secure the Wig (Glue or Glueless)

There are two reliable methods for securing your lace front wig are Glue/Adhesive Method and Glueless Method. Many beginners searching ‘how do you put on a lace front wig’ are surprised that glueless methods are actually easier and more beginner-friendly.

Glue/Adhesive Method:

For best results, you can try WIGI Invisible Bonding Glue—a high-performance, water-based adhesive designed for extreme hold and a seamless look. It’s waterproof, oil-resistant, and latex-free, making it safe for most skin types while keeping your lace front wig secure for up to 2 weeks. This innovative formula is trusted by both beginners and professionals for an all-day, natural finish.

• Clean your hairline with alcohol wipes to remove oils.

• Apply a thin layer of wig glue or adhesive along the hairline.

• Wait until the glue becomes tacky, then gently press the lace into place.

• Use a blow dryer on a cool setting to help it set faster and last longer.

Glueless Method:

• Use wig grips, adjustable straps, or elastic bands built into the wig.

• Secure with a few discreet bobby pins if needed for extra hold.

Both methods work well. Many beginners prefer glueless methods because they’re quicker, gentler, and easy to remove at the end of the day. For special occasions or long wear, adhesive gives maximum hold.

Step 4 – Trim and Blend the Lace

This is the step that takes your wig from “obvious” to undetectable.

• Carefully trim away the excess lace along your hairline using small, sharp scissors. Take your time—cutting too much can’t be undone.

• Lightly apply foundation or powder to the lace so it blends seamlessly with your skin tone.

• Style the baby hairs with a small brush or edge control gel for extra realism.

Think of this step as customizing your wig to your face. Done well, it creates a natural hairline that looks just like your own. 

“One beginner shared that she was nervous about trying her lace wig for the first time. Following these exact steps—using a wig grip, trimming slowly, and blending with a little powder—she was amazed at how natural it looked. By her second try, she felt confident enough to wear it to a formal event, where no one could tell it wasn’t her real hair.”

Step 5 – Style Your Lace Front Wig Like a Pro

Now the fun begins—it’s time to bring your wig to life with styling.

• Use a flat iron or curling wand (only if your wig is heat-friendly). Always start with a low heat setting to protect the fibers.

• Add volume and movement by gently combing through with a wide-tooth comb.

• Experiment with partings: middle, side, or even a deep side part can completely transform your look.

• Pro tip: Less is more when it comes to styling products. A small amount of mousse, hairspray, or serum is enough—too much can weigh down the hair or cause build-up. Remember, when mastering how do you put on a lace front wig, keeping the styling light and natural is the key to achieving that flawless, effortless look.

At this stage, your wig should feel secure, look natural, and be styled exactly how you like it—whether polished and sleek or voluminous and glam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Putting On a Lace Wig

When figuring out how do you put on a lace front wig, mistakes are common—especially for beginners. But the good news is, most of them are easy to avoid once you know what to look out for. Here are the most frequent pitfalls and how to prevent them:

• Not prepping your natural hair properly → If your natural hair isn’t braided down or secured under a wig cap, it can create unwanted lumps, bumps, or even discomfort. Smooth preparation is the foundation of a flawless lace wig application.

• Cutting too much lace at once → It’s tempting to trim quickly, but cutting too far can ruin the wig. Always cut gradually, in small sections, and adjust as needed for a natural hairline that frames your face perfectly.

• Using too much adhesive or glue → Over-applying glue can cause it to seep through the lace, creating a sticky mess that’s difficult to clean. Instead, apply a thin, even layer and allow it to get tacky before pressing the lace down.

• Ignoring lace color match → If the lace shade doesn’t blend with your skin tone, the wig will look unnatural no matter how well it’s applied. A quick fix is to tint the lace with foundation or powder that matches your complexion.

• Over-styling the wig → Excessive heat or too many styling products can weaken the lace and damage the fibers of the wig. Stick to gentle styling techniques and use heat only when necessary—preferably with a protectant.

Mastering these details early on not only saves you time and money but also ensures your lace wig looks seamless, natural, and long-lasting every time you wear it.

FAQs About Putting On Lace Front Wigs

How do you apply a lace front wig for the first time?
Follow the step-by-step method above: prep your hair, place the wig, secure with glue or glueless methods, trim the lace, and style.

Do I need glue to wear a lace front wig?
It depends on the type of wig you choose. Glueless lace front wigs with straps, bands, or grips are popular, comfortable, and beginner-friendly—no glue required. However, if you opt for traditional lace front wigs without built-in support, you’ll need adhesive to secure them properly.

How long can I wear a lace front wig?
With adhesive, wigs can last 1–2 weeks without removal. Glueless wigs are usually removed daily.

Can lace front wigs damage my natural hair?
Not if applied correctly. Always prep your hair, use protective caps, and avoid harsh adhesives.

What makes lace front wigs different from other wigs?
The lace at the hairline gives a natural look, letting you part and style more freely compared to traditional wigs.

So, how do you put on a lace front wig? It’s easier than you think! With the right preparation, tools, and step-by-step technique, even beginners can achieve a flawless, natural look.

Lace front wigs are a game-changer—they give you versatility, comfort, and confidence, whether you’re wearing them for everyday style, a special occasion, or just to switch things up.

Now it’s your turn: try these steps at home, experiment with glueless or adhesive methods, and see for yourself how do you put on a lace front wig can be simple with the right approach. And if you want the best results, start with premium-quality lace front wigs made from 100% human hair—like the ones from WIGI HAIR—crafted for beauty that lasts.