Wigs

Do Lace Front Wigs Damage Your Hairline

Published By: Kennedy

Last Updated: May 19, 2022

Many times lace front wigs get a bad rap, especially due to some people reporting that they have experienced hair due to them. This article will address if lace front wigs actually damage the hairline. 

Do Lace Front Wigs Damage Your Hairline?

Your hairline is composed of the softest and most delicate hairs on your scalp. Due to constant manipulation of the hair, many people have experienced hair loss around their edges. 

Sometimes, wearing a wig can cause pulling and tugging on the hairline which can lead to breakage or permanent hair loss.  It is important to be as gentle as possible in this area so that your edges stay healthy and strong. If someone is not gentle or constantly pulls on the hairline, over time, that can lead to damage. 

The damage to your hair due to constant pulling and tugging is called traction alopecia. Constantly pulling on the hair ultimately damages the root which can lead to permanent hair loss. It is a process that takes years, so usually, people are unaware of how constant tugging affects the hair until it is too late. In order to avoid traction alopecia, you need to make sure you are regularly avoiding the hairline area as much as possible.[1]

How Lace Fronts Cause Damage to the Hairline

1. Gluing Your Lace Down

To glue the lace to your forehead in order to make it appear more natural in the hairline area is also called “melting the lace”. Using glue around your hairline can be tricky. The problem is not with applying glue in that area, but with taking it off. Many people are impatient when it comes to removing glue and do not wait for the glue remover to fully take effect. 

When the glue is prematurely removed around the hairline, it pulls out those hairs – similar to what happens with waxing. This is why some people experience hair loss around the hairline when they use glue for their lace fronts. 

2. Not Wearing A Wig Cap

Your wig is going to rub against your hairline – whether it be because the cap is too big or because you are taking it off. When your cap is too big, your wig can move back and forth when you’re styling it, doing daily activities, etc. When you take off your wig it automatically slides off of your hairline. This friction can be damaging to your hair.

A wig cap protects your hair – especially your hairline – from your wig lace rubbing against your hair and potentially causing damage. When your hair is covered underneath, the wig rubs against the wig cap instead of your hairline.  

3. Using The Combs Inside The Wig Too Often

I used to really like to use the combs inside the wig to help keep the wig from slipping backward. I would usually stick the combs in my hair and secure them that way. I found out later that this is a damaging way to use the combs. 

If you consistently use something that pulls on your hair in the same place, you can cause breakage and possibly hair loss in that area. Using a wig cap to insert the combs in is a much better solution. You can also use a wig grip to secure your wig, which is much easier on your hairline. 

4. The Wig Is Too Small

Having a small wig not only gives you headaches, but it also can damage your hairline. A wig is tightest around the hairline, and a small wig is going to make that tightness even worse. The tighter the wig is, the more it will tug on the hairline area. Also, smaller wigs are harder to apply, which means more pulling happens to the hairline. It is important to properly measure your head and get a wig that feels comfortable when you put it on. 

5. You’re Not Letting Your Natural Hair Be Free

Lace front wigs are definitely a quicker way to achieve a very stylish look, but every now and then your natural hair has to take a break from manipulation. 

In order to wear a wig, your natural hair has to be flattened, and constant flattening is not good for keeping the hair strong. When your hair is getting proper moisture, and airflow, and is left alone for a period of time, your hairline is healthier and stronger and won’t easily experience breakage. 

FAQs

How Do You Protect Your Edges Under A Lace Front Wig?

The best way to protect your edges under your wig is to keep them covered. A wig grip can protect your edges by limiting the amount of friction a wig can cause when it slides back and forth as a result of not being secure. A wig grip is especially helpful if your wig has stiff lace and you don’t want it rubbing against your hairline. Wig caps also cover and protect your edges. Wig caps also help to keep wigs from sliding on the hairline and shield it from hair products.[2]

Is It OK To Wear A Wig Every Day?

Wearing wigs every day is not good for your hair. Your hair needs to be loose every now and then to keep it growing healthy and strong. If you are constantly laying it flat or covering it with a wig, it can cause buildup underneath and limit the healthiness of the scalp. 

Do Wigs Stop Hair From Growing?

Wearing wigs does not prevent hair from growing, but if it is worn incorrectly it can cause damage to the hair which makes it seem like it is not growing. However, if wigs are worn correctly they can actually be a great protective hairstyle. Many women braid their hair before installing a wig or a weave. In doing so, they tuck in the hair automatically and keep it free from manipulation.  Adding a wig on top of your hair gives it full coverage from the elements. 

The Final Word

Wigs themselves don’t damage the hairline, but there are ways that someone can misuse a wig which can cause hair damage. It is important to take the necessary steps to keep your hairline healthy.

Kennedy

I have always had a love for writing and have been blogging for about 3 years now. I have a passion for teaching what I have learned over the years, especially about hair. I have had almost every hairstyle - typical of a cosmetologist’s daughter- including the big chop in 2015. With all the knowledge I have gained, I feel it is my duty to help others on their healthy hair journey. I believe education can be fun, and I strive to make it fun to learn about beautiful black hair.

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