Lace fronts have become very popular and new techniques are still being created. This article will go into detail on how you can melt the lace to create a natural-looking hairline.
What is a lace front?
A lace frontal wig, or lace front wig, is a wig made with a frontal. A frontal is a hairpiece made with lace or silk that completes a wig or weave on the top part of the head. Its function is to blend the hairline and natural skin, to give the illusion of the scalp. It extends from ear to ear and goes about at least 4 inches to the back of the head.
A frontal wig is ideal for those who want their wig to look as natural as possible, and can even help those who have a receding hairline. A frontal gives the wig more styling options and provides full coverage of scalp imitation along the hairline. It is the most popular type of lace wig.
How to melt a lace front wig
Step 1. Use a Wig Cap
To make your lace appear more seamless and consistent in the hairline area, use a wig cap underneath the wig. One issue with a wig cap is that you can see where the cap cuts off underneath the lace. To avoid this problem, pull the wig cap over your forehead and apply glue over it where your hairline is. Then, dry the glue using a blow dryer.
When the glue is dry, cut the wig cap along where the glue has dried. This way, your cap lays flatter against the head and looks more like it is a part of your scalp underneath the lace.
Step 2. Bleach the knots
If you look at the root of the hair strands, where the hair is attached to the lace, you may see little dark knots on the bottom. These are called knots.
The reason why knots are a problem is that they will be visible when you install your frontal, which is not what a natural scalp looks like. The better you can make the hair look like it is coming out of your scalp, the better it will look – especially in the hairline area.
Fortunately, some frontals come with knots already bleached known as pre-bleached wigs. and you can certainly seek out those specific ones. If you are not familiar with the knots bleaching process, it’s best to go for a pre-bleached wig.
Bleaching the knots helps you to melt the lace better because it creates a more seamless effect. If you own a wig with unbleached knots and would like to know how to bleach the knots at home, check out our Bleaching Knots Guide.
Step 3. Pluck the lace
Many frontals have an unrealistic amount of hair along the hairline, which can cause it to look bulky on your head. You can create a natural-looking hairline by first plucking out some of the hair on the frontal.
Plucking the lace helps it not be as noticeable and looks like it “melts” onto your scalp. Natural hairlines are not too dense, but they have gaps in-between the hairs. Plucking out the hairs to create a hairline that looks similar to yours will help give the melting effect.
Step 4. Glue the wig
After your wig cap is on and your lace is bleached and plucked, you can glue the wig on. Start by placing glue on your forehead and drying it with a blow dryer until it is tacky.
Once the glue is tacky, then carefully place the lace onto the glue and press it down with a tool – like the end of a comb. If you use your fingers to press down the lace, you may get some dirt or hair caught in the glue. Tie a scarf over the lace to ensure that it lays down fully.
Step 5. Tint the Lace
If the lace is still noticeable against your skin, you can tint it with foundation power. Use a foundation powder that is the color of your skin and apply it onto the lace using a makeup brush. Applying foundation at the edge of the lace gives it a seamless look.
Step 6. Style Baby Hairs
The baby hairs really help to conceal the lace and make the hairline appear natural. Swoop the baby hairs over the lace with a fine-toothed comb and gel. It is best to use a really good gel that doesn’t flake. Once you have finished styling the baby hair to frame your face, tie a scarf over the hair to keep it in place.
What can I use if I don’t have wig glue?
Wig glue may seem essential but if for any reason you just do not have any, there is no need to worry. Aside from wig glue, there are various options that can be used instead. That long list of replacements includes: hair glue, holding spray, wig clips, bobby pins, and even attaching an elastic band is effective. Each of these options has its pros and cons just like wig glue, but they all can help to lay the lace flatter against your head.
Hop over to How to Wear a Lace Front Wig Without Glue or Tape to know
What is a melt band?
When styling your lace wig, something you may want to consider is a melt band. One of the biggest worries about wearing a wig is if it appears natural when worn. Melt bands are a good way to help give that appearance. The purpose of the melt band is to melt your lace wig into your skin which creates the perfect, seamless hairline, making the wig appear natural.
What is a wig grip?
A wig grip is similar to a headband that is worn under your wig to prevent it from slipping backward. 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 grips also hold your edges back so they are not loose and prone to getting caught in the wig.
The Final Word
Melting the lace is a great way to make your lace wig look the most natural, and is very achievable no matter how experienced you are.
