How to Make a Lace Front Wig Look Natural: 7 Simple Steps

A wig can be beautiful and still look obvious if the hairline is too thick, too straight or the lace shows. The good news is that most of these problems are easy to fix. Here is how to make a lace front wig look natural, step by step, even if you are new to wigs.

Why a wig hairline looks fake

• The lace is a different colour from your skin, or it has not been cut close enough.
• The hairline is too dense and too straight, unlike a real hairline.
• The knots where the hair is tied to the lace show as tiny dark dots.
• The wig sits too far forward or too far back, or it lifts at the edges.

Step 1: Start with the right lace

Thin HD lace and transparent lace blend more easily than thicker lace. Check the product listing to see which lace a wig uses. If you are not sure which lace size you need, read how to choose a lace front wig.

Step 2: Prepare your hair and use a wig cap

Braid or flatten your natural hair, then put on a thin wig cap that is close to your skin tone. A smooth, flat base stops lumps from showing and helps the lace lie flat.

Step 3: Place the wig at your real hairline

Put the wig on and line the lace up slightly in front of your own hairline. Pull it back until the wig hairline sits where your natural hairline is. Make sure the ear tabs sit in front of your ears and are even on both sides.

Step 4: Cut the lace carefully

Use small, sharp scissors or a razor and cut the extra lace a little at a time. Cut in a slight zig-zag rather than a straight line, which helps the edge disappear. Never cut the hair itself.

Step 5: Pluck the hairline gently

Real hairlines are thinner at the front. Using tweezers, remove a few hairs at a time from the very front so it looks softer and less even. Go slowly. You can always pluck more, but you cannot put hair back. Some wigs are sold already plucked, which saves time.

Step 6: Hide the knots

If you can see tiny dark dots on the lace, a lace tint spray or a little foundation or concealer on the inside of the lace can soften them. Some people bleach the knots, but this can weaken the lace and hair if done wrong, so it is best done by a professional.

Step 7: Secure it and style the edges

Secure the wig with an elastic band, a wig grip, combs, or a wig adhesive if you prefer. Then lay the hairline with a little edge control or mousse and a soft brush. Styling a few short baby hairs at the front helps the hairline look softer.

Products that help

• HD Lace Wig – Real Human Hair
• 250% Density 13x6 HD Lace Front Wig – Straight
• Body Wave Lace Front Wig – 13x4 and 13x6 HD Lace
• HD Lace Frontal and Closure
• Transparent HD Wig Cap – 2 Pcs Ultra-Thin Stocking Cap
• Transparent HD Wig Cap – Invisible Stretchy Stocking Caps
• Lace Front Wig Cap – 13x4 and 13x6 with Silicone Band

See more in our wigs collection.

Good to know

If you use wig glue, tint sprays or edge products, do a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours before, and stop using any product that causes irritation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pluck a new wig?

Not always. If the hairline already looks soft enough to you, you can skip plucking. Many people only pluck lightly at the front.

Why can I see the lace after I install the wig?

The lace may be too long, not cut close enough, or a different colour from your skin. Trim it a little more and try a tint spray or a little foundation on the lace.

Can I make a wig look natural without glue?

Yes. An elastic band and a wig grip can hold the wig in place. Read our glueless wig guide.

How do I stop the wig from lifting at the front?

Make sure the wig is the right size for your head, tighten the adjustable straps, and use a wig grip or band to hold the front down.