Changing your hair can be expensive, especially if you’re thinking about a completely different colour or a dramatic new cut. There’s also that horrible moment when you leave the hairdresser wondering whether you’ve made a huge mistake and knowing there’s not much you can do about it until it grows out again. 😁
That’s one of the reasons wigs have become such a popular way to experiment with a different look without actually doing anything permanent to your own hair. A lace front wig can give you a completely different style, colour or length whenever you fancy a change, and you can simply take it off again when you want your usual hair back.
If you’ve never worn a wig before though, knowing where to start can be a bit confusing. There are different types of hair, different styles and a huge difference in prices, so here’s a simple beginner’s guide to what to look for.
What is a Lace Front Wig?
A lace front wig has a thin piece of sheer lace across the front of the wig, with individual hairs attached to it to help create the appearance of a natural hairline.
The idea is that once the lace has been properly fitted and blended, it should be much less obvious where the wig starts. This also gives you a bit more flexibility with styling because you can wear the hair away from your face or tuck it behind your ears without having such an obvious edge around the front.
There are lots of different styles available too, so you don’t necessarily need to go for long, glamorous hair. If you’ve always wondered what you’d look like with shorter hair but don’t fancy committing to the chop, for example, a bob wig could be a good way to try the style first.
Why Choose a Lace Front Wig?
The biggest advantage for me would be the lack of commitment. Changing your hair colour professionally can be expensive, particularly when you factor in the cost of keeping it looking good afterwards, and cutting long hair into a completely different style isn’t something that’s easily reversed if you decide you don’t like it.
A wig gives you the chance to experiment without making that permanent change. You could have long hair one day, a bob the next or try a completely different colour without going anywhere near the hair dye.
They’re also useful if you like changing your look for nights out or special occasions, and a pre-styled wig can be a quick option on days when you don’t have much time to spend styling your own hair.
Synthetic vs Human Hair Lace Front Wigs
One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a synthetic or human hair wig, and there’s quite a difference in price between the two.
Synthetic wigs tend to be the cheaper option and can be a good starting point if you’ve never worn a wig before. They usually come already styled and tend to hold that style well, which also means there’s less work involved each time you wear one.
Human hair wigs are generally much more expensive, but they give you more freedom when it comes to styling. Depending on the individual wig and its care instructions, they may be suitable for curling or straightening and can feel more like styling your own hair.
If you’re buying your first wig and aren’t sure how often you’ll actually wear it, it makes sense to start at the more affordable end of the market rather than spending a significant amount straight away. If you find yourself wearing it regularly, you can always invest more later.
How to Make a Lace Front Wig Look More Natural
Getting the fit right can make a big difference to how natural a lace front wig looks. Your own hair generally needs to be as flat as possible underneath so that the wig sits smoothly against your head. Depending on your hair length and type, that might mean braiding it, pinning it flat or using a wig cap underneath.
Many lace front wigs also come with some excess lace at the front that needs to be carefully trimmed to suit your hairline. It’s definitely a job where taking off a tiny amount at a time is better than getting carried away with the scissors!
Some people also customise the hairline by carefully removing a small number of hairs from the front so it looks less uniform. A small amount of foundation or concealer that matches your skin tone can also be used on some lace partings to help everything blend together.
Always follow the instructions that come with your particular wig though, especially when it comes to trimming, securing or using products on the lace.
How to Look After a Wig
Looking after your wig properly should help you get as much wear from it as possible, which is particularly important if you’ve invested in a more expensive one.
Check the manufacturer’s washing instructions first because care can vary depending on what the wig is made from. Generally, wigs should be handled gently when washing and detangling, and a wide-toothed comb can help prevent unnecessary pulling. Starting at the ends and gradually working your way upwards is much gentler than dragging a comb straight through from the roots.
Heat is another thing to be careful with. Not every synthetic wig is suitable for heated styling tools, so check before reaching for the straighteners or curling wand. When you’re not wearing your wig, storing it properly on a wig stand or as recommended by the manufacturer can also help it keep its shape and prevent tangling.
Is a Lace Front Wig Worth Buying?
Whether a lace front wig is worth buying really depends on why you want one and how often you think you’ll wear it. If you simply fancy experimenting with your hair without committing to a new cut or colour, starting with an affordable synthetic option could be a good way to see how you get on.
There’s such a huge choice available now that you can experiment with everything from completely different colours and lengths to a simple bob wig that isn’t a million miles away from your usual style. Just set yourself a budget before you start looking, particularly if this is your first one, and spend some time comparing the different options before deciding which is right for you.
After all, one of the best things about trying a new look with a wig is that if you decide it’s not for you, you can simply take it off. 😁
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