Lace front wigs are a popular, easy way for women to change their hairstyle on a whim. The most beneficial aspect of wearing a lace front wig is the ability to keep up with current hair trends without compromising the health of your natural hair. With that said, wearing a lace front wig comes with some caution. It's essential not to neglect your natural hair under your lace wig.

Here are some valuable tips on protecting your natural hair, including your hairline edges, while wearing a lace front wig.

Best lace wig application that will protect your hairline edges

Lace front wigs are applied using a variety of methods. The most popular method is the bald cap method. This particular method requires several adhesive layers to be applied around the hairline's perimeter. The lace front wig is then attached. 

Pros: ✔️ The bald cap method does make the lace front wig appear the most natural as the lace will "melt" with your skin and create the illusion that the lace front wig hair is growing directly from your scalp. 

Cons: ⚠️ Unfortunately, the adhesive will come in contact with the baby hairs around your hairline, creating an opportunity for tension that will traumatize the hair follicles and cause edge hair loss.

To avoid this tension, the best method to protect your hairline begins by choosing a lace front wig that is glueless. Glueless lace front wigs have an adjustable elastic strap around the back that will allow you to wear your lace front wig without glue or tape. Removing your lace front wig every day will also maximize the ability to create the best environment for healthy hair.

Stimulate your scalp 

Having a wig worn tightly on your head can cause the blood flow to your scalp to be reduced. Massaging your scalp can help relieve any restricted blood flow. Scalp massage promotes healthy blood flow and will encourage your hair to grow. We recommend performing a scalp massage every time you take your wig off. 

Did you know according to research massaging your scalp can increase hair thickness by stretching the cells of hair follicles? Stretching the cells in hair follicles stimulates the follicles to produce thicker hair. It's also Believed that a scalp massage may help dilate blood vessels beneath the skin, thereby encouraging hair growth.

How to Massage Your Scalp 

• Massage your scalp using your fingertips. Use circular motions and apply light to medium pressure. 
• Oil is not needed to massage your scalp; however, for a little extra boost, we recommend applying a little castor oil to your fingertips to massage into your scalp to promote hair growth further.
• Make sure that you massage your entire scalp area.
• Performed this scalp massage for five minutes, two times a day.

Don't Sleep With Your Lace Front Wig On

If your goal is hair health and growth, it's essential to provide the best environment for your scalp and hair follicles to thrive. Sleeping with your lace front wig on can cause tension on your natural hair and cause breakages. Allow your hair and scalp to breathe overnight by taking your wig off. Allowing your scalp to breathe can go a long way in promoting healthy hair.

Tip: Another critical step is to sleep on a silk pillowcase or wear a silk bonnet to protect your hair from additional damage caused by friction.

Cleanse Your Scalp 

One of the keys to healthy hair is keeping your scalp clean. A good rule of thumb to follow is to shampoo and cleanse your scalp once a week at a minimum using gentle hair care products. 

How often you will need to shampoo your hair can vary depending on your lifestyle and how much sweat and oil your scalp produces throughout the day. Sweat and hair care products can build up over a few days, so you should make sure your scalp and hair are always clean before putting a lace front wig on. 

Avoid hair care products that contain sulfates, alcohols, or fragrances. Sulfates can strip away natural oils in your hair, making the scalp dry and prone to irritation. Healthy hair care maintenance should never be dismissed when wearing a lace front wig!

Make time for hair masks

A hair mask is similar to a face mask; the only difference is it's for your hair. A hair mask provides intense conditioning qualities that will help nourish and hydrate your hair, whether it's dry, heat-damaged, chemically colored, curly, or even just aging.

It would be best if you used a hair mask treatment at least once a week. But if your hair feels or looks drier or more damaged than usual, increase to twice or three times a week. 

Click here to visit our article: Top 5 Hair Masks to Keep Your Natural Hair Healthy Under a Wig

Eat a balanced diet

You are what you eat holds true when it comes to your hair's health. Did you know many nutritional deficiencies are linked to hair loss? Maintaining a healthy diet can help your hair remain strong and shiny. Your diet can also prevent you from losing your hair. If you're not getting a fair amount of certain nutrients from food, you might see this reflected in your hair's health. With that said, if you fail to get enough nutrients in your diet, supplements may be helpful.

Wearing wig caps vs. Wig grips under your lace front wig

Wigs caps are a great way of protecting your natural hair when wearing a lace front wig. Although optional, a wig cap acts as a protective barrier between the lace front wig and your natural hair. They are excellent at keeping your hair in place under the wig. However, some wig caps tend to be extremely constrictive on the scalp. When choosing a wig cap, make sure it's not tight enough to create a blood flow to your scalp to be reduced. There have been many times where clients will complain of headaches caused by wig caps. If you feel any discomfort from a wig cap, it's too tight and should be avoided. 

Wig grips can be a great alternative to traditional wig caps. Wig grips are adjustable use double-sided material so that the grip doesn't come off your head and the lace front wig doesn't come off the grip. A wig grip can make wearing a lace front wig more comfortable because it eliminates the need for tapes, adhesives, clips, and combs. Wig grips can also give you more confidence while wearing a lace front wig on windy days or a night out.

Never wear your lace front wig if your hair is damp

If your natural hair under your lace front wig is damp, not only is this uncomfortable, but this is the perfect environment that will promote the growth of bacteria. 

Moisture mixed with body heat, oils, and dead skin cells, not to mention the extra heat from the layer of the lace front wig, can cause the growth of mildew. Any protective hairstyle that restricts airflow to the natural hair and scalp will result in moldy, mildew-smelling hair.

Generally speaking, you may not experience hair loss after a single brief exposure to mold, but long-term exposure may cause hair loss.

Take caution if you're braiding down your natural hair

Most people will braid down their natural hair in cornrows to keep their hair under a lace front wig. However, if you're braiding your hair regularly, it may weaken your natural hair. If the braids are too tight, this tension can inflict trauma on the hair follicles, causing traction alopecia. 

Traction alopecia is hair loss that's created by constant pulling on the hair. It's possible to develop this condition if you always wear your hair in a tight ponytail, bun, or braids. If you do decide to braid your hair down, make sure the braids are not too tight.

Keep your hair moisturized under your lace front wig

If you become aware that your hair is feeling dry after wearing your lace front wig, try using hair oils, moisturizers, or treatments to restore your hair's moisture. Adding moisture to dry hair will help ensure that your hair will remain healthy throughout your lace front wig wear.

Give your natural hair breaks from lace front wigs

If you're wearing your lace front wig for long periods, it's a good idea to allow your natural hair to have a break for a day or two. Giving your hair and scalp a break with a healthy dose of air and sunshine can contribute towards keeping your scalp and hair healthy.

Lace front wigs vs. regular wigs 

There are a variety of wig construction types available. Lace front wigs and full lace wigs are beneficial in helping to promote healthy hair under a wig. They are made using a mesh lace base that allows air to flow through and allows your scalp to breathe during continued wear.