We’ve been talking about wigs a lot on this blog and there’s plenty to catch up on if you’re not up-to-date with your wig education. We’ve discussed how to buy a wig that looks real. Click here to read that article. We’ve also talked about why you should get a lace front wig. Click here to read that article.
But today, we’re focusing on the full lace wigs vs lace front wigs debate.
Without further ado, let’s get into today’s topic. Should you for the full lace wig or the lace front wig? You’re about to find out.
Table of Contents
What is a Full Lace Front Wig?
As the name suggests, the full lace front wig covers your entire head. So, there’s the sheer lace base and the wig maker takes pure human hair and knots the strands of hair individually into the lace to make the hair look like real natural hair.
And if you want to make the wig look even more real, you can bleach the knots to give that ultra-realistic look. Click here to learn how to bleach lace knots.
Why You Should Get A Full Lace Wig
1. You Can Manipulate Your Wig into a Number of Styles
A full lace wig gives you a plethora of ways to style your hair as it best suits your tastes. From high updos to middle parts running from the hairline to the nape, even a side part, there’s nothing you can’t do with a full lace wig. The fact that the lace covers your entire scalp gives you all that flexibility.
2. Full Lace Wigs are Lightweight
Even though the lace covers your entire scalp, full lace wigs are actually quite light. So, if you’re worried about feeling like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders (or your head), you can relax. You wouldn’t even know it’s there. It feels like your natural hair.
3. It’s Comfortable and Breathable
The lace used to make full lace wigs is usually high quality which makes it quite comfortable to wear and also healthy for your natural hair.
4. Looks Very Realistic
A full lace wig is about as realistic as it gets. In fact, it is the most natural-looking wig you can get. Once the wig is made with high-quality human hair, you can’t go wrong with a full lace wig.
The Downside of Full Lace Wigs
The only downside of getting a lace front wig is that it is pretty expensive. This is quite understandable because, well, that’s the price you pay for hyperrealism, right? But we can tell you that the price you pay for these wigs is 100% worth it especially when you shop with us!
What is a Lace Front Wig?
Again, the name of this wig pretty much explains what it is about. A lace front wig, in contrast to a full lace wig, has the lace only on the front portion of the wig. Like the full lace wig, hair is attached to the lace by knotting individual strands into the lace piece.
So, unlike the full lace wig, the front and back parts of a lace front wig are quite different. In fact, the front and back parts of a lace front wig are separate until they are joined together.
Also, the lace used to form the base at the back of the wig and the lace that forms the frontal are quite different in texture. While the lace in the front part of the wig is light, the lace on the back part of the wig is slightly heavier. So, get ready for that slight difference in texture.
Why You Should Get a Lace Front Wig
1. Looks Realistic
Maybe not as realistic as full lace wigs but lace front wigs also look quite realistic especially in the front parts of the wig. The baby hair also perfects the looks of the wig especially when you pluck them very well. Or you can get your wig pre-plucked.
Another thing about this wig is that there are several ways to fix your wig so that it gives you the perfect style that protects your natural hairline.
Now, make sure you install and take this wig off carefully. You wouldn’t want to damage your natural hairline.
2. Lace Front Wigs are Quite Versatile
Maybe not as versatile as full lace wigs, but lace front wigs are easy to style in a range of different ways.
3. Lace Front Wigs are Affordable
Compared to full lace wigs, lace front wigs are more affordable for most buyers.
4. They are Super Easy to Wear
Even if you’re a beginner at wigs, you can easily learn to wear a lace front wig following a few steps you can find on Youtube. This way, you save time but still get to slay anyway.
The Downside of Lace Front Wigs
1. You Can’t Achieve Some Hairstyles
Compared to the full lace wig which lets you achieve almost any style, the lace front wig is a little more limited. For instance, you won’t be able to achieve a ponytail with a lace front wig because the lace does not extend to the back.
2. It’s a Bit Fragile
A lace front wig must be handled really carefully else it wouldn’t last long.
What is the Difference Between Full Lace Wigs Vs Lace Front Wigs?
Here are the differences between full lace wigs vs lace front wigs.
1. The Material for the Base
A full lace wig comes with its entire base made of lace. With the lace front wig, the front part of the wig and the back part of the wig are made from different kinds of lace. The lace behind feels slightly heavier than the really light lace used to make the frontal.
2. Which Gives a More Natural Look?
The lace front gives you a more natural look because the lace front covers your hairline which gives the illusion of a perfect hairline. A full lace wig, on the other hand, would depend. If the full lace wig uses a lace front, then it would look super natural. But if you don’t use a lace front with your full lace wig, even if it covers your entire head, people might still be able to tell you’re wearing a wig.
3. Styling
With the lace front wig, there are a number of ways you can style your wig to switch up your style the way you want. The only snag is that the lace does not extend to the back and so it can be a little limiting.
If you go for a full lace wig, on the other hand, you have more room to play with your wig and achieve all the styles you want including halfway parts and high updos. This is possible because you have the lace at the back of the wig which mimics your scalp.
4. Durability
A full lace wig is more durable than a lace front wig. The lace used to make lace front wigs are most times very fragile. So, you need to be super careful with them but even at that, they don’t last as long as full lace wigs. Nonetheless, you still need to give your full lace wigs some TLC else they might not completely live out their potential.
5. Cost
The full lace wig has more benefits when compared to lace front wigs especially when it comes to styling options. Plus, full lace wigs have the entire base made of lace. This naturally drives the cost of a full lace wig higher.
6. Ease of Use
A lace front wig is much easier to use than a full lace wig. Even beginners can figure out how to use it because the lace only covers a small space on the head.
How to Install a Full Lace Wig
1. Make Sure Your Hair is Clean
First things first, before fixing any extension to your hair, ensure that you’ve cleansed your hair and your scalp using a good shampoo. And then condition with a good conditioner (preferably deep conditioner) to keep your hair well moisturised.
2. Braid Your Hair into Cornrows
When your hair is dry, braid your hair into cornrows so that it lies flat. When you get to the tips at the nape, braid the cornrows together.
3. Clean Your Forehead and Fit the Lace
You’re going to be laying the lace on your forehead. So, you want to make sure that your forehead is clean and rid of dirt and oils. Use a rubbing alcohol to cleanse your forehead and then you can use a scalp protector around your hairline if you like.
Next step, fit the lace onto your forehead so you know how much lace you’re cutting off. Be very careful with your trimming so that your wig looks as realistic as possible. It would be best to trim the lace a little at a time, leaving only about an inch of lace protruding from your hairline.
4. Apply the Glue
After taking that step, apply some glue along your hairline but make sure it does not touch your hair on your hairline. You don’t want to ruin your natural hair. Also, only apply a thin line of glue, preferably using a makeup brush so that it’s a neat process.
Before you start attaching the wig, you want to give the glue some time to dry a little.
5. Attach the Other Parts of the Wig
When the front part of the wig dries, it’s time to fix the back part of the wig. You’d need a needle and thread for this. Or you can also use an adhesive too. If you’re using an adhesive, follow the same process as when you attached the front part. Apply a thin line of glue to your back hairline. Wait for it to get a little tacky and then attach the wig.
Now, let the hair dry before you begin to style it. Give it about 15 minutes. Or if you’re in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer set to the lowest temperature to dry your hair.
6. Style!
Now that your wig is dry, you can style your hair whichever way you want.
How to Wear a Lace Front Wig
Most women struggle with fixing their lace front wig such that it looks very real. But there’s a method you can use to install your lace front wig to make it look real. It’s called the meltdown method. Here’s how to achieve that…
1. First, make sure your hair is clean and then braid it to the back. You can use some styling gel to make your hair lie completely flat.
2. Next, use a nude color wig cap over the braids and then apply some freeze spray. After this, use a blowdryer to dry the spray a little. And then apply another layer of freeze spray and dry it with the blow dryer again.
3. Now, cut the band from the wig cap and apply another layer of freeze spray again to give it a more laid down look.
4. After that, fix your wig and apply foundation along the perimeter of your hairline so that it blends with your skin.
5. It’s now time to melt the lace. Use a hot comb and run it along the lace at the hairline so that the glue sticks the lace into place as the comb smoothens it. And voila! You’re done!
How to Keep Your Lace Front Wig in Place
There are a few ways to keep your lace front wig in place. You can use the following methods:
- Wig glue.
- Wig tape.
- Bobby pins.
- Elastic band.
Using a Wig Glue
The wig glue is probably the best method because it makes the lace front lie flat. A wig glue will hold your wig down for five days, at least. But be very careful though because it can mess up your hairline.
To use this, apply the glue along the perimeter of your hairline after braiding your hair backward. Then take the lace front and apply it, beginning from the mid-section to the other parts of your head. Afterward, let the glue dry so it sits perfectly.
To remove the lace front, use a glue solvent to dissolve the glue and then take the wig off.
Using a Wig Tape
Many people prefer a wig tape to a wig glue. Wig tapes are usually double-sided so you get to attach them both to the wig and to your hairline. It’s the same process as using the wig glue.
Using Bobby Pins
Bobby pins are fast becoming popular because many people don’t like the idea of putting glue on their hairline. When using bobby pins, make sure all the pins are the same colour and then cover them up with the hair to hide them and you’re done.
Elastic Band
This is another alternative to using glue or adhesive. Some people pair elastic bands with bobby pins for a more secure attachment also.
So, Which are You Getting?
Now that you know the difference between full lace wigs vs lace front wigs, which are you getting? Let us know in the comment section!
Then click here to get your full lace wigs and lace front wigs at the best quality and prices!
