Have you ever wondered how your favorite celebrities are able to have gorgeous flowing hair for EVERY single occasion? Have you ever wondered why people like Beyonce never seem to have a bad hair day? Sure these pretty ladies have a team of stylists at their disposal. But more than likely, they’re tending to their own hair a majority of the time. I’ve finally discovered the secret to their consistent Perfect Hair Days: The Lace-Front Wig.
I have been a fan of creative hairstyles ever since I rocked my first set of box braids. Hair weaves have also come a long way since tracks, glues, needles and thread made their way to the heads of many women. As hair styles have become more complicated, so have wigs and falls. Women who have enjoyed wearing wigs for years have complained that wigs most often do not feel or appear natural on the head. Even with the invention of the “faux scalp” which makes the parts in wigs look realistic, the hairline of these wigs was far from believable. Keeping these quirks in mind, hair designers have devised a way to artificially create hairstyles that looks completely and utterly lifelike. Enter the Lace Front Wig.
WHAT IS THE LACE FRONT WIG?
So what is the difference between lace front wigs and regular wigs? These wigs have a very special cap underneath which is comprised of thin transparent lace. Though there are multiple styles of caps, the most popular version is that which extends from ear to ear. The purpose of having transparent lace is to give the hairline and scalp a more natural look. This look is achieved by having real human hair hand-tied into the lace itself. Some wigs actually bleach the hairs slightly at the root so as to make it appear that the hair is actually growing out of the scalp. This wonderful bit of technology is what makes the Lace Front Wig so appealing: it is virtually impossible to detect that they are actually wigs.
HOW ARE LACE FRONT WIGS MADE?
The stress that weaves, falls, and braids put on hair is sometimes just as bad as the chemicals used in traditional hair styling processes. Since there is a delicate balance between the Artificial and the Real, the fact that these wigs utilize 100% human hair is a huge factor in their apparent success. There are basically three types of human hair that are used in most styles: Asian, European, and Indian. The most popular type of hair is called Remy hair, which is cut from the head and kept in pristine order throughout the entire process of manufacturing the wig. This prevents tangling, matting, and other “snags” which occur during normal hair styling. It is then treated with an acid which further prevents the hair from deteriorating during production. The hair itself is hand-tied into the lace, which takes several hours. But the final effects are stunning.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Most wigs are actually customized for the wearer. This means that in order to achieve the perfect fit, the head must first be measured to determine the exact size of the cap. To measure, it helps to pin the natural hair flat to the head as tightly as possible. Then, measure the head in the following way:
a) from nape to neck
b) from ear to ear across the forehead (this will help wigmakers to create the perfect front hairline)
c) from ear to ear (over the TOP of the head)
d) the circumference (the entire head)
e) from temple to temple (from the back)
f) the nape of the neck (only)
Customers ordering the wigs online are also prompted to include their hair color, texture, and length preferences. In most cases, there are varying densities of hair. Those seeking the most natural look usually opt for thin to medium densities. Once the exact measurements and other specifications have been obtained, the wig manufacturer will design the hairpiece and ship it to the customer.
CARING FOR THE LACE FRONT WIG
Since the wigs are made of human hair, customers should be mindful to treat them very carefully. First and foremost, they should not be shampooed too often, as this will dry out the hair and it will become brittle over a period of time. The hairpieces are used with an adhesive which binds the lace front to the skin in order to create a faux hairline. In some cases, an adhesive tape is used. Either way, it’s important when fitting the wig onto the head, that the lace be treated very gingerly. If tugged or pulled too hard, it will tear and/or break. Its thin texture is what makes it “invisible” once the adhesive is applied to the head.
Care must also be taken when removing the wig. It’s best to pull all the hair up and away from the head, as an adhesive remover will be necessary to peel the lace hairline from the head. Gentle shampooing will remove any chemical residue from the actual wig unit.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There is a reason why most of these incredible hairpieces and wigs have only been “accessible” to celebrities: the cost. Because of the design, the customizing process, and the quality of the hair, these wigs are fairly expensive. While most wigs purchased in beauty supply stores cost as little as $30 to $75, these wigs usually begin anywhere from $300 to $2,000 or more. Know that hairpiece units comprised of Indian Remy hair will cost more than other textures of hair. Depending upon the manufacturer, one can choose amongst literally hundreds of looks, including Afros, curly “permed” styles, natural waves, or even dreadlocks.
Whether you decide on a front lace, or full lace front wig, you’ll want to make sure that you receive full instructions from the manufacturer on how to apply, remove, and care for the wig. Specific care instructions will more than likely depend upon the type and style of wig that you decide on. Make sure that you obtain all the necessary adhesive and removal supplies, and that you are not allergic to any of the chemicals used in adhering the lace front to your hairline. Finally, the secrets of the stars have been revealed to us “common folk.” Beauty may come at a high price. But for the amount of money these wigs cost, you’re sure to achieve the most professional looking hairstyle around.
