How to Remove Your Lace Front Wig Safely and Effectively

December 17, 2024 Mikey Moran

Lace front wigs are great—they give you a natural-looking hairline that blends right into your skin, and they come in a variety of styles and textures. If you look online, you’ll find plenty of helpful guides on installing a lace front wig, but very few on removing it.

That’s the dilemma I faced when I first started wearing wigs, and I was scared I'd hurt my own hair or ruin the wig.

That's why I'm writing this guide—to share what I've learned about how to remove lace front wigs.

We'll go through everything step-by-step, and I'll tell you what products work best and give you tips to keep your wig and your own hair healthy. Keep reading to learn more.🤩

Private Label Model Wearing Body Wave Lace Front Wig

Understanding Lace Front Wigs

Let's discuss what makes HD lace front wigs special before we discuss how to remove them.

These human hair wigs feature sheer lace material at the front hairline, which is typically secured using special lace frontal glue. This makes the wig look so natural, but it also means you need to be extra careful when you take it off.

Preparation Is Key

Before you start taking off your wig, you need to prepare some things.

Here's what you'll need:

Lace glue remover
Makeup remover wipes
Cotton swabs
Water in a spray bottle
Hair oil (for alternative method)
Gentle shampoo
Soft toothbrush
Clean towel

Make sure you’re in a well-lit area with a mirror. It's also a good idea to wear old clothes because taking off a wig can get messy.

Private Label Model Wearing Buttercup Lace Front Bob Wig Tilting

The Lace Glue Remover Method

This is the most recommended way to remove a lace front wig safely:

Start by applying lace glue remover along the hairline where the wig is attached. Use a generous amount to cover everything.
Allow the remover to sit for about 5 minutes. This gives it time to work on the glue.
Use a cotton swab or makeup remover wipe to gently work the remover into the lace, focusing on the edges.
As you feel the adhesive loosening, slowly lift the edges of the wig using your fingers. Be patient, and don’t pull too hard.
Once you’ve removed the wig, use makeup wipes to clean any remaining glue residue from your forehead and hairline with Citrus Lace Cleaner.
To take off the wig cap, spray it lightly with water. This helps it come off without pulling your natural hair.
If needed, apply more lace glue remover to stubborn areas and repeat the process until all the glue is gone.

Private Label Model Wearing Indian Wavy Lace Front Wig Posing

The Hair Oil Method

Here's another way to take off your wig using hair oil. This is good if you have sensitive skin that gets irritated easily:

Choose a good quality hair oil. Coconut, jojoba, or argan oil work well.
Apply the oil generously along the hairline where the wig is attached.
Gently massage the oil into the lace, allowing it to penetrate and loosen the glue.
Slowly lift the edges of the wig, applying more oil as needed.
Once removed, use the oil to help rub off any remaining glue from your hairline.
To clean the wig, apply shampoo to the lace front area and remove any residue gently with a soft toothbrush.
Wash the rest of the wig as you would normally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few beginner mistakes to avoid when removing your wig for the first time:

Using Rubbing Alcohol

While it may seem like a quick fix, rubbing alcohol can dry out your skin and hair, potentially causing damage, it can also leave a weird line on your skin where the wig was, like a tan line.

Pulling Too Hard

Forcefully removing the wig can damage both the lace frontal and your natural hairline. Always be gentle and patient during the removal process.

Private Label Model Wearing Coffee Lace Front Bob Wig Playing with Her Hair

Skipping the Cleansing Step

Always wash your hairline thoroughly after removing your wig to keep your skin healthy. If you don’t, leftover glue and dirt can build up.

Neglecting Wig Care

It won't last as long if you don't clean your wig well and store the wig properly. This means you might have to buy a new wig sooner than you should.

Wig Application & Removal Hacks

Skin Prep: Before wearing your lace front wig, preparing your skin properly using skin prep is vital. You put this on along your hairline where the wig will go to protect your skin. It creates a barrier between your skin and the adhesive, making removal easier.

Choose the Right Adhesive: Use a high-quality lace glue designed specifically for wig application. These are formulated to be strong enough to hold the wig securely but gentle enough to remove without causing damage.

Apply in Sections: Apply the glue in small sections when putting on your wig. This ensures a more secure lace front wig fit and makes removal easier, as you can work in stages.

Regular Maintenance: Try to take your wig off and put it back on every 1-2 weeks, depending on what kind of glue you use. This stops too much glue from building up and makes it easier to take off.

Use a Lace Scalp Protector: A scalp protector creates a protective barrier on your skin. It makes it easier to remove your wig while reducing the risk of skin irritation.

Invest in Quality Products: While it might be tempting to use cheaper alternatives, investing in high-quality lace glue removers, adhesives, and hair care products will pay off in the long run, both for your wig and your natural hair.