Wig installs can take your hair from a zero to a hundred, but they can be a hit or miss if you don’t know what you’re doing. A few wrong moves, and you could end up with a crusty hairline, and your lace is lifting after spending almost an hour doing your hair. The truth is, if you want a flawless install, there are some common mistakes you have to avoid, and we’re calling them out in this article. Keep scrolling for tips for the perfect install.
1. You’re Cutting Off Too Much Lace
If you’re chopping a huge chunk of your lace in one go like you’re carving a holiday roast, you’re gonna end up with a messy install. Cutting off too much lace leaves you with little to no room for blending, which means the wig is more likely to look obvious and less seamless. Instead, slow down. Start small and cut in tiny sections, following the hairline carefully. You can use a razor or small eyebrow scissors instead of huge shears to make it easier to control how much you cut. Remember, you can always take off more lace, but you can’t put it back once it’s gone.
2. You’re Over-Plucking The Hairline
We all love a good pre-plucked wig for that flawless natural hairline, but too much plucking can create bald spots and make your wig too thin around the edges and harder to style in the long term. While plucking, tweeze a few strands at a time, step back, and look at the hairline from different angles to help determine when it's time to stop.
3. Using The Wrong Glue
When it comes to lace wig installs, the glue you use can make or break the final look. So if you use the wrong adhesive or a poor quality glue, your lace front will look a mess and result in lace lifting, irritation, or even damage to your edges. Additionally, when choosing a glue for wig install, think about your lifestyle and desired outcome—are you only wearing it for a quick night out, or do you need your lace wig to last a week? For long wear, a strong, waterproof adhesive works best. For short-term looks, a gel or spray might be safer and easier to remove.
4. You’re Rushing The Process
If you want your wig to look good and flawless, you gotta slow down and take your time. A lace wig install with perfect lace melt is not a five-minute job. Lifting lace, uneven baby hairs, and glue residue are usually signs of rushing. Take your time. Let the glue get tacky before laying the lace. Tie it down with a band to let it melt properly. Trust us—the extra 15 minutes can make the difference between “is that your real hair?” and “girl, we can see the lace.”
5. You’re Skipping The Hair Prep
Throwing your wig on over greasy, unwashed, or unbraided hair? That’s a recipe for bumps, slippage, and even scalp issues. It is best to lay your wig on a clean base, so before trying to lay down any wig, cleanse and moisturise your hair, then braid it down as flat as possible. Wearing a wig cap also helps to protect your natural hair and to create a smooth surface for the wig to lie on.
6. You Keep Skipping Wig Maintenance
Just like your natural hair, your wig needs some TLC every now and then, especially if it is a human hair wig. If you’re not co-washing and storing it properly, it will end up dry, stiff, and tangled and once it is installed, it will just look weird. Depending on how often you wear it, give your wig a gentle wash every month, detangle it regularly, and store it on a mannequin head or in a satin bag. This keeps the fibres soft and prolongs the life of your investment. A high-quality wig like our Kinky Curls Lace Front Wig can last for more than a year without any change to the curls, but only if you treat it right.
7. Not Cleaning Up Excess Product Around The Hairline
Leaving product residue around your hairline is one of the easiest ways to make your wig scream “fake” because that white, crusty line of dried glue or gel will be hard for anyone to ignore. Always use a damp cloth or cotton swab while installing, and wipe off any excess product before it dries. Additionally, if you’re using makeup to blend the lace, blend it well so there’s no harsh line. A clean hairline is the difference between is key to a flawless lace melt.
8. You’re Not Styling Your Wig After The Install
If you’re not styling your wigs after the install, you are really missing out. Wigs don’t come out of the box ready to go—at least not if you want them to look natural. Throwing it on and walking out the door might be convenient, but taking a little extra time to curl, straighten, or even part it gives it an added touch of natural flair. If you really want your wig to have a natural look, think of styling as the finishing step, not an optional one.
9. You’re Buying Crappy Lace Wigs
Sometimes it's not you—it’s the wig. A bad wig that tangles quickly, sheds like crazy, and has horrible, thick lace will never look natural, no matter how much work you put in. So, it is important to invest in high-quality wigs made with 100% human hair, especially something like our Brazilian Curly Lace Wig or Kinky Straight Wig that comes with tinted lace to blend with your skin tone.
10. Your Wig Placement Is Wrong
Placement is probably one of the most overlooked steps of wig installation, but it is extremely important. A wig that sits too far forward can easily look like a weird hair helmet, while one that’s too far back exposes your edges and ruins the illusion. Always line up your wig with your natural hairline (or slightly in front if needed) and double-check in good lighting. If possible, use clips or combs to secure it in place before glueing, so you’re not stuck with a wonky position. Once you’ve got it in perfect alignment, you’ll notice instantly how much more natural it looks.
Final Thoughts
Wig installs can seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of the steps and know what mistakes to avoid, you’ll be well on your way to getting a flawless install that will make people do a double-take. Just remember to keep the tips we've discussed in mind the next time you’re dealing with a lace wig and make sure you only use a high-quality wig like our Kinky Curls Lace Wig, Brazilian Curls Wig, and Kinky Coarse Lace Front Wig.