Next, measure from side to side. Hold the tape measure just in front of one ear, where the hairline ends. Wrap the tape measure over the head, to the same spot in front of the opposite ear. [2] X Research source To get the most accurate measurement of the head, you’ll need to flatten the hair. You can wet the hair to flatten it, or put your hair in a flat style, such as corn rows. [3] X Research source [4] X Research source
Start by taping from side to side. Secure a piece of tape over one ear, and run the tape over the top of the head to the other ear. Make sure the plastic wrap is secure, but not too tight. Tape from front to back. Cover the entire head with tape until the pattern feels rigid. Trace the hairline using a soft pencil. Start in the front and go just over the ears. Tape over the pencil to keep it from erasing or smudging.
Take some stuffing and place it in the pattern. Place the pattern on a wig block and secure it using balled straight pins. Once the pattern is secure on the block, go back through and add straight pins along the hairline. [5] X Research source
You may need to dye the lace to get it to match your skin tone. If you need to dye the lace, do it now, before you secure it to your pattern. You can find wig lace online or you can by similar fabrics at a craft store.
Take care not to let the lace get ruffled as you work. Keep it smooth and tight. Once the front hairline is completely pinned, smooth the lace down to the back of the pattern. Secure the back with a straight pin and continue the pinning process in the back. Continue to keep the lace tight as you work. [8] X Research source You may end up having to fold some of the lace in the back to keep it flat on the pattern. Pin the tip of the fold to secure it, and then sew the open end of the fold shut. [9] X Research source
Find a source for the hair you’ll be using. You can buy synthetic or human hair online. The size of your lace front will determine the amount of hair you need.
Hook the needle through the lace and use the hook to grab a few strands of hair. Don’t overload the needle with hair. Refer to the number on the hook to see how much hair it can hold. [13] X Research source Hold the hair tight while you’re threading. [14] X Research source Start the process at the hairline and work your way back. Use tight clusters of hair on the hairline. As you move towards the back of the piece, you can add more space between your knots. [15] X Research source
Repeat this process for the entire lace front piece. Ventilating is a time consuming task. One square inch may take several hours.
Remove the cap from the wig block and do a test fitting. Make sure the lace front piece fits correctly. Check the sides and the hairline.
The scalp protector protects your skin from the adhesive used to apply the wig, and keeps skin oils from weakening the bond of the adhesive. Let the scalp protector dry completely before attaching the wig. [20] X Research source
Once the glue is tacky, place the wig on your head, and press the hairline of the front piece onto the glue line. Hold the wig onto the glued area. Apply constant pressure until the wig is secure and can stay on by itself. Let the glue dry completely before you style the wig. [22] X Research source To use wig tape, cut a piece of tape to fit the perimeter of your head, just below your hairline. Apply the tape to your forehead. Line the wig up so that the hairline is just on the edge of the tape. Peel the back of the tape off, revealing the other sticky side. Press the lace onto the adhesive, starting with the front hairline. Hold each section for about 30 seconds to make sure the wig is securely attached. [23] X Research source You can use a sew-in lace front wig for a couple of months. It is not good to keep it on longer than six to eight weeks, ten weeks maximum. After that, you should take down your hair, comb and condition them, then put them back up.
