By now, almost all sheitel wearers everywhere have purchased at least one lace top wig. What they say about lace is really true: Once you go lace you never go back! Not only are these wigs so natural-looking that you do a double take, they are so much more comfortable and lightweight then traditional skin top wigs.
After owning a lace top for a few months, you may start looking at yours and wonder why your wig does not look like all those unbelievable pictures on Instagram. The pictures show the most natural-looking wigs, featuring realistic hairlines. However, when you look in the mirror you see an orangey-looking lace, lifting away from your hairline. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to give
your lace the proper TLC that it needs.
Properly clean your lace: The inside of your lace, the part that touches your skin, needs to be cleaned gently with a makeup remover wipe each time you wear makeup. If you remove the wig from the wig head, you will see the lace does not look as clear/nude as when you first purchased it. Foundation, bronzer, moisturizer and oils from your skin all contribute to that orange/brown look on your lace. You must remove that residue each time so that the lace will look translucent against your skin.
Add baby hairs: The very delicate fine hairs in the very front of the wig, are known as baby hairs. These hairs are thin and fine (as well as super-expensive), so that the knots that hold the hair to the wig will be less visible. Since they are so fine, they fall out much quicker than the rest of the hair on the wig. If you are wearing your lace on a regular basis, which is about three times a week, you will need to add in baby hairs about every three to four months. If you are wearing your wig more often than that, you will need to add them in sooner. For those who wear their lace wigs every day, you will need at least two pieces to trade off between.
Tighten your lace: If you notice that that lace is lifting and no longer laying flat against your skin, it is time to tighten the lace on your wig. This will need to be done about every three to four months if you are wearing it about three times a week. The lace will stretch more quickly if you put the wig on with wet hair, so it’s best to wash your hair the night before to insure that your scalp and hair are fully dry. You must be meticu
lous to lay the lace flat, on both the styrofoam head and your head, to prevent damaging and lifting of the lace.
Obviously, the more natural-looking laces are made extremely thin and transparent, thus making them even more delicate. The lace looks most natural when laying very flat, flush to one’s hairline. Lace wigs need to be handled carefully, as they can easily tear and stretch. With proper care and maintenance, these wigs will look and feel super-natural. The beauty and comfort of these wigs are well worth the maintenance that is needed. Have your sheitel macher check your lace every few months for necessary repairs to prolong its longevity.
Sari Friedbauer is the owner of Sari’s Wigs located in Teaneck. She is a licensed cosmetologist and certified wig maker. She is available for consults and can be reached via text at (201) 694-5319.
