How to Clean a Lace Wig With C-22 Solvent

Clean your wig lace properly to extend its life.

Lace-front wigs are used in theater and films, and by women who simply want to temporarily change their hairstyle. The lace for these wigs is often held to the forehead with a variety of adhesives, which must be properly removed to extend the life of the lace. C-22 is a citrus adhesive remover which gently dissolves lace adhesive, letting you clean the lace without damaging it.

Things You'll Need

• Wig block or Styrofoam head
• Plastic wrap
• Straight pins
• C-22 adhesive remover
• Paper towels
• Stiff artist's brush

Instructions

1. Pin the wig to a canvas wig block that is wrapped in plastic. A Styrofoam head wrapped in plastic will also suffice.

2. Spray a liberal coat of C-22 onto the lace, soaking the adhesive residue.

3. Allow the C-22 to sit for 1 to 2 minutes to allow it to begin dissolving the adhesive.

4. Blot away the excess with a paper towel.

5. Apply more C-22 and repeat the process with any remaining adhesive. For particularly stubborn residue, apply C-22 and gently scrub the lace with a stiff artist's brush.

6. Blot the lace a final time with paper towels once all the adhesive is gone, then set the wig aside to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to get too much C-22 onto the hair while you are cleaning the lace. If the hair becomes saturated, you may have to wash it with shampoo and conditioner.

References

• "Wig Making and Styling: A Complete Guide for Theatre & Film"; Martha Ruskai, et al.; 2010
• Sassy Tress: Lace Wig Remover C-22 Solvent