Set of hairdressing tools and wig on a board or table
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Nothing saves a woman time, energy and even money, like a low maintenance, long lasting hairstyle. This is one of the many reasons why lace wigs are starting to become all the rage. Not only does a lace wig look like your own hair, but if applied correctly, it can be maintained as a wash and go style for a extended period of time. You can also get any style, texture or length you want and the piece can also be custom made and dyed to your liking. Even though such units cost a bit initially, the money you save in constant salon trips will make the wig pay for itself.

Apply lace wig solvent. There are many solvents available on the market that are specially made for lace wigs. These solvents can and will soften adhesives for easier removal. If you can't afford a solvent, isopropyl alcohol works just fine. To apply solvent or alcohol to the wig, use a q-tip, make-up applicator or small brush and rub along the front and back hairline. gently tug, rubbing more solvent at resistant areas. Keep doing this until you feel the grip of the wig lessening enough to pull free of the skin. The wig won't simply slide off with a pull after a solvent is used. Rather, you may have to carefully tug at small sections of the wig to get it to come up. Take care when tugging, as you don't want to tear the delicate lace. If you do damage it, don't worry, some lace wig sellers also offer lace wig repair services.

Gently detach the wig. As tempting as it will be to just pull the wig off once the glue is loosened, that could be a mistake. You may have to have missed a couple of areas where the bond is still reasonably secure and end up tearing the wig. If you grow impatient with the process, just remind yourself that you have spent a considerable mount of money on your hairpiece. Replacing and repairing it could be expensive. With painstaking care, use your your fingers to grab one area and pull on it, again dotting the resistant spots with solvent until you feel the glue loosen its hold. Once you know for sure that the unit (and any plastered hair) is free, you may cautiously remove it from your head.

Clean your skin. Olive oil is great for removing the glue that is left on the skin and hair (if you managed to get glue on your natural hair) and you can work it into the glue with your fingertips. Any kind or brand will do, as we merely wish to use it to make the glue less sticky. Once you have managed to get a large portion of the adhesive off, use soap and water to remove any excess. This may be an excellent time to hop in the shower and wash your own hair prior to re-applying the wig. Clean skin and oil free hair make the wig setting last longer and is just downright healthy for your scalp.

Wash and clean the wig. This could be your time to wash and condition the piece. Although you can wash it while it is on your head, it is better to agitate the wig in the sink with a mild shampoo followed by a light, oil free conditioner. Use a wide wig brush to untangle hair and try not to pull on the unit--you don't want it to shed. Allow it to air dry, but if you need to be able to wear it in a hurry, you can sit the lace front on a wig stand and set it under a hooded dryer until it is ready to be placed back on your head. If, after it dries, you still notice a bit of residue on the wig, you can take a hand held mirror and slide the glued area of the wig on it--like magic, the glue will rub off onto the mirror. When done, you can clean the mirror and prepare to replace the unit onto your head if so desired.

Tips

  • Buy a regular wig to wear when you are allowing your unit to dry after a washing. Although it doesn't have to be the same texture (for all anyone would know, you simply blew it straight or curled it) it should have a similar color or cut. That way, you can keep your style going as you allow your unit a chance to take a break from daily wear and tear.