Contents:
Mistakes people make when removing their lace wigs
What you need to remove your lace wig
Steps 1 - 5 'How to remove a lace front / full lace wig'
Pros and cons of alcohol and oil based lace wig adhesive removers
Top tip for removing trace glue from lace wig - mirror!
What to do if you have sensitive skin - skin test
If you've gone to the expense of buying what is the Rolls Royce of wigs, a lace front or full lace wig, you don't want to risk ruining it with careless removal. To ensure your wig stands the test of time and pays for itself in saved trips to the hair salon, spend a few minutes after each use to ensure you remove and store your lace wig properly. Your skin will thank you for it later too!
Mistakes people make when removing their lace wigs
1. Pulling the lace wig straight off their head
One of the main mistakes people make when removing lace front wigs is to rush the process, forgetting the removal sprays and peeling the hair piece straight off their head if the wig starts to lift. As a lace front wig is secured at the front with adhesive (and in the case of a full lace wig, around it's entire circumference) the adhesive needs to be removed gently from both the skin and the wig to avoid damage to both and to ensure all the adhesive is removed ready for the next application. Leaving adhesive on the wig can prevent proper adhesion next time around and may damage the lace seam.
2. Using abrasive materials to apply the adhesive remover and rubbing too much
Another common mistake is to use abrasive materials to apply adhesive remover such as cotton wool or paper towels. Both of these materials can damage the delicate lace edging of the lace front wig as well as being unkind to the skin due to the back and forth rubbing motion.
How to remove your lace front or full lace wig without damaging your wig or hairpiece
You need:
Adhesive remover
Cotton buds (q-tips) or small soft brush
Soap and water
Wig stand
Mirror
Hair Clips (large ones)
Step 1
Clip the lace front or full lace wig hair back from the face and secure at the crown. This should give you a clear view of the lace seam and ensure that no adhesive remover comes into contact with the wig hair.
Step 2
Apply an adhesive remover. There are two types of adhesive remover:
Alcohol based
Oil based
Alcohol based adhesive remover
The advantages of alcohol based removers is that they are fast acting and do not leave a residue on the skin or hairpiece. They do however have to be applied using a cotton bud (q-tip) or small soft brush (like the adhesive application brush) as they cannot be sprayed towards the face. The alcohol also evaporates quickly which is why some people rub too harshly to remove the adhesive before the alcohol based remover is gone. It can also be problematic for people with sensitive skin as it can dry the skin and cause irritation.
Dip the cotton bud in the lace wig adhesive remover and apply to the lace seam all along the edge. Leave for a few minutes until the seam visibly starts to peel away from the face on its own. When it does this apply more adhesive remover along the underside of the seam. Work carefully to ensure all the edges are covered.
Oil based lace wig adhesive remover
If you have sensitive skin oil based adhesive remover is recommended as these are gentle on the skin and can be used to remove adhesive from the wig, the skin and other parts of the body. Oil adhesive removers like C22 (a pleasant, fast acting, citrus scented remover) can also be left on the skin or hair piece for soaking of more stubborn adhesives. Unlike the alcohol based adhesive removers, they do not evaporate or dry out the skin. They are also provided in spray form so you simply spray along the lace front wig seam as oppose to applying with a cotton bud and do as detailed above.
Once the lace wig adhesive has been successfully removed, the oil based remover must be completely washed off the skin using soap and water and off the hair piece using shampoo and water. The oily residue can prevent proper adhesion of the wig next time around.
Step 3
When the adhesive remover has had a chance to work (as per manufacturer's instructions) gently peel the lace seam away from the face working methodically from one side to the other.
Step 4
When the lace wig seams are completely away from the face, lift the wig off the head and place on your wig stand for easy maintenance and to retain its shape.
Step 5
Cleanse your face to remove traces of adhesive and adhesive remover. What to do if you have sensitive skin-skin test.
As with hair colorants it is a good idea to test your skin for sensitivity to adhesive or removers before using them. You can do this by applying a small amount to the inside of one wrist, covering in clear plastic film (cling film is good) for 24-48hrs. If an allergic reaction occurs remove the adhesive or adhesive remover immediately and consult your Doctor.
Top tip for removing trace glue from lace wig - use a mirror! If after removing your lace wig you find that there is still adhesive on the wig you can rub a handheld mirror along the inside seam where the adhesive is. The adhesive should come off on the mirror!
