Styling Tips for a Natural Hairline with Lace Closures and Frontals

As anyone who wears lace closures or frontals will tell you, achieving a natural-looking hairline can make all the difference between a wig that looks obviously fake and one that looks seamless and natural.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps and techniques to create that perfect, undetectable hairline with your lace closures.

Choosing the Right Foundation

The journey to a natural hairline begins with choosing the correct lace color and type.

The goal should always be to match your lace to your skin tone in order to create a realistic appearance. 

HD lace closures are particularly effective as they're virtually undetectable and blend seamlessly with your scalp.

If you need to customize the lace color to match your skin tone perfectly, you can use fabric dye at home. 

Simply dip a cotton swab into the dye (choosing a shade close to but not darker than your skin tone) and carefully apply it wherever the lace will be visible, such as along the hairline or at the part.

Plucking the Hairline

Learning the proper plucking technique is another important step in getting your hairline to look natural when wearing lace closures and HD lace frontals.

You want to start by securing your wig on a wig stand in a comfortable position. Comb the hair backward and start plucking in the direction of the hair.

Start at the very front of the hairline, working one stroke at a time in each spot. It's important to avoid over-plucking any single area, so resist the urge to pluck the same spot multiple times consecutively.

After plucking each section, comb through it to remove the loose hairs. Then, part the plucked area and bring it forward, allowing you to access and pluck the area behind it.

You might have to do this maybe two or three times, depending on how natural you want your wig install to look. If your hairline is naturally thin, additional plucking may be necessary.

When working on the third layer of plucking, use lighter strokes, plucking only once or twice per spot to maintain a natural look.

You're going to want to take your time with this process, as rushing can lead to uneven results.

To check your progress, comb all the plucked areas backward. If you notice a clear line of demarcation, this means the area needs more plucking.

Continue this process along the entire hairline until you get a natural-looking result.

Trim the Lace

After plucking, the focus should be on proper lace trimming.

Use sharp fabric scissors, cut in a zig-zag motion, and be careful not to cut too close to the hairline. Leave approximately 1.25 inches of lace.

This should be enough material to create that "skin" illusion when applying glue.

This extra step is particularly important for achieving seamless blending in areas that might need additional gluing.

Getting the Wig to Lay Flat

The first step to take when trying to get the top of your wig to lay super flat is to mold it with mousse.

Start by applying mousse to the top of the wig or closure area, then comb it in the direction that you want every single hair to go. Use as much mousse as you'd like until any lumpiness disappears.

Next, blow-dry the hair on high heat while continuing to comb it in the desired direction.

Mousse can make hair crunchy sometimes, but blow drying it and running the comb through it on an appropriate heat setting will prevent this, and the result will be a very soft, sleek look.

Once the top section is dry, apply a wax stick before using a hot comb. This combination helps eliminate flyaways and creates an ultra-smooth finish.

When using the hot comb, be sure to work thoroughly at the roots rather than in sections. Finally, flat iron the hair slowly for a sleek, polished finish.

Professional Finishing Touches

Sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference.

If your lace closure looks too shiny, a light dusting of baby powder followed by gentle brushing can help give it a more natural look.

When styling, use a wide-tooth comb and vent brush to minimize pulling on the hair and protect the lace closure's integrity.

Know the difference between Synthetic and Human Hair to avoid shiny closures.

Moisture Management and Long-Term Care

Weather conditions and physical activity can also affect the appearance of your lace closure.

Sweat and humidity are particularly concerning as they can compromise the effectiveness of the glue.

To combat this, invest in water-resistant adhesives that maintain their hold even in ever-changing conditions. This is especially important if you lead an active lifestyle or live in a humid climate.

Regularly cleansing your wig with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner is also essential, but be sure to handle the delicate lace gently during washing and always allow the unit to air dry naturally to preserve its texture.

While styling tools like flat irons and hot combs are invaluable for achieving your desired look, it's crucial to minimize heat exposure and always apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage to both the lace and hair fibers.

And when you're not wearing your unit, be sure to store it properly. You can either display it on a mannequin head to maintain its shape or keep it in a satin-lined bag to prevent tangling and protect the integrity of both the hair and lace.

Styling Tips for Different Occasions

Taking advantage of your wig's versatility and adapting it for different events is another way to enhance your look. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Casual Days: For a relaxed look that you can rock on the daily, opt for a Loose Wave Lace Front Wig or a low ponytail and use minimal product to maintain a lightweight feel.
• Formal Events: Sleek, straight styles or elegant updos are the perfect and easiest way to give yourself a polished appearance. Pay extra attention to blending the hairline for a flawless finish, though.
• Creative Styling: Don't hesitate to experiment with braids, half-up styles, or accessories like headbands and clips. This is your wig, and once you've clocked out how to create a natural hairline, you can style it however you like.

Blending In

The final step in achieving a natural look is proper blending.

After installation, apply concealer and foundation that matches your skin tone to the visible lace areas.

This helps create a seamless transition between the lace and your natural scalp, making the hairline virtually undetectable.

Seamless and Natural

With these tips, you, too, can achieve a stunning, natural-looking hairline with your lace closure or transparent lace frontal.

Patience and attention to detail are key here, so take your time to perfect each step, and you'll be left with a hairline that looks completely realistic.