How to Cut and Pluck a Lace Front Wig: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

How to Cut and Pluck a Lace Front Wig: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide


Lace-front wigs have become a popular choice for many due to their natural look and versatility. However, to make your wig look as natural as possible, knowing how to properly cut and pluck it is essential. If you’re new to the world of lace front wigs, this step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know about cutting and plucking for the perfect finish.

Why Cutting and Plucking a Lace Front Wig Matters

When you first purchase a lace front wig, the lace around the hairline often needs trimming. Properly cutting this lace, which secures the wig to your scalp, can make it visible and undermine its natural look. On the other hand, plucking thins out the hairline for a more natural appearance. Wigs come with a standard, often uniform hairline, and plucking helps create a more realistic, less “wiggy” appearance.

Taking the time to properly cut and pluck your wig ensures it blends seamlessly with your natural hairline and enhances your overall look. Let’s dive into the steps of cutting and plucking your lace front wig.

Step 1: Plucking the Wig for a Natural Hairline

The first step involves plucking the hairline. Plucking creates a more realistic hairline by thinning it out and adding variation to the hair's thickness and density.

What You Need:

Why Plucking Matters:
Wigs come with uniform hairlines that can look too dense and unnatural. Your natural hairline, however, is often thinner and less structured. Plucking helps mimic this by reducing the density and making it look more like natural hair growing from your scalp.

How to Pluck the Wig:

  • Wet and Section the Hair: To dampen the hairline, lightly spray it with water. This makes plucking easier and helps you see the hair more clearly. Use a rat-tail comb to divide the hair into three sections: two from the temples to the back, and one in the middle. To keep them out of your way, clip the sections. 
Discussion: Wetting the hair is especially helpful for beginners. It helps the hair stay in place, making it easier to grab individual strands when plucking.

 

  • Separate a Small Row: Starting with one section, use the comb to separate a thin row of hair (about 3-6 hairs thick or 2”) along the hairline. Unclip the hair and clip everything back, except for this small row. This is where you’ll start plucking.
Tip: The thinner the row, the more precise your plucking will be. It’s better to work in small sections and gradually thin out the hairline.

 

  • Pluck Every Other Section: Using tweezers, pluck every other small section of hair. For instance, pluck 3-6 hairs, leave the next 3-6 hairs, and repeat. This variation creates a more natural, less uniform look. To avoid damaging the wig, always pull the hair in the direction it's growing. 
Pro Tip: Don’t pluck too many hairs from one spot. Spread out the plucking to achieve a balanced hairline. Also, note that some wigs arrive slightly pre-plucked, on which you will want to begin plucking from the back side of your pre-parted section to avoid overplucking and a balding appearance.

 

  • Continue sectioning and plucking: After you finish the first row, create another small section of hair just behind it. Clip back the rest of the hair and repeat the plucking process. Work your way through each section of the hairline, taking care not to overpluck.

Discussion: It’s important to step back every few minutes and assess your progress. The goal is to create a natural hairline, not to thin it out too much. If you’re unsure, it’s better to pluck less initially and go back later to make adjustments.

  • Add Variation to the Hairline: Once you've plucked the main sections, go back to the front of the hairline and add small variations. Sporadically plucking hairs along the edge breaks up any straight lines or patterns, making the hairline appear even more natural.

Tip: A well-plucked wig should look like a naturally growing hairline, with some areas being slightly denser than others. The goal is subtle variation, so avoid over-plucking in one spot, which can create bald patches.

 

    Step 2: Cutting the Lace Off the Front Edge

    What You Need:

    Why Proper Cutting is Important
    Before we start with the cutting process, it’s important to understand the significance of cutting the lace. If you leave the lace too long or cut it poorly, it can create a visible, unnatural line of demarcation between the wig and your skin.

    How to Cut the Lace:

    • Prepare the Wig: Place the wig on a wig head for simple cutting. Using a wig head keeps the wig steady and allows you to cut more precisely. Without one, you can carefully cut the wig in your hands. Clipping the hair back will help keep it out of your way. 
    Tip: It’s always better to start by cutting off small sections of the lace rather than trimming too much right away. You can always make additional cuts, but once you remove it, it's irreversible.
    • Cut Along the Hairline: With lace trimming shears, cut along the hairline about .25-.5” from where the hair begins. Sharp lace scissors are essential for clean, neat cuts. As you cut, keep the lace slightly taut to ensure an even line. 
    Discussion: Some lace front wigs come with a silicone band along the hairline, which helps with adhesion. However, if left untrimmed, the band can be visible when wearing the wig, especially along the sides. Cutting it off ensures that the lace sits flat against your scalp.
    • Trim Closely to the Hairline: As you move along, continue cutting close to the hairline. The key here is to get as close to the hairline as possible without cutting into the hair itself. For wigs with a slightly curved hairline, follow the natural curve for a more customized look. 
    Tip: If you're unsure about how much lace to leave, keep about 0.25 inches of lace in front of the hairline for a secure fit. You can always make this change later in the application.
    • Cut from sideburn to sideburn: Start at one side, ideally near the sideburns, and snip the lace in a jagged line across the front of the wig. While a straight line is the easiest, you should add slight curves to mimic more or define a widow’s peak, if needed. 
    Pro Tip: Cutting in small sections rather than trying to cut the entire lace in one go will give you more control and precision. This reduces the chances of making mistakes.

      Step 3: Final Touches for a Natural Wig Look

      Now that you’ve cut and plucked your lace front wig, it’s time for the final touches.

      • Moisturize your scalp:
        Before applying your wig, make sure your natural hair and scalp are moisturized. This prevents dryness and irritation, especially if you’ll be wearing the wig for long periods.
      • Apply Your Wig:
        Use wig adhesive or wig tape to secure the lace to your skin. Press the lace firmly against your scalp to achieve a seamless blend. You can use a comb to gently press the lace into the adhesive.
      • Style as Desired:
        Once your wig is secure, feel free to style it as you like! You can straighten, curl, or even add waves. Just be mindful of heat settings if you’re using synthetic wigs, as they can melt under high temperatures.

      Final Thoughts

      Cutting and plucking a lace front wig can seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes easier and more intuitive. Following the steps outlined in this guide will ensure that your wig looks natural, feels comfortable, and fits seamlessly into your everyday style. Whether you're new to wigs or just looking to perfect your technique, these methods will help you achieve a flawless, natural hairline every time.

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