How to Remove a Lace Front Wig

You may have come across many lace front installation guides, but the majority of them fail to teach you how to properly remove your unit. That’s a shame, considering the fact that removing your lace front wig improperly can ruin your unit or even rip out our edges.

Since everyone needs to take their lace front wig off from time to time, we think it’s imperative for every wig wearer to know how to do so correctly. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide on how to remove a lace front wig the right way.

Products and Tools

To get started, you’ll need to gather the following products and tools:

• Spray bottle with water and conditioner - A great way to loosen up got2b Glued spray or gel bonds. Good for people who’d rather not use alcohol.

• Rubbing alcohol - If you secured your wig with got2b Glued Spray or gel, alcohol can break it down easily.

• Glue/bond removal solution - This type of solution is best for anyone who has used wig glue or a strong adhesive to secure the wig to their skin.

• Q-Tips - Help to minimize mess while you’re applying products to your hairline.

• Alligator clips or scrunchies - Used to keep hair out of the way as you work to remove the adhesive around your hairline.

• Rattail comb - To help lift the lace from your skin (as needed).

• Wig stand - To store your wig after removal.

• Petroleum jelly – Can be used to loosen up glue residue along your edges.

• Mild soap and water - To clean your skin.

• Cotton balls - To dispense alcohol.

• Wig shampoo and conditioner - For wig cleaning.

• Toothbrush - For wig cleaning.

How to Remove a Lace Front Wig Step by Step

Now that you know the supplies and tools you’ll need, let’s get to the most important part of this guide, how to remove a lace front wig. Below you’ll find easy step-by-step instructions that’ll make the process effortless.

Step One: Sweep All Hair From Hairline

The first step is to prepare your wig for the removal process. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Comb the wig hair backward to reveal the lace around your hairline. In order to remove your wig safely and efficiently, you need to be able to see all of the lace.
2. Spray the hair with water to make it easier to manipulate.
3. Secure the hair using alligator clips or a scrunchie, so you won’t have to wrestle with loose hairs. If your wig is short, it’s best to use clips, but if your hair is long, a scrunchie will do.

Step Two: Break the the Glue and Adhesive

Now’s the time to lift up the lace around your hairline. There are tons of techniques out there, but here’s the easiest, cleanest way to break the lace’s bond with your skin.
 
Apply alcohol, water, and conditioner, or a bond removal solution to the lace around your hairline. For got2b Glued spray, use alcohol or a water/conditioner mix. For professional-grade lace adhesives, go with a bond removal solution.

The amount you use will depend on the product you’re using and how secure your lace is. But a good rule of thumb is to use enough to thoroughly saturate all of the areas where glue has been applied - this includes the lace at the nape of your neck.
 
It’s almost always best to apply these solutions with a Q-tip unless you don’t mind things getting messy. If you don’t mind the mess or you’re in a hurry, you can use a spray bottle. Also, keep a washcloth handy to wipe away any drips or spills. Rub the solution in with your fingers to help loosen things up a bit.
 
Once the application is complete, it’s time to wait. The amount of time you need to wait depends on which product you intend to use. For bond removal solutions, wait for the amount of time indicated on the packaging instructions, usually from 10 seconds to a few minutes. For alcohol or a water/conditioner mix, wait a minute or so.

Step Three: Peel the Lace Off

Peeling the lace off of your wig is the most critical part of the wig removal process. To do it, first, make sure that the adhesive bond has been loosened. The way to check is to gently pull up the front portion of your wig to see if the lace is starting to lift up. If it is, you’re ready to start peeling. If not, go back to the previous step and apply more product.
 
If the lace is starting to lift up, grab the straight end of your rattail comb and stick it under the lace where it’s started to lift. Then gently slide the comb back and forth to peel the lace away from your skin. As you do this, there shouldn’t be any strong pulling sensations. If there are, you should stop and go back to step 2.
 
Note: Don’t at any time forcefully pull the lace away from your skin. This could cause the lace to tear, pull out your hair, or even injure your skin. This process should be totally painless. Also, don't forget to gently peel away the lace from the back of your neck.

Step Four: Take off the Lace Front Wig from Your Head

Once all of the lace is peeled off, loosen your wig clips and undo your wig strap (if applicable) and remove the wig from your head. Take your time so you won’t accidentally rip out your hair. Place your wig on a wig stand.

Step Five: Remove Your Wig Cap

Next, take off your wig cap. It’s as easy as taking off a hat, unless you used an adhesive spray to secure the wig cap. If you did, spray it down with water, massage the water in, and then wait for about 15-30 seconds. Then, use your fingers to gently peel away the wig cap. Since wig caps are designed to be used once, we recommend throwing them out after removal is complete. 

Step Six: Clean the Glue on Your Skin and Hair

After removing your wig and wig cap, you may notice that there’s some glue left on your skin and maybe on your hair. Here’s how to remove it quickly and safely:

1. Use soap and water to loosen up the residue on your skin with your hands.
2. Wipe away the residue with a damp washcloth.
3. Use petroleum jelly or alcohol to remove the glue residue from your edges. Apply either of them directly to your hair with a Q-tip.
4. Gently wash your edges with your favorite shampoo. If your edges feel dry, you can add a little conditioner or deep conditioner to them.

Step Seven: Remove the Glue on Your Lace Front Wig

With your edges and skin free of glue, it’s time to turn your attention to your lace front wig. It’s normal for your lace front to have traces of glue stuck to it. So, you’ll have to remove the glue from the lace. The best way to do this is to:

1. Wipe the excess glue from the lace with a damp washcloth or pick it away with your fingers. Be very careful with this step, as you don’t want to tear the lace.
2. Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and dab the lace until it becomes damp—only dab where the glue is. You can also use your wig adhesive removal solution.
3. Wait for a minute or two, and then begin peeling away the remaining glue. Use your toothbrush and fingers.

To learn more about how to remove glue from lace, read our detailed guide.

Step Eight: Wash the Wig

Next, wash your wig to ensure it’s ready for you the next time you want to wear it.Here’s how:

1. Detangle your wig with a wig brush.
2. Create a wig bath. Fill a small sink with lukewarm water, add some wig shampoo (about a tablespoon), and mix it together with your fingers.
3. Place the entire wig into the water. Swirl the wig around so that the soapy water can saturate the entire wig.
4. Allow the wig to soak for about 5 minutes, and then rinse it clean with cold water.
5. Drain the water from the sink and rinse it clean.
6. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub away any debris on the wig cap or lace. Rinse again.
7. Fill the sink again with lukewarm water, add some conditioner, and mix it briefly with your fingers.
8. Place the wig in the mixture and swirl it around.
9. Allow it to soak in the conditioner for a couple of minutes.
10. Apply a sealing oil (jojoba oil, argan oil, etc.) to the wig to seal in the moisture.
11. Pat your wig with a towel and then allow it to air dry.

For a more detailed explanation of how to wash a wig, read our guide: How to Wash a Wig - The Only Guide You'll Ever Need.

Step Nine: Store Your Lace Front Wig

Storing your wig is super easy. You have three main options to choose from:

Store it on a wig head: Place your wig on a mannequin head in a space with open airflow. Your wig does not have to be dry for this storage method.

Put it in a storage box: First, make sure that your wig is 100% dry and free of tangles. Then lay it in a storage box, shoebox, or any other box you’ve got.

Put it in a bag: If your wig is prone to dryness, a silk or satin bag is the best storage option. The bag will help to preserve the wig’s moisture and protect it from outside elements. Your wig should be detangled and completely dry before storing it in a bag.

Remove Your Lace Front Wig without Damage

There you have it! We hope that this guide helps you safely remove your lace front wig without damaging your natural hair or your unit. Looking for a new unit to level up your look? Try our virgin human hair lace front wigs, our lace front wigs come with easy to melt lace that offer you a flawless natural looking hairline.