Lace front wigs have been around for centuries. Early lace wigs were headpieces made by hand and worn by the upper classes in Europe and North America as early as the 1600s.
Wigs have been around since the Egyptians who secured them in place with beeswax. They have evolved plenty since then and are now barely detectable when styled and secured properly.
Lace front wigs are wigs with individual strands of hair, tied by hand, into the lace piece by a process called ventilation.
With the right amount of skill, these lace pieces closely mimic the scalp and hairline, providing a realistic look to the wig.
The resulting product is a natural looking wig that can be worn in any style. The amount of time and skill required to intricately create quality lace frontal and closure wigs are not to be overlooked.
If you’ve been wondering about the glueless wig, you’ve come to the right place. We will discuss the glueless wig and answer the most asked questions about this lace wig trend.
(This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Please see my full Disclosure Policy for details.) The newest trend in wigs is the glueless lace wig.
What Is A Glueless Wig?
Lace front wigs are typically secured onto the head with tape or glue, but the trend of “glueless wigs” has become popular recently.
These wigs are the exact same as any other lace wig, but do not require glue or adhesives to keep them in place.
Glueless wigs are usually made with an elastic band that sits inside the cap. This band extends around the back of the head, providing for a secure fit.
The elastic bands used in glueless wigs are thicker than those found on the insides of most regular wigs.
You will typically find that glueless wigs are made by custom wigmakers who sew these bands into the caps.
The bands are positioned in such a way that provides extra security to the wig placement, as well as allowing the lace closure to sit flatly against the front of the hairline.
There are also products like wig grips or wig bands that you can use to help your wig stay in place without the need for glue or tape.
Most wigs come with small combs inside the caps to secure them in place. Combs can sometimes be irritating and, if not placed correctly, may also cause localized hair loss.
If the combs pull the hair too much, traction alopecia may occur in the areas where the combs sit.
Glueless wigs with elastic bands do not need combs to keep them in place. They are good options for those who do not want to use the combs inside their wigs.
Glueless wigs are also great alternatives for women who have extensive hair loss. These wigs can fit closely to the head and the elastic band easily secures the wig in place.
No need for combs or glues and the bands can be adjusted for comfort.
What is a Lace Frontal VS. A Lace Closure Wig?
A lace frontal is a piece of lace that has hair knotted into it, giving it the appearance of a hairline. Lace frontals typically come in two sizes: 13″ x 4″ or 13″ x 6″.
The longest measurement (13″) is the width of the lace from temple to temple. The shortest measurements correspond to the amount of space for parting (4″ or 6″).
The lace in the frontal can be made from various types, but Swiss and French are most common. A lace frontal wig has the piece of lace attached to a cap with hair sewn onto it.
It protects the hairline from being exposed, and will usually require some type of glue or adhesive to keep it in place.
A lace frontal helps the wig look more natural because the hairline is most consistent with the texture of the hair sewn onto the wig.
It can also be blended to the complexion, making the hairline look natural and realistic (if done correctly).
A lace closure, on the other hand, is a smaller piece of lace than the frontal. It can come in 4″ x 4″, 5″ x5″, 6″x6″ and even 7″ x 7″ sizes.
These closure pieces are what glueless lace wigs are typically made with. They are the best option for being glueless since there is no lace that would extend to the sides or temple areas of the head.
The only portion of the wig with lace is on the top, where the front of the hairline and forehead are.
The elastic band is then sewn on the inside of the wig cap, at a place that allows the wig to lay flat against the head.
Because of this, glueless wigs are made with closure pieces and not frontals.
Can Glueless Wigs damage your hair?
When applied correctly, glueless wigs can protect the hairline from daily manipulation and/or tension from styling.
Without the stresses of daily combing, brushing or pulling, the hair can be free to grow. If used in conjunction with a proper hair care regimen, glueless wigs are a great protective style.
Should I Choose A Lace Frontal Or Glueless Closure Wig?
Choosing a lace frontal or a glueless closure wig is a matter of personal preference.
You should take into consideration your lifestyle and level of comfort with wearing wigs or closure pieces.
If you have an active lifestyle, and are short on time or skill with styling, a glueless closure wig can be a great choice for you.
Since the lace closure is smaller than a lace frontal, it does not require as much styling effort to make it look natural.
The added bonus of not needing glue or adhesive could also be a consideration.
If you want styling versatility, and feel comfortable securing a lace frontal, this may be a good alternative.
With a lace frontal, you can wear the hair in many different styles. This is the preferred piece if you want to wear your hair in half-up, half-down, ponytail or braided-front styles.
How Long Can You Wear A Glueless Wig?
To properly care for your hair underneath, it is recommended that you remove a glueless wig at least nightly.
This will allow your hair and scalp time to breathe and for you to care for your hair and scalp underneath, which is a necessary part of a healthy hair care routine.
A lace frontal wig, that is glued to the head, can keep the wig secure for several days at a time.
Can You Sleep With A Glueless Wig?
Yes, although it is recommended that wigs be removed regularly to allow the hair and scalp to be properly maintained.
If you are going to sleep in your wig, you should treat it like your own hair and cover with a satin/silk bonnet to prevent tangling and breakage.
The Takeaway
A glueless wig does not require glue or adhesives to keep them in place. They are made with smaller pieces of lace than a frontal and are kept in place by elastic bands sewn inside of the wig cap.
Lace frontal wigs usually require glues or adhesives (tapes) to keep the wig in place but provide for a realistic hairline when applied correctly.
Lace frontal wigs are not glueless but are great styling options to help the hairline look natural while helping the wig appear realistic.
