Tips For Cutting Lace On Wigs

Maybe she's born with it; maybe it's a lace wig.

If you have ever gone a long time without realizing that someone was wearing a wig, then it's possible that the wig she was wearing was a lace wig. Lace wigs have a realistic hairline, which is created by tying baby hair around the lace edges. This process creates the appearance that the hair is growing from the wearer's scalp, and allows the creation of a natural part in the wig. Lace wigs have strips of bare, flesh-colored lace at the front and around the perimeter, which have to be cut away before wearing.

Scissors

Use sharp scissors. The delicate texture of the lace needs a clean, precise cut, which cannot be obtained with dull scissors. Stork scissors have the fine points that provide the accuracy and precision needed to cut lace. If your scissors catch on the lace, won't cut in a straight line or require excessive effort to make a single cut, they are not sharp enough.

Preserve Baby Hairs

Secure the baby hairs of your wig away from the perimeter while cutting away the lace. These hairs contribute to the realistic appearance lace wigs are known for. Bobby pins or alligator clips work well for this task. Gently brush the baby hairs back toward the crown of the wig and insert pins or clips to hold them until you have finished trimming your lace.

Cutting

Do not rush the process of cutting away excess lace. Take your time and trim the lace away, stopping when you reach where the hair is knotted. Remain vigilant in avoiding baby hairs.

Repeated Efforts

After your initial cutting session, examine how the altered wig appears and fits. Continue cutting in small increments until you are satisfied with the results. In general, you should leave a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch strip of lace to prevent fraying of the hairline. Some people prefer to remove all lace right to the hairline. It is a matter of preference, which you will have to decide on. Just remember that you can always cut off more lace, but you cannot reattach lace that has been chopped off in haste.

Tags: baby hairs, cutting away, Lace wigs have, wigs have