I often get emails from customers inquiring about the best adhesive to use for a longer hold at the nape. And, while I still don't think there is one adhesive that works well for everyone, I have two tips that will help achieve a more secure bond and longer-lasting hold.
The nape of a lace front wig should be bonded in the "bend" of your neck, not below. To bond a lace wig at the bend of your neck, first it must fit properly. There are two measurements that are taken into account while fitting for a lace front wig - the "nape" and the "front to nape" measurements. The measurement that is the most critical to a good bond is the front to nape measurement. This is the measurement that begins at the forehead and ends at the nape, which is at the bend of the neck. When taking this measurement, some measure beyond the nape to account for all of the hair that grows down their neck. In my "neck" of the woods, we call this the "kitchen." I don't care how strong the adhesive is, if the wig is bonded below the nape, or the bend in the neck, it will not hold. The adhesive will release -- and believe me you want it to -- from the natural bending and pivoting of your neck.
Apply adhesive and bond the lace front wig to clean dry skin in the bend of your neck. Unless someone has experienced something I have not - and please do share if you have - lace wigs do not bond well to hair. Some people shave that extra hair below their nape in order to achieve a better bond. Now let me be clear. This does not mean that you have to shave the back of your head. I am not suggesting that you shave anything above the bend in your neck. That hair, in fact should be braided up and growing during the time you're rocking the lace.
Back in the day, hair stylists shaved the hair below the nape anyway. If you don't want to shave your "kitchen", then I suggest parting your hair at the nape and putting the adhesive in the part. Tape will not stick to hair very well at all. So in the latter case of parting your hair I recommend using Invisibond Liquid Adhesive, or an adhesive that works well for you.
Handle gently. Do not pull at the back of the lace front wig when styling your hair in a ponytail, or updo. Remember the hair is just glued, or taped down - it isn't nailed down. Your hold will last longer if you gently swoop the hair up with your fingers before lightly smoothing with a brush. This will keep your corners from lifting.
As for not being able to see what you're doing back there, applying adhesive at the nape and landing your lace front wig in the right place will come with practice. If you're a newbie, don't get discouraged and impatient. You will soon have it down and be able to apply your lace front wig, from front to nape, within 10 - 15 minutes.
I welcome your questions, comments and any experiences you would like to share. Future blogs will explain how to keep the glue out of your baby hair and handling tangling issues while washing. Until then, as always,
Stay Glamourous
