To apply lace front tape from a roll, clean and dry the skin along your hairline, cut the tape into short strips, press each strip onto the skin just in front of your hairline with the backing still on, then peel the backing and lay the lace onto the exposed adhesive, pressing from the center outward. Short strips follow the curve of the hairline better than one long piece. Clean skin and firm pressure are what make tape hold.
What is lace front tape?
It is a thin double-sided adhesive tape made for securing lace wigs, hair systems and some hair extensions. One side sticks to the skin or to the base of the hairpiece, and the other is covered by a release liner until you are ready to bond. Tape on a roll is cut to whatever length and shape you need, which makes it more flexible, and often more economical, than pre-cut strips.
Which width should you choose?
| Width | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Narrow, around 0.8 to 1.0 cm | The front hairline, where the tape must stay hidden under a thin lace edge |
| Medium, around 1.27 cm | A general-purpose width for the hairline and temples |
| Wide, around 1.95 to 2.54 cm | The sides, nape and perimeter of a hair system, where more contact area is needed |
Narrow tape is easier to hide. Wide tape has more surface to hold. Many wearers use a narrow width at the front and a wider one elsewhere.
What do you need?
- Lace front tape
- Sharp scissors
- A skin cleanser or the prep product your tape's directions recommend
- A wig cap, and clips to hold the wig back
- A comb
- Adhesive remover, for later
Before you start
- Follow any directions supplied with the tape.
- Patch test. Stick a small piece on your inner arm or behind your ear for 24 hours. Do not use it if your skin reacts.
- Do not apply to broken, irritated or sunburned skin.
- Keep tape on skin, not on your own hair. Tape pulls hair out when removed.
How to apply it, step by step
- Prepare your hair. Braid or slick it flat and put on a wig cap, set just behind your hairline.
- Fit the wig dry. Put it on, find the right position, then clip it back so the hairline skin is exposed.
- Clean the skin in front of your hairline. Remove oil, sweat and makeup, and let it dry completely.
- Cut the tape. Cut several strips two to four centimeters long. For curves at the temples, cut shorter pieces or snip small notches along one edge.
- Stick the strips to the skin. Peel one liner, if your tape has two, and press each strip down just in front of your hairline. Butt the strips end to end without overlapping.
- Press firmly along each strip for several seconds, with a fingertip or the back of a comb.
- Peel the top liner from the center strips first.
- Lay the lace. Bring the wig forward, line up the center of the hairline, and press the lace onto the tape.
- Work outward. Peel the liner from the next strips and press the lace down, one side at a time, keeping it smooth.
- Press the whole hairline with the comb for about half a minute.
- Style the edges to cover the join.
A tape roll in several sizes
The Uexim blue double-sided lace front wig tape is a roll of double-sided tape for securing lace front wigs and hair extensions. It is available in lengths of 3, 12 or 36 yards and in widths of 0.8 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.27 cm, 1.95 cm and 2.54 cm. One roll is included per order, so choose the width for where you plan to use it.
How do you make tape hold longer?
- Start with oil-free skin. This matters more than anything else.
- Do not touch the adhesive with your fingers more than you must.
- Press firmly. Tape adhesives bond under pressure.
- Give it time before sweating or getting it wet. Many tapes build strength over the first hours. Check your product's guidance.
- Keep oils, moisturizer and conditioner away from the taped area.
- Replace the tape as often as its directions advise.
How do you remove it?
- Do not rip the wig off.
- Apply an adhesive remover made for wig tape along the hairline, following its directions.
- Wait for the bond to loosen.
- Lift the lace slowly from one side, adding remover where it resists.
- Roll leftover tape off the lace and your skin with your fingertips, using more remover as needed.
- Wash the skin, pat it dry and moisturize.
- Clean the lace before the next wear.
Common mistakes
- Taping over oily or damp skin.
- One long strip around a curved hairline. It wrinkles and lifts.
- Overlapping strips, which creates ridges under the lace.
- Placing tape on your own hair.
- Setting tape too far forward, so it shows beyond the lace.
- Pulling the wig off without remover.
Frequently asked questions
How long does lace front tape hold?
It varies with the tape, your skin and your activity. Follow the wear time given for your product, and replace the tape when it starts to lift.
Is tape easier than glue?
Many beginners find it tidier, because there is no drying time and no liquid to spread.
Can I reuse tape?
No. Use fresh tape for each install.
Will tape damage my hairline?
Keeping tape on skin only, removing it with remover, and resting between installs all reduce the risk. Stop if you notice irritation.
The bottom line
Clean skin, short strips, firm pressure, and lace laid from the center outward. Choose the width for the area, and always remove tape with a remover.
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