Sherrell writes;
I have been natural for over six years. Being so far along in my journey sometimes I want to straighten my hair just for a different look. However, I’m not comfortable with the idea of heat on my hair (I’ve done quite enough damage with color). I also promised myself back in July to treat my hair and body better.
I’m interested in buying a lace front wig. As stated before, I’ve only been working with my hair, so I’m VERY inexperienced with fake hair. I Googled various sites and watched many reviews on Youtube. I’m a bit overwhelmed as to what type of hair, brand and products to use? Do you have any suggestions or any recommendations of someone that know of the lace front life.
CN Says;
Totally clueless here. BUT… Martina from America’s # 1 wedding reality show…Bridezillas, recently sent in a couple of videos on her lace front adventures. Specifically, she talks about using them to aid in her transition, as well as how to make them look natural. Check it out:
Part 1:
Part 2:
I gave them a try after spending a good amount at the hair club for men and women and so I saved some bucks.
Synthetic wigs
I like to change up sometimes with wigs but I am afraid of the jacked up lace front hairline. This was very helpful. I might give it a try.
Kinda late to this, but with lace front or full lace wigs, you get what you pay for. Please avoid the ones you see in the beauty supply store. The hairlines are overly thick and usually the quality of the hair is extremely poor. I'm an extension fanatic – and can regularly go back and forth between wearing my own hair or wearing extensions.
I love full lace wigs simply because I can switch up my style without the pre-requisite trip to the stylist. Plus, much like many other people on here, I have no intention of coloring my hair or using too much heat to manipulate it, so having the choice of a wig is a great alternative.
I actually buy mine overseas, and spend much less than people who buy from AV (American Vendors) and funny enough, mine usually look better. The hair is cuticle aligned, the hairlines are realistic as well – when you go with a special order vendor, you can specify density, hairline, lace color, etc. Also, although I do use the elastic method, I have never had an issue with tape (I don't use glue – it's too messy!). I think a lot of it is where you place the tape as well as if you're using a barrier and how you remove it has a lot to do with people's negative opinions of lace wigs. Patience is a virtue, if when it's time to take it off, you're barely dissolving the tape with an appropriate remover (either 90% alcohol or C-22 are my faves) and then ripping it off, of course you're going to lose hair.
I'd agree with the sentiments of those that have recommended using elastic bands to secure the wigs and not adhesives. I just had a run in with some stylists backstage at a fashion show when they tried to come at my 'fro w/ a rat tail comb and searing hot curling iron. Wasn't gonna happen. So, I've decided I'll do a human hair lace front w/ elastic band for this purpose. That way I won't have to install a sew-in weave just for that occasion, I can literally go from curly to straight in a matter of minutes.
this is a great idea… I think I will order one in a lighter color for a different curly look!
wow…this was right on time. I just bought a 2nd Drew and it was just delivered yesterday..yayyy! So I'm going to try this on the 1st Drew (practice) and if I like it I'll definitely be doing it on my new one. I love Drew…so thanks for making the experience more real curlfriend!
Well just to weigh in here for a second..I check out the link included in the video (if you look in the description box on YouTube) and there was another tutorial where they young lady cut the lace off of Drew and she rocked that wig!! So needless to say I placed my order and my wig is on its way!! Now I wear half wigs because I hadn't found a full natural looking wig..so I look forward to wearing this full wig just to change it up a bit. Please note I don't plan to use the combs at all!!! Thanks for posting this video Nikki!!! I needed another party hat!!! KinkyNappyHappy
I used laced front wigs before, unlike most people here it was because I was suffering traction alopecia and wanted to have hair that looked more fabulous on my head than a regular wig would offer, so I do not exactly have happy memories about my wig phase, lol! Now that my hair has done a positive turn around (my edges and the rest of my hair has grown back) I can say that I would wear my own hair in a protective style anyday or just flat iron my hair or do a bantu knot set on my hair than resort to lace wigs. I am not very skilled and do not want to be very skilled in tweaking and arranging someone else's hair on my head, and also paying alot of money for something so silly unless I needed too, (cancer patient, etc.) Also if anyone chooses to wear wigs I would tell you that it gets very easy to become lazy with your own hair, I would not wear a wig for a long time because your hair needs to be breathe, and like so many other's who have left a comment I do not recommend getting the lace wigs that need glue applied to them, you can basically say goodbye to your edges, so I hope this helps.
I used laced front wigs before, unlike most people here it was because I was suffering traction alopecia and wanted to have hair that looked more fabulous on my head than a regular wig would offer, so I do not exactly have happy memories about my wig phase, lol! Now that my hair has done a positive turn around (my edges and the rest of my hair has grown back) I can say that I would wear my own hair in a protective style anyday or just flat iron my hair or do a bantu knot set on my hair than resort to lace wigs. I am not very skilled and do not want to be very skilled in tweaking and arranging someone else's hair on my head, and also paying alot of money for something so silly unless I needed too, (cancer patient, etc.) Also if anyone chooses to wear wigs I would tell you that it gets very easy to become lazy with your own hair, I would not wear a wig for a long time because your hair needs to be breathe, and like so many other's who have left a comment I do not recommend getting the lace wigs that need glue applied to them, you can basically say goodbye to your edges, so I hope this helps.
I used laced front wigs before, unlike most people here it was because I was suffering traction alopecia and wanted to have hair that looked more fabulous on my head than a regular wig would offer, so I do not exactly have happy memories about my wig phase, lol! Now that my hair has done a positive turn around (my edges and the rest of my hair has grown back) I can say that I would wear my own hair in a protective style anyday or just flat iron my hair or do a bantu knot set on my hair than resort to lace wigs. I am not very skilled and do not want to be very skilled in tweaking and arranging someone else's hair on my head, and also paying alot of money for something so silly unless I needed too, (cancer patient, etc.) Also if anyone chooses to wear wigs I would tell you that it gets very easy to become lazy with your own hair, I would not wear a wig for a long time because your hair needs to be breathe, and like so many other's who have left a comment I do not recommend getting the lace wigs that need glue applied to them, you can basically say goodbye to your edges, so I hope this helps.
I used laced front wigs before, unlike most people here it was because I was suffering traction alopecia and wanted to have hair that looked more fabulous on my head than a regular wig would offer, so I do not exactly have happy memories about my wig phase, lol! Now that my hair has done a positive turn around (my edges and the rest of my hair has grown back) I can say that I would wear my own hair in a protective style anyday or just flat iron my hair or do a bantu knot set on my hair than resort to lace wigs. I am not very skilled and do not want to be very skilled in tweaking and arranging someone else's hair on my head, and also paying alot of money for something so silly unless I needed too, (cancer patient, etc.) Also if anyone chooses to wear wigs I would tell you that it gets very easy to become lazy with your own hair, I would not wear a wig for a long time because your hair needs to be breathe, and like so many other's who have left a comment I do not recommend getting the lace wigs that need glue applied to them, you can basically say goodbye to your edges, so I hope this helps.
If I were you, I'll take a regular wig, because, i purchased a lace front last year for the same reason and I was not comfortable with wigs and It was a huge mess because you really have to work that hairline! (And I am so lazy!)
Really, I told you, for the numerous videos on youtube on how to make your lacefront more natural et ceatera means that you have to work that unit ! ( and sometimes you had to dye the cap because it is lighter/darker than your skin tone…)
A regular wig is way better!
Does anyone else think Martina looks like Diana Ross?
PS, there are plenty of techniques to secure LFs w/o adhesives and protect your hairline and TONS of domestic and cheaper intl. wigmakers if you don't want to make it yourself.
Check out Nephritite's GORGE LF at bottom:
http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=294479&KW=wigs%2Broyal&PN=6&title=1st-natural-part-throwdown-thread
Newbie Advice:
http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=42969&PN=1&title=lf-newbies-members-compiled-thr
General Newbie Advice:
http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=139&title=lace-fronts-newbies
GIRL!!!!
Get thee to BHM the LaceFront Newbie section, they OWN lacefront-ism hands down! Their photos, step-by-step advice, innovation, in-depth analysis and expertise are constantly co-opted by wig-makers in China, India, Europe and the States. I sometimes wonder why Beyonce, Ciara, Brittany and JHud throw their money away on whoever attaches some of their *troublesome* wigs.
@ Anon 2:45, LOL! Girl you know what those moon heads look like, dang hairline is in a perfect semicircle! Like the dang arches at McDonald's. A hot mess. *smh* That's what had initially turned me off from lacefronts.
I think freetress,champagne, and aplus wigs are the best synthetic lace front wigs out there!!
I really like lace fronts since I too do not want to use heat or color on my natural hair, and for $40, I can have a hollywood hairstyle=)
@anonymous March 1, 2011 5:37 PM: it will pull on your hairline if you use the combs. Julissa
Question When you use wigs as a protective style does it pull on your hairline?
Very good vid. Thanks Nik for posting it. I have been natural for 1 year now and avoiding heat like the plague :). I like to wear lacefronts for a straight hair look and for adding color. I use the Model Model brand as well (cheap, cap has good stretch, good value for price). My favorite is "Merry" because it can be worn straight or curly. Go to your local beauty store and try some on because no 2 wigs are created equal :). Once you find one, order from www.hairsisters.com, www.blackhairspray, or www.hairwigharlem for the cheap synthetic ones. I think I am ready for a nicer, human hair wig, and will check out some of the sites mentioned. Thanks all for the information.
I seriously HATED lace front wigs before!!!!….but after watching these videos I've had a change of heart. Her wig looks so natural! I really want to give this a try!
You said just what I was thinking Anonymous @317p in regards to getting the wigs where you do not have to use glue or tape. I have too many client's that have come to me because they were wearing those lace fronts requiring the use of glue or tape and their edges are next to nothing after having worn them for so long. Just please be careful with ya edges!!
Just to add my 2 cents since I wear lace front wigs a lot. If you purchase synthetic go with the Sensationnel or Model Model brands; only buy Freetress if you are going to do a short haired wig. If you purchase a longer haired Freetress wig the friction against your clothing will cause it fray and you get those hard ends; I haven't experienced that with the other 2 brands I mentioned.
Only purchase wigs that have combs and straps in them so you won't have to use glue or tape. You should also purchase a microfiber or spandex like wig cap so you can better retain the moisture in your natural hair underneath. Finally, and this really goes without saying make sure you continue to take care of your hair underneath (moisturize, co-washes, deep conditioning, etc.) so your natural hair will remain healthy.
HAAAAAA!!! Anonymous 2:45PM, what the hecht is a "moon head"? I am friggin' dying over here! LOL
This was right on time and it was an excellent tutorial! I've been thinking of getting a wig to help with my protective styling but I didn't want to have a moon head. The search is on again!!
I made a vow of no heat also so a wig might be a great option for me also in the future. 🙂
http://iluvmyselftherefore.wordpress.com/
I dont even wear wigs but hers was too fab!! I love the end results…. kinda wanna try it now!
You have to be very careful purchasing lace wigs. You definitely get what you pay for. Things to look for in your wig are 1: bleached knots around the perimeter ( make it more natural), 2: a believable hairline and hair that actually looks like it would grow out of your head, 3: a stretch cap ( has a better fit without being customized for you), and 4: the types of lace ( some lace wigs lace can rip or are just plain cheap). I tried wigs for a while and really did my research. Try WWW.sassysecret.com, the best I found for reasonable prices. Also see WWW.manyfacesofbeauties.com this lady really knows her stuff and even suggests places to buy. I believe she is muffinismylovers on YouTube. Good luck!
never was a fan of lace fronts. i think there are protective styles that don't force you to look like you have drawn on a hair line. But these videos maybe might possibly kinda changed my mind because there needs to be more information on how to soften that harsh hairline!
missdeeplyrooted.blogspot.com
Uhh, I'll pass.
I have a channel called Hair Politik on Youtube and a website, hairpolitik.com with some lace front wig tutorials. In terms of synthetic lace fronts, I like Freetree Equal (Mariah's a great one). For a cheap human hair lace front wig, you should try the Adora. When you are ready to spend a little more cash, I'd try mylittlesecretsonline.com. You can use Hairpolitik5 there for a discount. Those are my top pics but I'm curious to see what everyone else's favs are.
go to www.hairwigharlem.com or www.blackhairspray.com, these two sites I've found have the best prices. I'd say go for something not too expensive, buy synthetic and see if you like it. PhillyzJamPoet‬‏ on youtube has very good videos and she normally revies inexpensive lace fronts and wigs. Hope you find something you like. I love wigs and weaves.
I want that wig. It's really cute. SongbirdDiva4Life also has some good videos on places to buy lace front wigs and how to cut, maintain, and secure them. Good luck to you. I've only worn weaves and not wigs and would like to. My preference is for human hair but since my wig is only temporary I might not spend that much initially.