How to Care for a Lace Front Wig Like a Pro

So, you've got yourself a lace front wig — congrats! Whether it's your daily go-to or your "feel cute today" look, one thing's for sure: if you want it to last and stay flawless, you've got to give it a little love.

Check out how to apply a lace front wig.

But how much love is too much? Should you wash it every week? What shampoo do you use? Do you deep-condition it? Everyone's got an opinion — and if you've ever scrolled through wig care threads on Reddit, you know people do things very differently.

Let's break it down, real-talk style. Here's what actual wig wearers say about keeping a human hair lace front wig looking gorgeous.

1. Don't Wash It Like It's Your Real Hair

Most beginners think, "It's human hair, so I'll wash it like my own."

Big mistake.

Your wig isn't attached to a scalp, so it doesn't get natural oils. When you wash too often, you strip away the little moisture it has. The result? Dry, brittle hair and knots that loosen.

Redditor m2kny says she's washed her favorite wig only 12 times in two years. That's once every two months! And guess what?

It still looks great — full of bounce and body.

She warns that too much washing weakens the hair and unravels the tiny knots that hold the strands to the lace. Once those loosen, hair sheds fast, and your wig's lifespan gets cut short.

Rule of thumb: Only wash it when it really needs it — like when it's greasy, smells off, or feels weighed down with product. For most people, that's every 3–4 weeks or even less if you rotate wigs.

2. Co-Wash Is Your Wig's Best Friend

"Co-washing" means skipping shampoo and washing with conditioner only.

Sounds weird? It works wonders.

Many wig lovers swear by it because shampoo can be harsh — even the fancy salon kinds. Conditioners clean gently while adding moisture back in. Use a clarifying conditioner first (to lift dirt and buildup), then a moisturizing conditioner to soften the strands.

If your wig feels extra thirsty, throw in some Silicone Mix — Reddit users call it the magic potion for bringing dead wigs back to life.

So yeah, skip the suds. Your wig will thank you.

3. Pick the Right Products

You don't need expensive "wig-only" shampoos.

Most people use what they already have — brands like Tresemmé, Organix, Aussie, or Garnier Whole Blends. The key is sulfate-free and moisturizing.

Got curly wigs? Deep condition them every few washes with a curl-friendly conditioner.

Got color-treated wigs? Use color-protect formulas to keep the tone fresh.

And if you hate washing often because of the smell — surprise! — there's wig deodorant.

Yep, that's a thing. You spritz it on to keep your unit smelling fresh between washes.

4. Be Gentle, Always

Here's where most people mess up: brushing wet wigs like it's a workout.

Don't do it.

Always detangle before washing.

Start from the ends and work your way up using a wide-tooth comb or a wig brush.

When it's wet, let it air-dry about 90% before touching it again.

Never twist or wring it out — gently blot with a towel.

If you're styling, hold the base of the hair so you're not pulling on those tiny knots. Lace fronts are delicate — treat them like glass.

5. Air Dry Is King

Every pro wig wearer says this: air-dry whenever you can.

Blow-drying and heat tools are fine sometimes, but they shorten your wig's life.

Put your wig on a stand or mannequin head so it keeps its shape. Let it air-dry overnight.

If you must use heat, always apply a greaseless heat protectant — not oil, not serum, not anything that fries when heated.

And remember, your lace isn't a helmet. Too much heat on the base can loosen the knots and melt the lace. Not cute.

6. Deep Condition = Wig Spa Day

Every few washes, treat your wig to a deep conditioner or a mask.

Some Redditors soak theirs for an hour.

One even leaves it in overnight.

Another microwaves it for two minutes to help the conditioner penetrate better (yep, that's a real thing — but be careful, microwaving synthetic lace can be risky).

If you want to play it safe, just use a plastic bag + warm towel method.

Wrap the wig in a shower cap and let it soak for 20–30 minutes.

Then rinse with cold water to seal the cuticle and boost shine.

7. Oil It (But Don't Fry It)

Unlike your scalp hair, wigs don't make oil — so you have to fake it.

Light oils like jojoba, argan, or coconut oil keep the hair soft and stop frizz.

But here's the trick: less is more. A drop or two in your palms is plenty.

Rub between your hands and smooth it over the ends.

Too much oil = greasy buildup = more washing.

You don't want that cycle.

8. Protect the Lace Front

The lace is what makes your wig look natural — but it's also the weakest part.

Handle it gently when removing glue or tape. Always use a lace adhesive remover, not alcohol or random oils.

If you tug too hard, you'll rip the lace or pull out the knots, leaving bald spots.

Also, avoid scratching your scalp through the lace — use a wig comb or your fingertip instead.

When not wearing your wig, store it on a stand, not stuffed in a bag. Keep the lace flat and the hair tangle-free.

9. Rotate and Rest

This tip came up a lot on Reddit: don't over-wear one wig.

One user said she has 6–10 wigs and rotates them, washing only when she's ready to wear one.

Why? Because resting your wigs gives the lace time to recover and keeps them lasting longer.

Think of it like sneakers — if you wear the same pair every day, they'll wear out fast.

Same with wigs. Rotate, refresh, repeat.

10. Handle Sweat and Smell Smartly

If you live somewhere hot or wear wigs daily, sweat happens.

That doesn't mean you have to wash constantly.

Try this routine:

1) After removing, gently blot the inside lace with a damp cloth.

2) Spray: Use wig deodorant or a mix of water + a drop of fabric softener.

3) Let it air out: Place on a stand overnight. Never seal it in a plastic bag when it's damp — it'll get funky fast.

If you work out with your wig, wear a wig grip or sweat-wicking band underneath to catch moisture. It's life-changing.

11. The Cold Water Trick

Several Reddit users mentioned rinsing with cold water — and it's not just for show.

Cold water helps close the hair cuticle, making it shinier and smoother.

Hot water, on the other hand, can make color fade faster and weaken knots.

So yes, your wig deserves a cold shower now and then.

12. Bring It Back to Life

Even the best wigs eventually look tired — dry, frizzy, or dull. Before you give up, try this rescue routine:

1) Soak the wig in conditioner overnight.

2) Rinse with cold water.

3) Spray a leave-in conditioner.

4) Detangle gently.

5) Let it air-dry on a stand.

6) Once dry, style it lightly with low heat and a drop of oil.

You'll be amazed at how much bounce and shine come back.

It's like CPR for wigs.

13. Avoid Product Overload

The more products you pile on — serums, sprays, gels — the faster it'll get heavy, dull, and sticky.

Try to keep things minimal. A heat protectant, a light oil, and maybe a leave-in spray are enough.

If you feel like your wig's not moving naturally anymore, it's time for a wash.

14. Know When to Let Go

Even with perfect care, lace fronts don't last forever.

On average:

1. Swiss lace wigs: 1–3 months (super thin and natural, but fragile)

2. French lace: 3–6 months

3. Skin or poly base: up to a year if handled gently

When the lace starts tearing, the hairline looks stiff, or you can't hide the shedding anymore — it's okay to retire it. Think of it as an excuse to upgrade your style.

15. The Quick Wig Care Checklist

Here's your cheat sheet to keep by your mirror:

✅ Brush before washing

✅ Wash every 2–6 weeks (or when dirty)

✅ Use sulfate-free conditioner or co-wash

✅ Deep condition monthly

✅ Rinse with cold water

✅ Air-dry on a stand

✅ Use minimal heat

✅ Apply light oil on ends

✅ Handle lace gently

✅ Store it properly

Do this, and your lace front will look amazing for months — even years.

16. Real Talk: Don't Stress It

Everyone's hair habits are different. Some people baby their wigs. Some just toss them on and go. And that's okay.

What matters most is finding a rhythm that works for you — how often you wear it, your climate, your products, and your patience level.

If your wig looks good, feels soft, and makes you feel confident, you're doing it right.

Final Thoughts

A lace front wig isn't just hair — it's an investment in your confidence.

Treat it with care, not fear. You don't need a thousand products or a 10-step routine. Just be gentle, keep it clean, and let it rest.

As one Redditor put it:

"I see girls washing their wigs every week and wonder why they need new ones all the time. "

Now you know better.

Give your wig a little TLC, and it'll give you flawless hair days in return — no stylist required.