Caring for HD lace closures, frontals and wigs
HD lace melts into the skin because it is so fine, which also makes it delicate. How to cut it, lay it, take it off, wash it and store it.
Suvita Hair team, DelhiPublished 4 min read
Quick answer: Treat HD lace like fabric that tears, not like hair. Cut it with sharp scissors, lay it with thin layers of adhesive or wear it glueless, remove it only after an adhesive remover has softened the bond, wash the lace by pressing rather than rubbing, dry it on a stand away from heat, and store it flat. The hair lasts 3–5 years with proper care; the lace lasts as long as it is handled gently.
HD lace is a thinner, finer grade of Swiss lace than transparent lace. That is why it disappears against the skin without tinting on most skin tones, and why it needs more careful handling. Everything below applies to HD lace closures, HD lace frontals and HD lace frontal wigs alike.
Cutting the lace
A new frontal or wig comes with extra lace around the hairline so it can be fitted to you. Put the piece on, pin it in place, and trim the lace with small, sharp scissors a few millimetres in front of the hairline. Cut in short strokes, or in a slight zigzag, rather than one long straight line: a straight edge is easier to see. Never cut the lace while it is pulled tight, and never cut into the knots.
Bleached knots make the hairline look more like a scalp. We bleach knots on request when you order; if you bleach them yourself, keep the bleach on the underside of the lace and off the hair.
Laying it
- Glueless: closure wigs and many frontal wigs sit on adjustable straps and combs, which is the gentlest option for the lace.
- With adhesive: apply thin layers to clean, dry skin, let each layer turn clear and tacky, then press the lace down with a comb's end or a soft cloth. Thick layers soak into the lace and are harder to remove.
- Melting: tie the lace down with an elastic band or wig band while the adhesive sets. Keep hot tools off the lace itself.
HD lace rarely needs tinting. If it does, use a lace tint spray or powder on the underside, never on the hair side.
Taking it off
Most HD lace damage happens at removal. Soak the edge of the lace with an adhesive remover, wait until the bond softens, and lift from the sides towards the centre with your fingertips. If it resists, add more remover and wait again. Pulling the lace off dry stretches the mesh and opens small holes along the hairline.
Washing a lace piece
- Remove any adhesive residue first: dab the lace with remover on a cotton pad, then rinse.
- Wet the hair downwards and wash it as you would bundles, with a sulphate-free shampoo smoothed from the base to the ends.
- For the lace, lay it flat on your palm, dab a little diluted shampoo on with your fingertips and rinse. Do not rub, scrub or brush the lace.
- Condition the hair, keeping conditioner off the knots: it loosens them over time and causes shedding at the hairline.
- Press the water out with a towel.
Drying and storage
Dry a frontal or wig on a wig stand or a canvas head, pinned at the sides, not at the hairline. Keep it away from heaters and direct sun, and do not point a hot dryer at the lace. Once dry, store the piece on its stand or in a hairnet with the lace lying flat. Folding HD lace leaves creases that show once it is laid.
Clean foundation, powder and concealer off the lace after each wear. Make-up left in the mesh hardens and makes the lace stiff and visible.
Small tears and what to check on delivery
Stop wearing a piece with a small tear and take it to a wig maker; a tear grows each time the lace is laid. Check every piece when it arrives: our terms replace manufacturing defects reported within 7 days of delivery with photos.
Not sure which lace to choose? Our comparison of HD lace and transparent lace sets them side by side.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does an HD lace frontal last?
- The hair lasts 3–5 years with proper care. The lace is the part that wears: how long it lasts depends on how often it is laid and removed and how gently. Removing it with an adhesive remover, never by pulling, makes the biggest difference.
- Can I wash an HD lace wig with regular shampoo?
- Use a sulphate-free shampoo on the hair and only a little diluted shampoo on the lace, pressed on and rinsed off. Do not rub or brush the lace.
- Why is my HD lace shedding at the hairline?
- Usually conditioner on the knots, or pulling the lace off with adhesive still bonded. Keep conditioner on the lengths, and let remover soften the bond before lifting the lace.
- Does HD lace need tinting?
- Rarely. It is fine enough to disappear on most skin tones. If it does show, tint the underside with a lace spray or powder.
Written by the Suvita Hair team in Delhi. Suvita Hair Global Pvt Ltd makes and exports 100% Remy Indian human hair. Questions about this guide: WhatsApp or sales@suvitahair.com.
