Bleached Knots: A Complete Guide to Get Natural-looking Wigs

When it comes to wearing a lace wig, we all want a seamless skin-melt. Where the lace flawlessly matches your natural skin tone. But how exactly does that happen? There are a few factors to consider to get that exact skin match like lace type, whether the hairline is pre-plucked, and most importantly whether the lace front knots are pre-bleached. Pre-bleached knots on a lace front wig have the power to transform your hair from looking like a wig to hair that is actually growing from your scalp.

What are Bleached Wig Knots?

Image: Wig by UNice

Knots on a lace wig refer to the knots that appear where each hair strand is tied onto the wig's lace cap. These knots help to keep the hair secure to the lace, preventing hair fallout and excessive shedding. There are two types of wig knots: single knots and double knots. These knots are the color of the human hair unit. For example, with jet-black hair, visible knots will show up as tiny black dots all over your forehead and along where the wig is parted. When the knots are bleached, they become undetectable, giving the wig a more natural look. Thus, bleaching the knots of your hair is an absolute must, and cannot be skipped.

Why Should Bleach Wig Knots?

Bleaching the knots of a lace wig is crucial for achieving a natural look, especially for those with darker skin tones. Here are the main causes why you should bleach wig knots:

1. Realistic Scalp Appearance

Image: Wig by UNice

Lace Wigs are made of a fine lace-like fabric at the front of the wig that gives the wig the look of a real scalp. The hair strands attached to the lace may look dark and visible against your skin. The lightening of the knots makes them less visible and gives a more realistic look to the scalp.

2. Reduced Visibility

Unbleached knots are visible through the lace, particularly when the wig is worn in a middle or side part. By bleaching the knots, the hairline is less exposed, allowing the hair to naturally blend in with the skin.

3. Natural Hairline

A properly bleached wig creates a more natural-looking hairline. When knots are dark and visible, it can make the wig look less like real hair and more like a wig. Bleaching the knots helps achieve a softer, more natural transition from the lace to the hair.

How are Pre-Bleached Knots Processed in Wig Making?

Image: Wig by UNice

In traditional wig-making, bleached knots are processed by carefully hand-tying individual strands of hair onto a lace base of the wig using a technique called ventilating. Once the hair is secured with knots, a specialized mixture of bleach or lightener is applied directly to the knots, typically using a delicate brushing technique. This mixture lightens the color of the knots, making them less noticeable against the lace.

After the bleaching process, the wig is thoroughly washed and conditioned to ensure the hair remains soft and natural-looking. The experience and skill of the wig maker are essential in achieving even and realistic bleached knots that enhance the wig's overall appearance.

How to Bleach Knots on a Wig?

Things You'll Need

To start the bleaching process, make sure you have the following items ready.

◆ Wig

◆ Bleach powder

◆ Developer (20 or 30 volumes)

◆ Mixing bowl

◆ Applicator brush

◆ Aluminum foil

◆ Plastic wrap

◆ Shampoo and conditioner

◆ Neutralizing shampoo

◆ Gloves

◆ Old clothes

Step 1

Turn either your lace front wig or lace closure wig inside out and pin it down to a foam head. If your closure has baby hairs, pin them down with clips to make sure they are out of the way.

Step 2

Scoop 1-2 scoops of lightning powder into your mixing bowl. Add less than an equal amount of the developer into the bowl and mix into a thick consistency.

Step 3

The consistency should be similar to thick cottage cheese or frosting. You don't want your mixture to be runny because it will seep through the lace and saturate the hairs on the lace.

Step 4

Apply the mixture onto the lace closure with your applicator brush using swift, even strokes. The mixture should be evenly applied in a thick layer across the entire piece of lace.

Step 5

Let it sit for no more than 30 minutes or until there is a noticeable change in color at the base of the lace. When you notice the hairs at the hairline of your lace start to lighten, just slightly honey blonde, it's time to go on to the next step.

Step 6

Rinse the lightener off of the lace closure with the lace facing downwards first to avoid getting bleach onto the hair. Continue rinsing until all of the bleach is off.

Step 7

Thoroughly wash and condition your lace closure or frontal, making certain you have rinsed out all of the lighteners.

Step 8

Let your lace closure air dry. If you're in a rush, you can blow dry, but it's best to let your hair air dry after a chemical process to avoid damage.

Is There Any Wig That I Can Put on and Go Without the Bleaching Mess?

UNice launched a new kind of wig with pre-bleached knots. The wig uses an advanced bleaching technique that results in wearers of all shades and skin tones melting the lace to the hairline like a second skin. This tailored approach ensures a perfect fit that conforms harmoniously to the head's contours, delivering maximum comfort. A beginner-friendly wig that allows you to wear it seamlessly and match the lace to the hairline with no previous experience installing wigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bleach Knots On A Synthetic Wig?

No, you cannot bleach knots on a synthetic wig. Bleaching knots is a technique often used for human hair wigs and hairpieces to make the knots at the base of the hair less noticeable, resulting in a more natural appearance.

However, synthetic wigs are made from synthetic fibers, usually plastic or acrylic materials, and they do not have knots like human hair wigs. Even worse, this can damage or even melt the synthetic fibers. Therefore, bleaching knots is not a suitable or effective method for synthetic wigs.

Will Bleaching Knots Weaken the Wig?

Bleaching knots can improve the appearance of a wig, however, it carries certain risks, such as weakening of knots and over-bleaching. To reduce these risks, bleaching techniques should be followed correctly, the appropriate products should be used, and the bleach should not be left on for an extended period of time. Additionally, it is essential to rinse the bleach thoroughly and neutralize it to avoid any remaining damage.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, getting that natural and comfy look with lace wigs is a mix of smart techniques and real attention to detail. Pre-bleached knots are like the magic touch in this process. They make the wig match your hairline so well that it's hard to tell it's not your own hair.