How to Cut the Lace on a Wig for Beginners, Step By Step

Lace wigs not only can give you a comfortable and natural feeling when you wear them, but also allow the wearer to personalize the look of the lace wig. For example, trimming the hair itself into a particular style or trimming the wig's lace to make it fit the user perfectly. Has your new silk top lace front wig already arrived? Before you wear a lace front wig, you should know that you have a step you have to do, which is to cut the lace. If you don't know how to cut the lace wig, don't worry, this blog is to teach you how to cut the lace on a lace front wig.

Why Should You Cut The Lace? What Is The Matter?

First of all, let us explore the reason why we should cut the extra lace on a wig.

1. Because cutting the lace can give you a real natural hairline, which will help enhance your looks.

2. In order to wear a lace front wig or any other kind of wig, you will first need to wrap up your hair completely close to the scalp; otherwise, the wig will be noticeable.

Here we share methods of how to trim your lace front wig sew-in.

How To Cut The Lace On A Wig

First, you need to gather your tools for cutting the lace on your virgin hair lace front wig.

Supplies you'll need to prepare in advance:

• A pair of scissors;
• A pair of tweezers;
• A wig head (optional);
• Some clips;
• A rat-tail comb;

So, how do you trim a lace front wig?

Step 1: Prepare Your Natural Hair And Put On a Wig Cap

Braid the hair into cornrows or wrap hair around the head with a brush or comb, which can allow the wig to sit on your head evenly. Then cover the hair with a wig cap to avoid aggravation from the wig base, which can cause further breakage to your hair.

After all, the wig base can rub against thinner hair strands around your head, which can cause hair breakage.

Step 2: Place And Adjust The Wig To Fit Your Head

Place the 100% virgin human hair wig on your head, and adjust the straps at the back of the front lace wig until it completely fits your head.

Stand in front of a mirror with the front lace wig on your head. Adjust the wig again until the wig's hairline is just slightly in front of your natural hairline. The lace part should extend past your natural hairline by a couple of inches.

Next, brush the hair with a wig brush to detangle it.

Step 3: Secure The Lace On The Forehead

Secure the lace so that it rests flat on the forehead and make sure the lace base is even with your natural hairline.

Place a ruler against the lace in a vertical position and place a small dot with a pin at the 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch of the lace front from the left side of the lace where the front lace wig hair and lace meet.

The extra length is left to prevent loss of the hairline if the lace begins to fray and needs to be cut off.

Step 4: Cut Off the Ear Tabs

Use the pointy end of a comb or other tool to part the hair just above your ear and pin up the hair with some clips, leaving a small tab of the wig over the ear.

The next step is to take a pair of scissors to cut around the shape of your ear and remove a tab of lace you cut off, which helps the wig to lay flat when cutting and installing.

Step 5: Connect the dots With A Cutting Line

Repeat this step above until you reach the end of the lace and connect the dots with a line across the front lace wig.

Step 6: Cut The Extra Lace

Make small cuts towards the hairline where you made the dots on the lace, which can create small sections that are easier to cut and prevent snags or overly jagged edges.

Pull the lace taut and slowly cut each section along the hairline to avoid accidentally cutting it into the hairline.

During the cutting process, try to avoid cutting perfectly straight lines, as they can look less natural.

Tips About How To Cut Your Lace

Here are the tips you may follow when you cut the excess lace off the lace frontal wig.

Prep & mark

Position the wig where you’ll wear it. Mark the midline with a thin clip and the ear-to-ear hairline with clips or a light eyeliner. Clip hair back so it won’t be cut.

Secure & trim ear tabs

Anchor the wig (crown + nape or on a stand). Trim around the ear tabs first so the wig sits flush; keep extra lace at the ears to allow for glue/tape or sewing.

Point-cut the front (ear → center)

Hold the lace gently (don’t over-stretch). Using small point-cut snips about 3–8 mm apart, work from each ear toward the center in short, irregular cuts to create a natural, jagged edge. Stop frequently to check symmetry.

Refine, baby-hairs & emergency fixes

Make tiny adjustments only if needed. Optionally create sparse baby-hairs by point-cutting small sections. If you overcut, conceal with powder/concealer, use thin skin-tone wig tape, or see a stylist for a lace patch.

What You Should Keep In Mind:

1. The Lace Front needs to be cut, but not too close to the hairline because the hair will start to come off: The Lace Front needs to be cut 1 - 2 inches from the hairline.

2. After the Lace Front has been cut off incorrectly, the hair will dry and turn brittle. The hair will start to stand out because it will no longer look like your own natural hair. It is recommended that you treat your wigs just like you treat your hair, so keep them in excellent condition; you need to condition the hair regularly.

3. When the hairline is cut incorrectly, it does not look like a natural hairline. Try to avoid the bad look on your wig. If you do not know how to cut the Lace Front or how to put it on, go to a Professional hairstylist who knows.

4. Many first-time users apply the wrong glue to their Lace Front. Please be advised that the right glue needs to be applied, and make sure that it is completely dry. The procedure can take up to 15 minutes to complete.

If you’d rather skip the cutting altogether, a pre-cut lace wig is the perfect time-saver — already trimmed, pre-plucked, and shaped to fit naturally right out of the box. It’s a great option for beginners or anyone who wants a flawless install without the extra steps.

Conclusion

But if you’re trimming the lace yourself, take it slow and enjoy the process — it’s a small detail that makes a big difference. With each try, your hands get steadier and your results more seamless. Whether you go the DIY route or choose a pre-cut lace wig, the goal is the same: a natural, confident look that feels effortlessly you.