There is no denying that lace wigs are getting more and more popular due to their most natural appearance. However, some people complain about the wig: “The lace on the lace wig is too stiff so that it often irritates and rubs our skin, and even leaves tiny scratches around the hairline." In order to prevent the lace from scratching, we pull together some simple and convenient ways to soften the lace on a wig.
What I do with the stiff lace on a lace front wig is to apply some wig tape on your wig. As a double-sided, medical-grade sticky tape, wig tape can be safer to use on your skin. And, it comes in different strengths and shapes, from strips to small dots, in rolls or singles. You can simply apply some wig tapes to the perimeter hairline area of a lace front wig, thus securely holding the wig on your head and avoiding scratching.
Step One: Clean the area where you are going to place the tape to remove the excess oils and dirt, especially the skin near the hairline.
Step Two: Apply the tapes along your hairline carefully and make sure that the tapes are relatively evenly distributed. Don’t apply the tapes to your natural hairline, as it will rip out your hair when you remove the tapes.
Step Three: Remove the back of the tapes and press the wig down along the tapes securely after you have placed the wig in the correct area.
If you're curious about wig ear tapes—also known as ear tabs—we’ve put together detailed FAQs to answer all your questions: FAQs About Ear Tapes.
We know a water softening filter is a little expensive and not easy to get. If you aren’t able to install a water softening filter in your home, it is also useful to use baking soda to soften the lace on lace wigs. By soaking your lace front wig with baking soda about every three weeks, your hair will be bouncy and soft, and keep its shine, thus extending the life span of your lace front wigs more or less.
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Fill a clean container with just enough warm water to fully submerge your wig—don’t overfill, or it might overflow later. Add ½ to ¾ cup of baking soda and stir until it’s completely dissolved.
Step 2: Prep Your Wig
Gently detangle your wig using a wide-tooth comb, then place it into the solution, making sure it’s fully soaked.
Step 3: Let It Soak
Cover the container to keep it safe from pets or kids, and let the wig soak for at least 4 hours—or overnight if possible, for extra softening.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Take the wig out and rinse well under running water to remove any leftover baking soda.
Step 5: Wash and Dry
Clean the wig with a clarifying shampoo, rinse again, then gently towel dry. Finally, let it air dry in a cool, shaded area.
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Fill a clean container with warm water and add a small splash of vinegar. No need to overdo it—just enough to help loosen any buildup and gently soften the lace.
Step 2: Soak the Wig
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your wig, then place it in the vinegar water. Make sure the wig is fully submerged. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Cleanse Gently
After soaking, apply a moisturizing shampoo to the wig, massage lightly, and rinse thoroughly. Follow with conditioner, then rinse again.
Step 4: Dry Naturally
Pat the wig gently with a towel (a microfiber towel works best), then let it air dry in a cool, shaded place.
Here’s a quick intro to a few popular products that can help soften the lace on your wig, especially if it feels a bit stiff or scratchy:
Woolite: A gentle laundry solution that works well for softening lace without damaging delicate fibers. Just a small amount of cool water can help relax the lace and make it feel more wearable.
Fabric Softener: Use this with caution! A tiny bit diluted in water can help soften stiff lace, but don’t treat it like you’re washing clothes—too much can actually dry out or damage the wig hair.
Soft Sheen Carson Silicone Wig Spray: This is a wig-specific silicone-based product that adds slip and softness to both the lace and hair. It’s designed to condition and smooth, so your wig feels more comfortable and looks more natural.
Always do a spot test first—lace is delicate, and a little goes a long way!