Glueless vs Glued Wig Installation

When it comes to full lace wigs, there are two main types of wig installation to pick from: glued and glueless wigs.

To begin with, full lace wigs are those with a full base made of lace, which means you can wear the wig any way you like, and that’s what makes them so popular. The lace makes the wig quite light on the head compared to other wig bases like lace front wigs.

Another advantage of full lace wigs is they can be parted anywhere, ergo they can be styled however you like and are easy to maintain.

Glueless Wig Installation

Glueless wig installation is associated with lace wigs that don’t require adhesive to install or secure on your head. These kinds of wigs usually have bands or clips to help you secure them atop your head without the need for any extra adhesives.

This is a big plus if you’re looking to avoid potential damage associated with the chemicals used in most adhesives. More to my point, glueless wig installation eliminates all the time and effort required to apply and remove the adhesives.

Pros of Glueless Wig Installation

1.Styling versatility. One great advantage of glueless wig installation is its sheer adaptability and versatility. Altering the style of the wig to achieve different looks is super easy because the wig is not glued down. Some high-quality wigs can also offer you some added flexibility in terms of style, like straightening or curling.

2.Convenience. Styling your hair in the morning becomes a much simpler task with these wigs. Sometimes, you don’t even have to style the wig. Achieving this with traditional wigs is almost impossible, factoring in the application and removal of adhesive. But glueless wigs are perfect for people with limited time or who desire a low-maintenance hair routine.These wigs also eliminate the need for regular visits to salons for retouches and redos, which also helps save on costs.

3.Natural look. Glueless wigs are the way to go if you are looking for a more natural, authentic look from your wig. Without the glue, the wig sits more naturally and comfortably on your head, looking like your natural hair. As a bonus, you can adjust the placement of the wig to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural hairline.

Cons of Glueless Wigs

1.Less secure. The most significant drawback to these wigs is they are not as secure as traditional wigs because there’s no glue to hold the wig in place. The wig may shift and move about, especially if you are active or it’s windy. This can be both unsettling and aggravating as you will have to keep adjusting the wig throughout the day.

2.Reduced degree of comfort.  Some glueless wigs can be less comfortable because the clips used to keep the wig in place may put a strain on your head.

3.Less durable. Glueless wigs are less long-lasting than traditional glued wigs. Glue helps keep the wig in place for longer periods of time, and lack thereof means the wig will start slipping or lose its shape rather quickly. 

Glued Wig Installation

The other option is using glue to secure your wig. These hair adhesives are made of majorly safe ingredients, although some are harmful to some people. Adhesives do a better job of attaching wigs to the scalp than the clips and tapes used in glueless installation.

Pros of Glued Wig Installation

1.Easy and quick removal. When it comes to removing wigs held on with glue, all you need is remover, alcohol, or water, and the job will be done. You avoid the hassle of cutting the lace at the risk of cutting some of the hair.

2.Stronger bond. Glue offers a more secure bond between your scalp and the hair, thanks to the ingredients used. Depending on how many layers of glue you apply, you can wear the wig all day with no fear of the wig loosening. The strong adherence offered by the glue makes the wig stick perfectly to the scalp for the optimal natural feel and look.

3.No issue with thin edges. Gluing your wig on doesn’t necessarily require thicker edges or any hair. Both the glue and the wig cap can be used to attach the frontal wig to any person while retaining that all-important natural look.

Cons of Glued Wig Installation

1.Risk of hair damage. Hair damage is a risk to those who still have their natural hair. Failure to properly protect your own hair while dealing with the adhesive leaves you at risk of damaging it. A strand or two may get caught in the glue, and you may have to cut some of your own hair off.

2.Strong bond. This doubles as both a pro and a con. It is a con in the event it gets stuck on your fingers, clothes, or hair. If you are not attentive enough, you will end up spending some of your valuable time trying to get glue off you.

3.It’s a lengthy process. The most common downside to glued wig installation is the time it takes to get properly done. Several layers of adhesive are needed to ensure the wig is properly secured and stays put. You’ll need time to allow each layer to dry up before adding the next, to reposition the frontal, and to allow the glue to settle and turn clear.

Can Glued Wig Installation Be Harmful?

Wig glue and adhesive can indeed have some effects on your scalp health. To begin with, it can block your hair follicles and slow down hair growth, which makes it more difficult to get strong, healthy hair.

Some of the adhesives used can cause allergic reactions to the scalp, especially in ladies with sensitive scalps. Some allergic reactions can include redness and itching. If you notice any of these reactions, you should cease using the adhesive altogether.

How to Remove a Glued-on Wig:

1.Use the recommended adhesive remover. Each adhesive formula is different, so different removers are recommended. Do not simply yank the frontal off, but always use the recommended adhesive remover.

2.Allow your frontal time. The application and removal of glued wigs take time, and you should be in no rush to get it done. The time frame may depend on the adhesive used, but the bottom line is to always allow the remover time to loosen the glue up.

3.Work in small parts. This step is absolutely crucial. Do not attempt to fully rip off the frontal at once as you would a glueless wig. Remember, some parts may be glued on tighter than others and may require more time to untangle. Go slow and steady through the cap until you get it all off.

4.Finish off with a good wash. After finally getting your glued wig off, be sure to finish up with a good wash to both the frontal and your actual hair. Be sure to soak the frontal in a gentle mixture of shampoo and warm water to help get rid of excess oil, dirt, and glue.

Wash your real hair with shampoo or conditioner to remove any glue or product residue.