Wig Install Time & Difficulty
From a headband wig that's on in under a minute to a full lace that takes half an hour or more. Pick a wig and how you'll fit it, and see how long it takes you, how hard it is, the steps and what you need.
Every wig type, easiest first
| Wig | Difficulty | Once practised | First few times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headband wig | Easiest | Under a minute | 1–3 minutes |
| Half wig | Very easy | 5–10 minutes | 10–20 minutes |
| V-part or U-part | Very easy | 5–10 minutes | 10–20 minutes |
| 4x4 or 5x5 closure | Easy | 10–20 minutes | 20–40 minutes |
| 7x5 or 6x5 wear-and-go | Easy | 10–20 minutes | 20–40 minutes |
| 13x4 lace front | Moderate | 15–30 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| 13x6 lace front | Moderate | 15–30 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| 360 lace | Advanced | 30–50 minutes | 60–100 minutes |
| Full lace | Advanced | 30 minutes or more | 60 minutes or more |
Glueless times. Adhesive adds 15 to 30 minutes while it sets, and a step of difficulty.
Where the times come from
Fitting times and difficulty are from our ranking of beginner-friendly wigs and the cap constructions compared; the steps from fitting a glueless wig and the V-part guide; adhesive from adhesives and safe removal. They are typical times once you've practised. Everyone is slower at first, so allowing about twice as long for your first few installs is our rule of thumb, not a measurement.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to install a lace front wig?
A glueless 13x4 or 13x6 takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you have practised. Allow about twice that the first few times, and 15 to 30 minutes more with adhesive, while it sets under a band.
What is the easiest wig to put on?
A headband wig: on in under a minute, with no lace. V-part and half wigs take 5 to 10 minutes. For a lace hairline, a glueless, pre-cut, pre-plucked 5x5 closure or 7x5 is the easiest.
Is a glueless wig easier than a glued one?
Yes. There is no adhesive to patch test, apply, wait for or remove, and taking it off is quick. Glue holds the lace flatter, but removal is where most hairline damage comes from.