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.
13x4 lace front, glueless: moderate, about 30–60 minutes for you.
15–30 minutes once practised. The first few times, allow about twice that: our rule of thumb, not a measurement.
That's a lot for a first wig. For a lace hairline from day one, a glueless, pre-cut, pre-plucked 5x5 closure or 7x5 is the usual place to start. See a 7x5 instead. Set on this one? A stylist can fit it the first time while you watch.
Read more: fitting a glueless wig · wigs ranked by ease.
Or skip these: wigs sold pre-cut, pre-plucked and with bleached knots arrive ready. Doing it yourself, safely.
| For | Cheapest we list | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wig caps | 4 Pieces Wig Caps Invisible HD Wig Cap Super Soft and Breathable | $8.90 |
| Wig stand | 1pc/3pcs Portable Wig Stand Durable Collapsible Wig Holder for All Wig | $14.90 |
| Grip band | Upgraded Natural Max 1pc Wig Cap 2.0 – Non-Slip Wig Gripper with Grip Band & Transparent Lace for Lace Front Wigs | $15.90 |
| Elastic (melt) band | Adjustable Elastic Wig Band Removable Elastic Band For Wig Wearing 1Pc | $15.90 |
Plus: a wide-tooth comb, a rat-tail comb and a few clips; a mirror, and a hand mirror or your phone for the back; foundation or powder close to your skin, to blend the lace; small, sharp scissors for the lace. Build the whole kit within a budget.
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.
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.
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.
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.
