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.
V-part or U-part: very easy, about 10–20 minutes for you.
5–10 minutes once practised. The first few times, allow about twice that: our rule of thumb, not a measurement.
A good first wig: no lace to fit at all.
The steps
- Section your leave-out with a rat-tail comb, matching the size of the wig's opening, and clip it out of the way.
- Braid or flatten the rest of your hair.
- Put the wig on, pulling your leave-out through the opening.
- Secure the combs and clips, and adjust the straps.
- Style your leave-out to match the wig: low heat with protectant for a straight wig, water and leave-in for a curly one.
- Comb your leave-out into the wig's hair at the parting to blend it.
Read more: blending a leave-out · wigs ranked by ease.
What you need
| 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 |
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. Build the whole kit within a budget.
V-part or U-part wigs
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.