For wigs and hairpieces to stay firmly in place, they require a strong adhesive substance that can withstand numerous challenges throughout the day.
However, while the lace glue used is extremely effective in most cases, removing it safely and effectively can be a bit of a delicate process.
If you are a wig user and need some advice in this area, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how wig/lace glue works, and some of the problems that can occur
Wig glue is usually a light roll-on adhesive that is applied to the hairline. When the hairpiece is placed on top, the glue can be strong enough to keep it in place for weeks at a time, depending on the specific brand. Many women (and men) wear wigs for different reasons. Sometimes this is due to a condition that has caused hair loss, other times it’s simply because the person wants to achieve a certain look. Whatever the reason, wig glue is a brilliant tool for keeping the hair in a solid state on the head.
Unfortunately, there are a few problems that can arise with the frequent use of wig glue. Firstly, keeping glue on the scalp for too long can cause varying forms of skin irritation. The lack of oxygen and nutrients being allowed to access the skin has an overall detrimental effect. Also, pores can become easily blocked, leading to painful breakouts in sensitive areas. The scalp can become very itchy at times, and in more severe instances, people can develop allergic reactions to the glue itself.
Before deciding to use wig glue, you must ensure you have no intolerances to any of its ingredients and have a plan on how to keep your scalp in a healthy condition.
How to remove wig glue
With all that being said, learning how to safely and correctly remove wig glue from the skin is very important. This process should never be rushed or carried out without sufficient care, as this can cause unwanted damage to the skin and scalp area.
There are multiple ways to remove wig glue, so pick which method you feel is more applicable from the following options.
Rubbing alcohol
Perhaps the simplest way of removing wig glue is by using rubbing alcohol. Also known as isopropyl alcohol, it will help to dissolve and wash away the strong glue allowing you to remove the wig with minimal stress safely. Either pour it onto cotton balls or use a spray bottle to constantly wet the hairline as you gradually lift the hairpiece.
Warm water mix
Sounds simple, but while this may be the most natural and non-intrusive method of removing wig glue, it can take the longest. Mix warm water with either salt or olive oil and stir thoroughly. Pour it into a spray bottle and start squeezing water onto the hairline where the glue lies. Keep doing this as you carefully remove the wig. You may need to refill the bottle a few times in order to finish the process.
Lace/wig glue remover
The final option is to purchase a specialist product designed for the purpose of removing wig glue. There are many available on the market, but we’d recommend seeing if your wig manufacturer has listed any particular brands or products that may work well with your glue or hairpiece. This is probably the easiest solution as it is made for this exact reason, but you’ll have to do a bit of research to find the most appropriate product.
Conclusion
Removing wig glue isn’t rocket science, but it can be a fiddly and tricky process that requires a lot of care and attention.
Be cautious when using products such as rubbing alcohol, as too much exposure can cause irritation to the skin. Also, be sure to always maintain the health of your scalp before, during, and after using a wig and glue, as pores can become blocked and breakouts can occur.
Good luck!