Glueless Wigs for Beginners: How to Choose, Wear and Care for Your First One

A glueless wig is the easiest way to wear a lace wig. It goes on in minutes, comes off at night, and needs no glue or tape. If you have never worn a wig before, this guide covers what to look for, how to put one on and how to look after it.

What does glueless mean?

A glueless wig stays on with a snug cap, usually an elastic band and adjustable straps, instead of adhesive. That makes it a good choice if you want to take your wig off every day, if glue irritates your skin, or if you want to protect your edges.

How to choose your first glueless wig

Lace: start with a closure

The lace is the sheer panel at the front where the parting sits. A 5x5 closure is a lace section about five inches wide and five inches deep. It gives you room for a middle or side part with far less lace to handle than a full frontal, which is why we suggest it for beginners. HD lace is a thinner, finer lace that blends into the skin more easily.

Length

Length is measured with the hair pulled straight, so wavy and curly textures sit a little shorter. On most people, 14 to 16 inches sits around the shoulders, 18 to 22 inches reaches the mid-back, and 24 inches or longer falls toward the waist. If you are unsure, a bob or a 16 to 18 inch wig is the easiest to manage.

Density

Density is how full the wig is. 150% density looks natural for everyday wear. 180% density is noticeably fuller.

Color

A natural black wig (color 1B) is the most flexible, because virgin hair in that shade can be colored later. If you want a ready-made shade, choose a wig that has already been professionally colored and do not color it again.

How to put on a glueless wig

1. Flatten your own hair. Braid it down or slick it into a low bun, then put on a wig cap.
2. Adjust the straps. Loosen or tighten them so the cap feels snug but not tight.
3. Line it up. Hold the front of the wig at your hairline and pull the back down over your head.
4. Secure it. Fasten the elastic band and check that the ear tabs sit evenly on both sides.
5. Set your part and style. Use a little water or styling foam to smooth the parting.

If the lace on your wig has not been trimmed, try the wig on and check the fit first. Then cut the extra lace a little at a time. Once a wig has been cut or altered it cannot be returned.

How to care for your wig

• Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and working up.
• Wash it every 7 to 10 wears, or sooner if product builds up. Use cool water and a sulfate-free shampoo.
• Condition from the middle of the hair to the ends, and keep conditioner away from the lace.
• Let it air dry on a wig stand.
• Use a heat protectant and a low to medium heat setting when you style.
• Take it off at night and store it on a stand or in a satin bag.

Where to start

Our Glueless HD Closure Wigs all have a 5x5 HD lace closure. The Glueless Body Wave 5x5 HD Lace Closure Wig is a good first wig. It is 100% virgin human hair at 150% density and comes in lengths from 14 to 28 inches. If you prefer short hair, see our bob wigs. If you want no lace at all, a headband wig simply slips on.

New here? Sign up on our homepage for 10% off your first order. If you would like help choosing, message us with the length and style you like and we will point you to one.