Getting a curly wig glued in at home is totally doable with the right prep, products, and a steady hand. The key is to prep your hair and scalp, apply adhesive in thin layers, melt the lace for a natural-looking hairline, and then style the curls without disturbing the bond.
What you’ll need
- Scalp protector or alcohol prep pads
- Water-based or acrylic wig glue (e.g., Got2b Glued, Ghost Bond, Hold Me Down)
- Blow dryer (cool setting)
- Rat-tail comb and fine-tooth comb
- Small scissors for cutting lace
- Bobby pins or clips
- Optional: lace-melting spray/headband, baby-gel, edge brush
Step-by-step: Glue-in a curly wig at home
- Prep your hair
- Flatten your natural hair: cornrows, flat braids, or a low bun work best.
- Pop on a nude or transparent wig cap so nothing bumps under the lace.
- Clean and protect your scalp
- Wipe the hairline and forehead with alcohol or a scalp protector to remove oils and makeup.
- Let it dry completely-glue doesn’t stick to damp or oily skin.
- Apply glue in thin layers
- Use a small brush or the applicator to put a thin strip of glue on your forehead where the lace will sit.
- Blow-dry on cool until it goes from white to clear and tacky.
- Repeat with 1–2 more thin layers for extra hold, drying each layer fully.
- Position and cut the lace
- Put the wig on, aligning the front with your hairline. Secure with bobby pins.
- Trim the excess lace close to the hairline, leaving a sliver (a few millimeters) to melt.
- Lay the lace down
- Gently press the lace onto the tacky glue using the flat side of a comb or your fingers.
- Work in small sections, rolling the lace down as you go to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.
- Press firmly for 30–60 seconds to help the bond.
- Melt the lace (optional but recommended)
- Spray a lace-melting spray over the hairline and press a lace-melting headband or scarf for 5–10 minutes.
- This steps blurs the lace edge for that “skin-like” finish.
- Style your curly wig
- Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to separate curls.
- Apply a light curl cream or mousse if you want extra definition.
- For baby hairs, use a small amount of edge gel and an edge brush.
How long it lasts and how to remove
With proper application, a glued curly wig can last 5–14 days depending on glue type, climate, and activity. To remove:
- Soak a cotton pad with adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol.
- Hold it against the hairline for a few minutes to loosen the bond.
- Gently lift the lace from the edges inward-never rip.
- Clean residual glue from both scalp and wig before reinstalling.
Done right, a glued-in curly wig should look seamless, stay secure through workouts and humidity, and give you that freshly styled feel every morning.