Recommandations are based off of our editors opinions, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. Read more

How To Remove Glue From Lace Wig?

Photo of author

Written by: Diana Ploscaru

Updated:

How To Remove Glue From Lace Wig?

Depending on the type of glue that has been used on your wig, one method may work better than the other, but generally, you can remove glue from your lace wig using one of the following solutions:

  • Acetone 
  • Isopropyl alcohol 
  • Vaseline
  • Oil and baking soda 
  • Salt, baking soda, and water solution  

To more easily remove glue from your lace wig, when the wig is put on, ensure that it is placed below the hairline and not onto the hair. 

Also, when removing the wig, start from the back and move your way forward. 

Because the glue on the lace wig is attached to your skin, removing it may take some time. Don’t rush through removing the glue from your lace wig, especially if a stronger adhesive has been used. 

Keep reading to discover some of the most effective solutions for removing glue from lace wigs. 

First Things First 

Do this first if you need to remove glue from your lace while still attached to your scalp. 

Use hair pins to keep your hair away from your face. This will help reveal your hairline and keep your hair out of the way. 

Remove Glue From Lace Wig With Acetone Or Isopropyl Alcohol

Acetone and isopropyl alcohol effectively soften and get the glue off your lace wig. 

To implement this method, you will need:

  • Cotton balls 
  • Acetone or isopropyl alcohol 

This is what you need to do:

  1. Dab a cotton ball in your chosen solution (acetone or rubbing alcohol)
  2. Apply the cotton ball with the solution to your lace wig (work one small section at a time)
  3. Gently press it and hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the solution to work its way into the glue and soften it
  4. Gently scrub the glue away 
  5. Please repeat this step until all glue is removed from your lace wig, and it is easy and pain-free to lift the wig 
  6. Use conditioner to wash your hair.

Be careful not to over-soak the cotton ball in the solution. If you do this, once you apply some pressure to it, the solution will start dripping down your forehead and skin. 

Avoid getting the solution dripping down your skin or your eyes, as this could cause unpleasant irritation, burning, and dryness. 

Once you have removed the wig and all glue residue, use a nurturing conditioner to hydrate your hair. Both alcohol and acetone can cause dryness to your skin and hair.

Also, check out my guide on getting hair glue out of hair for more tips.

Remove Glue From Lace Wig With Vaseline Or Other Oil-Based Solution 

Using vaseline or an oil and baking soda solution to remove glue from your lace wig is a more gentle and natural solution but still effective. 

The Vaseline Method. 

For this method, you will need:

  • Vaseline
  • Cotton swab 
  • Clean, soft cloth 

Follow these steps:

  1. Use a cotton swab to apply a generous layer of vaseline onto the glue
  2. Let it sit for about 15 or even 30 minutes – this will give the solution time to tap into the glue and start softening it. 
  3. Use a soft cloth to rub the glue away gently – don’t be rough to avoid irritating the skin.

Clean your skin with warm soapy water. 

The Oil And Baking Soda Method. 

To remove glue from your lace wig with oil and baking soda, you will need:

  • Oil (any type of oil will work, but coconut tends to be the most effective because it contains higher levels of fat)
  • Baking soda 
  • Mixing bowl 
  • Cotton swab 
  • Clean, soft cloth 

Follow these steps:

  1. Mix 1 part of the oil with 1 part of baking soda in a bowl (mix them well together to get a consistent paste)
  2. Use the cotton swab to spread this mixture over the glue, covering it well
  3. Let it sit and soak the glue for about 10-20 minutes
  4. Use a clean, soft cloth to scrub the glue away gently 

You can also mix baking soda with salt and water and follow these same steps. Add about one teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of salt to one cup of water.

Mix well until you get a consistent paste. You may increase the baking soda and salt-to-water ratio if the glue is stubborn. 

If a very strong and stubborn solution has been used to secure your lace wig, you may need to re-apply and repeat the steps a few times. 

Once you have removed all glue residue, you can gently clean your skin using warm water and liquid soap. 

How To Clean And Renew Your Lace Wig After Peeling It Off Your Scalp

After removing the lace wig from your head, there may still be some glue residue on it. So how do you remove the glue from the lace wig once it is removed?

You want to avoid peeling any glue residue from the lace, as you could damage the wig by doing this. 

Use one of the above-described methods to remove glue from your lace wig. 

You can also add the chosen solution to a container, add the part of your wig into the container that still has glue on it, and let it sit and soak for a couple of hours. 

Use a cotton swab or a very soft clean cloth to gently and carefully rub away all glue residue. If the glue is stubborn, switch the cotton swab to a soft-bristled clean toothbrush. 

If it is necessary, repeat this process until all glue is removed. 

Once all glue residue is removed, clean your lace wig. This is how you can clean your lace wig:

  1. Place your wig into a clean sink 
  2. Add a generous amount of liquid soap to the base of the wig 
  3. Gently brush through the hair (make sure that for this stage, all glue residue is removed from your lace wig. Otherwise you could be brushing glue residue into the wig hair)
  4. Rinse your wig with lukewarm water using medium to high pressure 
  5. Use shampoo to wash the wig lace wig 
  6. Apply a generous layer of hydrating conditioner 
  7. Allow the conditioner to sit for at least 10 minutes
  8. Use lukewarm water to rinse it out gently

Conclusion

Several effective methods and solutions can help you remove glue from lace wigs. These include:

  • Acetone 
  • Isopropyl alcohol 
  • Vaseline
  • Oil and baking soda 
  • Salt, baking soda, and water solution  

Acetone and alcohol are some of the most effective solutions for removing glue from lace wigs, but they are rougher on your skin and hair. 

Use protective gloves when working with acetone and rubbing alcohol. Also, treat your hair with a hydrating conditioner afterward. 

A  gentler approach is the solution involving vaseline and oil. 

The adhesive used to glue the lace wig across the hairline can differ. Depending on the glue type, the strength will be different as well.

Some wig glues can be removed quickly and easily, while others require more solution and time. 

After you remove your lace wig, you need to clean it well to restore it to a new-like condition. Invest in a good wig, shampoo, and conditioner. 

Photo of author

Leave a Comment

Join the community for periodic updates to your inbox!

    By signing up to the GlueTips newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications from GlueTips that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content.