All About Glueing Frontals
Sadly, a frontal can not just stick to your head like a magnet when applied, though this would make installation and removal so easy! Frontals need attaching through sewing, tape or glue. Yes, if you've read my other article about wigs, weave installations, and
quick weaves, you may be thinking glue, honey we put that behind us, well it's time to bring it back. Gluing your frontal is still the number one way to
get a lace frontal or frontal wig installed, and I am here to tell you all the details.
The Process
The frontal has undergone prep; it's been bleached, slathered with makeup and plucked to the Hair Gods. Now, it needs installing, and that means tape, glue or sewing. The stylist will start by place the frontal over your head and determine where the extra lace needs to
be cut or trimmed to fit your ear correctly and lay as flat as possible against your head.
Gluing your frontal means that your stylist will place a bald cap, flesh or nude colored, over your braids. Then, spray freezing spray (like the one from Got 2 B Glue that comes with a wide nozzle) around the edge of the cap where your hairline begins and the nape of your neck, if you are
getting a 360 Frontal installed. Next, the extra cap cut and the adhesive added along the perimeter of your hairline and nape. The glue is usually white and requires several thin layers spread on the edge of your cap and a little of your skin. After repeated for stability, your stylist will sew down the back of your wig, or your bundles may later be installed and lay the frontal gently across your head until she firmly presses the frontal's lace against the glue and smoothes in place with fingers or a rattail comb. The glue used for gluing your frontal is not the same glue used for tracks or bonded weaves. It is thinner and is more expensive usually ten to twenty dollars depending on the retailer. If glue makes you weary, it may be helpful to
watch a YouTube video of the process to decide if the process looks safe and comfortable to you.
The Pros
Is That Your Scalp
Gluing your frontal helps the edges of the
lace look more realistic and harder to detect. The pasting helps the frontal lay flat to the surface of your sides and will hold every inch of lace in place.
Can Easily Be Taken Down
Instead of fiddling with the scissors and snipping off a piece of hair (R.I.P. Hair strands 10-25), you can use remover, alcohol or water to take your frontal down. Getting your hair glued is safer, and your hair will thank you.
Quick Maintenance
Gluing your frontal makes it easy for you to fix your hair at home. When sewn down or taped it might be harder to revamp your style at home. However, with glue, you can add some extra adhesive, tie around a scarf and be good to go.
Thin Edges, No Edges, No Problem
Gluing your frontal does not require one to have thicker edges, braids or even hair at all. Because of the glue being an adhesive the cap and adhesive can be used to attach the frontal to any person and still provide a natural look. Thicker hair not being a requirement is a massive bonus to me. Having thinner edges it makes me less self-conscious about being turned down for a style or being limited to particular methods of installation.
The Cons
The lack of longevity is a major con for gluing your frontal. I've only had a frontal once, and it was
a frontal wig. The back was sewn down, and the front was adhered with glue and Got 2 B Gel. I think the worse part of gluing your frontal is it would have to be when it began to slide! My stylist did a fantastic job, but my frontal adhesive was not waterproof and after partying three nights straight. Sweating out my hair became a significant issue. The displacement of my frontal due to moisture was surprising to me since one of the main benefits of weave is being able to have perfect hair. The sudden change caught me off-guard when my frontal began shifting due to my adhesive thinning out from my constant sweating and showering. To add insult to injury, I would've been happier if the whole thing would've loosened a the same rate, but I had some parts looking snatched and others that looked like they were snatched off. Spend the extra money for a waterproof frontal! Note: I loved my style! As a first-time frontal-ist, I may have overdone it with the sweat, steam from my shower and styling.
A Lengthy Process
If you're like me, you like to get to the salon and get out! Don't set your heart on being out in time to make that appointment if you are gluing your frontal. When you're frontal adhered using paste, there are several layers of adhesive added to ensure your frontal stays stuck. Thus, add drying time for each layer to turn clear and become sticky before the next layer added. Another thing that adds extra time to the chair is the repositioning of the frontal. When frontals are sewn in, it is easy for the stylist to hold the frontal and manipulate it like regular bundles. While gluing your frontal takes more patience and attention to detail for placement and naturalness, no stylist wants to place then rip off your frontal repeatedly in a matter of minutes. Lastly, after your frontal installation, you may have to weight extra time for all the glue to settle and turn clear under your unit.
The Removal Process
It can be brutal depending on the professionalism used when styling your frontal. Women have reported losing patches of hair, getting red patches or bumps along the perimeter of the scalp and even bald spots. Everyone should use water, remover or mild alcohol to remove the adhesive from their skin. Be patient and vigilant in following proper removal instructions such as:
1. Using the recommended remover for your adhesive
Using a set like Bold Hold Lace Glue and their remover will save you time, hair and effort. Each glue formula is different, and when made in a complementary pair the best results are yielded when used together. Do not try to come up with your mixture or merely yank off your frontal. Get the remover when you get the glue!
2. Allow your frontal time
Again, I hope you are not in a rush when removing your glued frontal because though it is easy. It might take a little more time to remove depending on the adhesive used, the work of your stylist and when you got the frontal initially installed. Allow the remover, alcohol or water time to loosen up the glue and don't be so quick to rush through the process. If the box says ten minutes, give it fifteen.
3. Work in Small Parts
Never try to rip off your frontal like you would rip off your wig! Some parts may be tighter than others and require more time and gentle detangling. Do not yank your frontal off like a hoodie, instead approach it like a scab, slow and steady. Though the cap is there to
protect your edges, you never know if it has slipped or has shifted over time. You cannot be too careful when it comes to hair care so go slowly.
4. Follow Up With A Good Wash
After removing your glue based frontal, be sure to wash both your real hair and the frontal, even if you are not immediately getting it reapplied. Soaking your frontal in a gentle mixture of shampoo and warm water will
rid it of excess oil, glue, and dirt. Wash your natural hair with a clarifying shampoo or conditioner to rid your hair of any leftover glue residue, dust or product.
How Much Is This Costing Me?
Frontals by nature are a little more expensive when it comes to buying and installation. Prices are higher because the frontal itself covers a broader surface of the head. Additionally,
frontals require extensive customizations and careful placement for optimal styling. However, the cost of frontals for glue, tape or sewing do not vary in price much if at all. Most stylists price frontals for the customization aspects and less for the actual installation method. Typically, frontals range from $100-$200 in price. The glue may is around $10-$20, though some stylist will provide the glue themselves, it's always good to have a bottle for yourself. Just do not overdo it with DIY touchups, you do not want to damage the lace or your hair! Frontal installations range from $75-$200. Altogether, this style can easily cost hundreds of dollars to obtain and upkeep; in this aspect gluing may be less beneficial because it requires frequent maintenance and does not last very long.
Skipping The Glue
While this glue is different than regular hair glue for bonded weaves, it can still be damaging to the integrity of your hair. The residue or stress during removal can be too much for some hair types. Additionally, those with sensitive skin or scalps will have to adhere to the glue being placed directly on the surface along their edges and the remover and residue possibly seeping through to their hair. Although I had a mixed experience with gluing a frontal, overall I would choose to have my frontal fixed again. I like the naturalness of it, the quick removal and the protection it offers my hair. Like any decision with hair, it's a personal decision for the health of your hair and the look of the style.
Different Ways to Secure Your Frontal
Tape-In Frontal
The Tape-In method of securing a frontal is the easiest method. Thin clear strips with two adhesive sides applied to the skin directly in front of the hairline, where the frontal is secured. Taping your frontal last from two to four weeks. There is no extended removal or waiting period. Taping down a frontal is the easiest and quickest method.
Downside: Those with oily skin, whom sweat a lot or are rough with their hair may experience short lasting hold or complete loss of stability with lace tape. The tape may cause an allergic reaction if not hyperallergic and can be sometimes painful to remove after being attached to the skin for an extended period. Although the frontal taped down it may still require glue, alcohol or additional means of adhesive. This means of installing a frontal is the shortest lasting.
Sewing The Frontal
Sewing a frontal can be beneficial because the whole unit or style is done in the same method. It should have the same length of wear opposed to when a
frontal glued or taped. The back is still intact, and the front requires additional maintenance. Additionally, many people are comfortable and familiar with sew-ins. Sewing in a frontal also ensures there is no slipping, lifting or breakage, extending the style life.
Downside: Sewing in a frontal will cause added stress on the edges and nape of the hair.
To Glue Or Not To Glue?
Personally, I would still get my frontal glued down I believe it offers the best of both worlds as far as styling is concerned. The glue holds the frontal firmly in place, and after two weeks to a month, I can gently soak it off and start over fresh. Afterall, frontals are not like closures; they do not carry an extended installation time.
Rock Your Frontal Your Way
Gluing a frontal can often be seen as the most common and messiest method of achieving a perfect and sturdy frontal. Every method has its ups and downs. The most important thing when it comes to owning your frontal look is having a strong blend game and security. No lace, no case. Which method do you prefer for a laid frontal?
