Applying a lace frontal isn't as difficult as you might think. Below is the whole install in seven steps — braid pattern, net, glue protectant, cutting the lace, bonding, and setting it — as Mayvenn stylist Jaguar Da Artist installs one on Kyona, one of our social media associates.
A frontal is the bigger commitment of the two lace pieces. It runs ear to ear, sits right on your edges, and the perimeter has to be re-laid every one to two weeks. If you are still going back and forth, our guide to closures and frontals compares every lace size from a 2x6 to a 13x6 and says which one fits how you part your hair.
What you need before you start
1) Black thread 2) C-curved needle 3) Bonding glue 4) Glue protectant 5) Rubbing alcohol 6) A Mayvenn lace frontal
Step 1: Cornrow your hair straight back
To begin, cornrow your hair straight back into fairly small parts. You want the frontal and the rest of your bundles to lay as close to your scalp as possible. Secure the ends of your cornrows by sewing them down with a C-curved needle and thread.
Step 2: Sew the net down behind the hairline
Using your frontal as a guide, take your net and sew it down behind where the frontal would theoretically end. The net is there to make it easier to sew your bundles down, and protects your scalp.
Step 3: Clean the hairline and apply a glue protectant
Next, take a cotton swab and gently apply some alcohol along your hairline in order to get rid of any dirt and oil. Then, apply a glue protectant so you don't ruin your hairline. We recommend Salon Pro 30 Sec's Weave Wonder Wrap and Robert's Diamond Bond Protective Shield.
Step 4: Mark and cut the excess lace
This step is optional, but Jag likes to take a black colored pencil and mark off where she needs to cut the lace. After accurately marking it, cut off the excess lace.
Step 5: Apply the bonding glue and let it get tacky
Take your bonding glue and apply it along the hairline where you originally applied the glue protector. Once applied, let the glue dry for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to get tacky. You'll have to do some research of your own to find the right bonding glue. Everyone's skin is different, and bonding glues vary based on skin type.
Step 6: Press the frontal down, one side to the other
Starting from one side, place the frontal firmly on top of the glued area. Continue to press down the frontal into the glue as you move along from one side to the other. Then, use your comb to help press down the edge of the frontal, and also to move any baby hairs out of the way.
Step 7: Set the glue and sew the back down
Almost done! To make sure your lace front is firmly in place, use a blow dryer to fully cement the glue while pressing the lace front down. Alternatively, you can tie it down with a scarf for 15-30 minutes. Use your needle and thread to sew the back of the frontal down.
The finished install
One thing this tutorial takes for granted: you already have the bundles to sew in behind the frontal. That is three at 18 inches and under and four past 22 inches for most full installs, and the frontal replaces your leave-out rather than a bundle. The bundle count by length and texture has the rest of the math.
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