Elan SF

Most lace units should come in for a maintenance service roughly every 2–4 weeks to clean, re-bond, and refresh the hold. (Some lace units are dispose-after-wear instead — your stylist will let you know which type yours is.)

Lace is the most breathable and lightweight base, with the most natural-looking hairline, so it's ideal for active wearers and warmer, more humid climates. The open mesh lets air flow freely, which keeps it comfortable even in heat or during exercise. The trade-off is durability — lace is more delicate and generally has a shorter lifespan than skin or mono, so it needs more careful handling during wear and cleaning.

Lace works with either tape or glue, and many wearers combine them: a liquid adhesive along the front hairline for an invisible edge, and tape around the sides and back for easier removal. For tape, choose a lace-specific option such as Extreme Lace Tape, which is designed for lace systems and blends with lace fronts for up to 3 weeks of wear. For glue, Dermalace Plus and Ultra-Derm both work on lace bases. Avoid shiny poly tapes like Red Liner on an exposed lace front.

Lace gives the most undetectable hairline of any base — the fine, net-like material blends into the skin so the front edge is virtually invisible, which is why it's the go-to when a natural front hairline is the priority.