A full lace wig is a hairpiece designed to cover the entire head and mimic natural growing hair. The hair is looped into a flesh-toned lace material, which, when glued onto the perimeter of the head, will create a natural-looking hairline and hair partings.

The thin base material is what allows the lace to blend and disappear into the skin. For the most blendability, the wig can be made with Swiss lace. This material is delicate but will usually blend well against the skin. French lace is thicker and usually used for the first-time wig wearer. Some wig masters integrate Swiss lace around the hairline and French lace in the rest of the unit, creating a compromise between detectability and durability.

The lace wig is usually applied with tapes or liquid adhesives, each of which has its own pros and cons. Water-based, liquid adhesives tend to be more gentle on the skin and on the wig, but may lose their holding power if subject to water and excessive sweat. Acrylic glues will offer a more secure hold, but may cause outbreaks on sensitive skin. Some wig wearers forgo glues altogether, opting for double-sided tape to adhere a full lace wig.