A luxury wig installation is far more than putting a wig on. At The Penthouse Beauty Studio in Sandton, an install covers a consultation, preparing and braiding your natural hair, fitting the cap, cutting the lace to your hairline, securing and melting it, customising the hairline and styling, so the unit reads as your own hair.
Key takeaways
- The quality of an install comes from the steps you do not see: flat braids, a precise lace cut and a customised hairline.
- You can install a unit bought from us or a wig bought elsewhere.
- Choose glued, glueless or sewn-in depending on your lifestyle, not just the occasion.
- Service prices vary by method and customisation, so check current prices on Fresha before you book.
What does a wig installation include? Step by step
Every stylist has their own rhythm, but a thorough install at our Queens Quarter hair lounge follows this sequence.
1. Consultation
We start with questions, not glue. How often will you wear the unit? Do you train, swim or travel? Is this for a single event or the next month? We also look at the wig itself: lace type and size, density, length and whether it has been customised before. That conversation decides the method.
2. Preparing your natural hair
Your hair is washed if needed, then braided down into flat cornrows that follow the shape of your head. Flat, even braids are the foundation of a wig that sits close to the scalp. Bulky or uneven braids are the reason many units look raised at the crown.
3. Cap and scalp protection
A wig cap goes over the braids, matched as closely as possible to your skin tone so a deep parting looks natural. For glued installs, the skin along the hairline is cleansed and, where appropriate, protected before any adhesive goes near it.
4. Fit and placement
The unit is sized and positioned so the lace sits just in front of your natural hairline and the ear tabs are level. Glueless units are adjusted at the band or drawstring at this stage.
5. Cutting the lace
This is the step that cannot be undone. The lace is trimmed to follow your own hairline, including the small curves at the temples, so there is no visible edge. A rushed cut is the single most common reason a wig looks like a wig.
6. Securing and melting
For a glued install, adhesive is applied in thin layers and allowed to set before the lace is pressed down. For glueless wear, the band holds the unit and the lace is laid with a little foam. Either way, a soft elastic band is often tied over the hairline for a few minutes to help the lace settle, and the lace can be tinted to match your skin. Our stylists share more of their technique in how to achieve the perfect melt.
7. Customising the hairline
Customisation is what separates a good install from a luxury one. Depending on the unit, that can include plucking a natural density gradient at the front, bleaching the knots so the lace looks like scalp, creating baby hairs, or a Lagos hairline for a softer, more natural edge.
8. Cutting and styling
Layers, face-framing pieces, a fresh middle part, curls or a sleek press: the final style is shaped around your face, not the mannequin the wig was photographed on.
9. Aftercare briefing
Before you leave, your stylist will tell you how to sleep, wash and touch up the hairline, and when to come back. For realistic wear times by method, read how long a wig install lasts.
Salon install vs doing it yourself: is it worth it?
| Professional install | DIY at home | |
|---|---|---|
| Lace cut | Cut to your hairline by a trained hand | Easy to cut too far, which cannot be reversed |
| Hairline finish | Plucked, knots bleached, tinted to your skin | Often denser and more visible |
| Scalp care | Flat braids, cleansed skin, considered adhesive use | Depends on your skill and products |
| Time | One appointment | Can take hours, especially the first time |
| Wig lifespan | Gentle handling of lace and hair | Higher risk of torn lace or heat damage |
| Best for | A new or premium unit, events, exposed hairlines | Simple glueless units once you are confident |
If you have invested in a raw hair unit, the install is where you protect that investment. We explain why every unit deserves its own approach in our piece on tailored installs.
Glued, glueless or sew-in: which method should you choose?
- Glued lace install: the flattest, most invisible hairline. Ideal for weddings, matric dances, shoots and slicked-back styles. It needs gentle removal and regular touch-ups.
- Glueless install: the unit is customised and fitted, then held by a band, drawstring or straps. You can take it off at night, which makes it the gentlest choice for everyday wear and sensitive skin.
- Sew-in: the wig is stitched onto flat braids, with no adhesive on the skin. A good option when you want a hands-off few weeks, as long as your scalp is cared for underneath.
Not sure? Tell us how you live in your hair and we will recommend a method at your consultation.
Wigs ready for your install
Each one can be installed and styled by our stylists in Sandton. Split the cost into interest-free instalments with PayFlex or PayJustNow at checkout.
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Sale!
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageZendeya 20″ (13×4)
Price range: R4,160.00 through R4,480.00 -
Get 100% Off On Your Install This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageZara 24″
R17,400.00 -
Get 100% Off On Your Install This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageNini 14″
R9,500.00
Can I bring a wig I bought somewhere else?
Yes. We install units bought from The Penthouse and wigs bought elsewhere. A few tips make the appointment smoother:
- Bring the wig uncut if you can. If the lace has already been trimmed, let us know when you book.
- Tell us the lace type and size, and whether the unit has been bleached, plucked or coloured before.
- If the hair is matted or very dry, ask about a wig treatment first. Installing over tired hair wastes a good install.
Still choosing a unit? Browse the wig collection, where each product lists its lace size and type.
How much does wig installation cost in Sandton?
The price depends on the method (glued, glueless or sew-in), the amount of customisation and the styling you choose, so we keep current prices on Fresha rather than quoting a single figure. If you reinstall regularly, our monthly bundles can work out better value: the Wig Care Bundle is R1,190 and includes a wig treatment, wash, installation (SAN HD) and customisation in one visit. You can also earn Penthouse Points on completed and online bookings.
Wig installation near me: where to find us
The Penthouse is at The Marc, 129 Rivonia Road, Sandown, Sandton, a short drive from Sandton City for clients across Johannesburg North. We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. Booking ahead is recommended, especially before weekends and the festive season.
Book your install
A great install is the difference between wearing a wig and wearing your hair. Book a consultation and installation on Fresha, or send our stylists a photo of your unit and your hairline on WhatsApp so we can recommend the right method before you arrive.
Book your appointment at The Penthouse
Our stylists at The Marc, Sandton will tailor the style to your hair, scalp and schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a wig installation appointment take?
It depends on the method and how much customisation your unit needs. A glueless fit and style is quicker than a glued frontal with plucking, bleached knots and a full style, and a sew-in includes braiding time. When you book on Fresha or send us your unit details on WhatsApp, we can give you a better idea for your specific install.
Do I need to wash my hair before a wig install?
Arrive with clean, detangled hair if you can, free of heavy oils at the hairline. If your hair needs a wash or treatment, book it as part of the appointment so it can be done properly before braiding. A clean scalp and flat braids help the unit sit closer and the hairline last longer.
Can you install a wig I bought online?
Yes. Our stylists install wigs bought from The Penthouse and from other suppliers. Let us know the lace type and size when you book, and whether the unit has been cut, bleached or coloured. If the hair is dry or matted, a wig treatment before the install will give a much better result.
What is the difference between a wig install and wig customisation?
Installation is fitting and securing the unit on your head, including braid-down, cap, lace cut and melt. Customisation changes the wig itself: plucking the hairline, bleaching knots, adding baby hairs or a Lagos hairline, cutting layers or adding colour. Most luxury installs include some customisation for a natural finish.
Is a glued or glueless install better?
Neither is better for everyone. A glued install gives the flattest, most seamless hairline for events, photographs and slicked-back styles. A glueless install is gentler on the skin and lets you remove the wig daily. Our stylists recommend a method during your consultation based on your lifestyle and the unit.
Written by The Penthouse Beauty Studio team at The Marc, 129 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton. Prices are in rand, include VAT and were correct at the time of publishing.
