Lace closures and frontals are typically used in conjunction with hair wefts (also known as bundles) to create some of the most natural-looking wigs and sew-in styles. They allow you to wear your wigs and sew-ins confidently, making it seem like they’re growing straight from your scalp.
However, it’s essential to understand the key differences between lace frontals and lace closures. This article will explain these differences and help you determine which option is best for you.
What Is a Lace Closure?
A lace closure is a hairpiece designed to be placed at the front of your head, typically in the center. It features a lace base with hand-tied hair strands, providing a realistic-looking part without needing any leave-out. Closure wigs come with lace closures already installed for a natural appearance, but you can also use a lace closure to create your own custom wig. If you prefer sew-ins, you can sew the closure onto your braided hair using a mesh wig cap and secure it along the hairline with glue.
Lace closures often require some preparation before they’re ready to wear. You’ll need to learn techniques such as bleaching knots, creating baby hairs (if desired), and plucking the front of the closure to blend seamlessly with your natural hairline.
To blend a lace closure into your skin, simply cut off the excess lace at the front and apply adhesive to the area where the lace will sit. Press the lace into the adhesive and allow it to dry thoroughly using a blow dryer. Then, blend the closure hair with the rest of the bundles, which should have been sewn or glued in place beforehand.
Lace closures are an excellent option for anyone looking for a simple yet natural style suitable for virtually any occasion.
Types of Lace Closures
Lace closures come in three distinct parting styles:
- Three-Part Closure: This type can be parted in three different ways: down the middle, on the left, or on the right. The closure is pre-plucked in all three styles, providing you with a variety of styling options.
- Middle Part Closure: As the name suggests, this closure can only be parted down the middle.
- Free Part Closure: This versatile option allows you to part the closure in any direction—horizontally, vertically, down the middle, or off to the side. Free part closures offer the greatest flexibility in styling.
Lace Closure Sizes
Closures are available in the following sizes:
- 4×4 inches
- 5×5 inches
- 6×6 inches
- 7×7 inches
The 4×4 inch size is the most popular due to its ease of use and affordable price. It is also the most common closure type on the market, making it easy to find in various textures and colors.
For the most natural-looking results, it’s essential to choose a closure made from the right type of lace. Whenever possible, opt for HD lace, which is ultra-thin and nearly invisible once applied.
Lace Closure Styling Options
You can style lace closures in numerous ways, including styles with middle or side parts, such as bobs, pixie cuts, or short and long wavy or straight hairstyles. However, styles that expose the sides of your hairline, sideburns, or the nape of your neck may not work well with lace closures.
What is a Lace Frontal?
A lace frontal is a hairpiece featuring hair strands that are hand-tied to a lace base. Designed to be adhered just in front of your natural hairline, it typically extends from ear to ear and reaches back 4 to 6 inches towards the crown of your head. Lace frontals can be used with human hair bundles to create lace front wigs, or they can be sewn onto a wig cap to add volume, texture, or length to your sew-in styles. They completely cover your natural hair underneath.
Some lace frontals come pre-plucked with a natural hairline and bleached knots, while others may require you to make these adjustments yourself. To install a lace frontal, you will need to cut away any excess lace, apply adhesive to your skin, press the lace frontal into the adhesive, and blow-dry it for a secure hold. You can then use a comb and styling tools to blend the frontal seamlessly with your extension hair.
Lace frontals provide a very natural appearance and are often difficult to distinguish from real hair, which contributes to their higher cost compared to lace closures.
Types of Lace Frontals
Lace frontals come in various sizes, including 13×4, 13×5, and 13×6 inches. The first number indicates the length of the frontal across the front, while the second number denotes how far back the closure extends.
The 13×4 lace frontal is the most popular option, offering excellent value compared to other sizes. You can find frontals in virtually all hair colors, textures, and types of human hair.
For the best natural results, choose a frontal made with HD lace, which is ultra-thin, undetectable, and provides a more realistic appearance than other lace types.
Lace Frontal Styling Options
You can style a frontal sew-in in numerous ways, including low ponytails, buns, and a variety of straight or wavy styles, such as bobs and pixie cuts. You can also create side braids that extend from ear to ear and styles that showcase your entire hairline. Although lace frontals offer more styling versatility than lace closures, it’s best to avoid high ponytails, space buns, and high buns for a more natural look.
Pros and cons of lace closures and lace frontals
Here’s a comparison table summarising the pros and cons of lace closures and lace frontals:
Features | Lace Closure | Lace Frontal |
---|---|---|
Pros | – Requires less maintenance than frontals. – Lasts several months with proper maintenance. – Reduces the risk of natural hair damage. – More affordable than lace frontals. – Helps create realistic-looking hairlines. – Easier to install and blend. |
– Protects your natural hair during styling. – Allows for a wide range of natural styling options. – Can be attached using glue, tape, needle, or thread. |
Cons | – Smaller surface area limits styling options. – Best for simple, minimalist styles. |
– Incorrect placement can affect its natural look. – Adhesives can irritate the skin and damage hair. – Generally more expensive, costing up to $500. – Requires heavy maintenance. – Ideal for those who can invest time and money in quality frontals. |
Similarities Between Closures and Frontals
Despite their differences, closures and frontals share many similarities. Here are the key commonalities between the two options:
Natural Lace Parting Options
Both closures and frontals offer natural parting options due to their use of lace and hand-tied human hair. The lace seamlessly blends into your hairline, creating a realistic look. You can also find both types available in silk variants.
You can purchase a lace closure or frontal along with hair bundles to create your own wig. In this process, you would sew the hair wefts onto the back and sides of the wig cap, attach the closure or frontal onto the cap, and glue the front along your hairline for a natural appearance. However, it’s important to note that a closure or frontal isn’t necessary for a traditional sew-in; you can sew in bundles and leave some of your natural hair out in the front to blend with the extensions.
Keep in mind that human hair wefts generally last longer than closures or frontals, which can be somewhat delicate. Fortunately, you can easily replace a frontal or closure on a wig or sew-in with a new one, so it’s advisable to use a fresh lace closure or frontal for each installation.
Baby Hair and Styling
Both closures and frontals allow for the addition of baby hairs (if they don’t come pre-styled), which can be cut and styled to further conceal the lace and enhance your overall look.
HD Lace
Both options are available in HD lace, providing a seamless and natural appearance. Although HD lace hairpieces tend to be on the pricier side, they are worth the investment for their incredibly realistic look.
Differences Between Closures and Frontals
When it comes to closures and frontals, understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision about which is right for you. Here are the main distinctions:
Cost
Lace frontals typically range from $100 to $500, making them the more expensive option due to their construction from 100% human hair. If you opt for a lace frontal wig, the total cost can reach up to $1000, depending on the quality of the lace and hair.
In contrast, lace closures are generally more affordable, costing between $20 and $300. The exact price varies based on factors like hair type, lace size, and parting options.
Styling Options
Frontals offer a greater variety of styling possibilities thanks to their larger surface area. You can part and style the hair freely around your ears, the sides of your head, and the crown. Conversely, closures allow you to part only the top section of your head where the lace is positioned.
Size
Closures are available in smaller dimensions, including 4×4, 5×5, 6×6, and 7×7 sizes. In comparison, frontals come in larger sizes, such as 13×4, 13×5, and 13×6.
Comfort
Lace frontals tend to be more comfortable to wear than lace closures, as they allow more of your scalp to breathe. With closures, only a limited area of your scalp can receive ventilation.
Installation, Maintenance, and Touch-ups
Frontals require more maintenance due to their larger surface area and increased hair density. This might involve curling, cutting, or styling the frontal, tasks that are generally not necessary with closures. Additionally, closures typically have a longer lifespan than frontals, which may need replacement every few weeks based on usage. You will likely need fewer touch-ups with a lace closure.
How to Choose Lace Closure or Lace Frontal
Selecting the right hairpiece for you ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you invest significant time and energy into your hair routine and appreciate the finer details, an HD lace frontal might be your best option.
Conversely, if you’re seeking a quick and effortless look that enhances your hairline’s natural appearance, an HD lace closure is an excellent choice.
To help you decide, consider the following similarities and differences between closures and frontals:
- Cost: If you have a limited budget, a closure is the more economical option. However, if you’re able to spend more, a frontal offers a more natural look.
- Maintenance: For those seeking low-maintenance hairpieces, a closure is ideal.
- Your Hair Routine: If you have the time to regularly style and touch up your hairpiece, a lace frontal will suit you well. If your schedule is tighter, a lace closure is the way to go.
Additionally, keep these factors in mind:
- Skin and Hair Color: Consider how the lace color will complement your skin tone. Clear lace and HD lace are versatile and suitable for all skin tones.
- Type of Hair: Decide between synthetic or human hair; human hair generally offers a longer lifespan and a more authentic appearance.
- Desired Hair Texture: Explore various texture options, including deep waves, body waves, tight curls, straight, and kinky straight.
- Desired Hair Color: Choose from natural shades like black or brown, or opt for fashion colors such as red, purple, blue, or green.
Always purchase closures and frontals from reputable sellers who are transparent about their sourcing. Additionally, review customer feedback and photos before making a purchase.
Get Your Own
Navigating the world of lace frontals and closures can be overwhelming for newcomers. However, with the right information, the choice between the two becomes much clearer.
Lace frontals are often preferred for their natural results, despite the higher cost and maintenance. On the other hand, lace closures excel in simplicity and affordability. Ultimately, the decision is yours!
So, which do you prefer—lace frontals or lace closures? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share your decision and reasons in the comments below.
and…
If you’re looking to buy high-quality wigs or hair extensions, look no further than HazuHair.
We are a trusted Vietnamese hair factory with over 100 skilled workers, offering a wide range of hair styles including wavy, curly, straight, kinky, and more.
Our products come in various colors such as natural black, ombre, blonde, red, pink, and many others.
Reach out to us today!
- Hair Factory: Tan Son 2 Village, Tan Dinh, Lang Giang, Bac Giang Province, Vietnam
- Hotline: +849 4949 3883
- Whatsapp Mrs ThanhLam: https://wa.me/84949493883
- Website: https://hazuhair.com