With an amazing ability to blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair, lace frontal and lace closure extensions are two of the most talked about trends in the hair extension space today.

What Is a Lace Closure?

A top piece consisting of several strands of hair and a relatively small lace base material, the purpose of the lace closure is to flawlessly finish the wearer’s style so it looks natural and blends with the rest of the hair. Typically measuring about 4 by 4 inches size, there are three different options for a lace closure: middle part, free part, and three part.

What Is a Lace Frontal?

The finishing piece, consisting of several hair strands and a relatively large base material, lace frontals are typically 13 by 4 inches in size, with other frontals also available in lengths of 13 by 6 and 13 by 2 inches.

Spreading from ear to ear, covering the entire hairline, the lace frontal allows the user to part the hair any way they’d like, making it a more versatile option.

Because lace frontals recreate the hairline, they are the perfect solution when you’re looking to create something a little different.

Benefits of Lace Frontals and Lace Closures

• Natural and Undetectable. Designed to mimic the natural scalp, making it virtually undetectable when installed properly, the result is a seamless look.
• Versatile. With a lace frontal, you have the option of parting your hair in any direction, offering a more flexible hairstyle. Frontals can also be used to create a wider range of styles, including a middle part, side part, or deep side part.
• Protects natural hair damage. Lace closures and frontals protect the wearer’s natural hair from heat and chemical damage, giving it a break from daily styling and maintenance.
• Longevity. With proper care and maintenance, lace closures and frontals can last for several months, making them a cost-effective investment for those looking for a long-lasting hairstyle.

Base Materials for Closures and Frontals

There are three popular base materials for closures and frontals: Swiss Lace, French Lace, and Transparent Lace.

• Swiss Lace: Made from a fine and delicate lace, Swiss lace closures and frontals are known for their softness and flawlessness, making it a popular choice for anyone preferring a more natural look.
• French Lace: A thicker and more durable type of lace, French Lace is known for its ability to stand the test of time and everyday use, making it a great option for people with an active lifestyle.
• Transparent Lace: Clear, thin, and virtually undetectable, Transparent Lace is perfect for creating a realistic hairline, popular among those looking for an exceptionally natural look.

What Is a 360 Lace Frontal?

An upgraded version of the lace frontal, a 360 frontal is basically a lace headband that covers the entire perimeter of the head.

Becoming increasingly popular in recent years, a 360 lace frontal allows for maximum versatility.

This type of frontal covers the entire head with space left in the middle for bundle installation, allowing the wearer to create a variety of high ponytail and braid styles.

How Much Does a Lace Closure or Frontal Cost?

There are a few considerations when pricing lace closures and lace frontals:

• Type of hair
• Brand
• Length
• Color
• Texture
• Size

It may be obvious, but lace closures or frontals with longer hair strands (18 to 22 inches) will normally cost more than those with shorter hair strands (12 to 16 inches) but there are other factors that may seem less-than-obvious to the novice.

Price Factors of Lace Frontals and Closures

• The size of the lace closure or frontal plays an essential role in determining the price. A larger lace frontal, such as a 13 by 6 inch frontal, will require more hair than a 4 by 4 inch lace closure.
• Hair texture, brand, and type of hair are also considerations when pricing frontals and closures. A standard 1B color of lace closure or frontal will cost less than colored hair because there are less manufacturing costs involved.
• Because they are made one strand at-a-time, always keeping the cuticle in the right direction, lace frontals made with virgin hair are generally the most expensive, taking at least two days to create.

Because you need to be sure the frontal and closure blends with your bundles, getting the right option is critical. Skimping on price is not generally recommended, but, ultimately, the decision is yours.

Similarities Between Lace Closures and Lace Frontals

Both lace closures and lace frontals look extremely natural, a must when installing a weave.

Each option serves a similar purpose – to finish a weave flawlessly, and create the illusion that the hair is growing directly from the scalp.

Lace closures and frontals allow for a more realistic-looking hairline and are excellent solutions for thinning hair, disguising sparse or bald areas, and adding voluminous style.

Although lace closure and frontal have some similarities, the differences between the two are quite distinct.

Differences Between Lace Closures and Lace Frontals

The main differences between lace closures and lace frontals are size, versatility, and price.

Size

Lace closures are typically 4 by 4, 5 by 5 inches in size and tend to sit in the middle of the head or on the side for a side-part.

The most common length of a lace frontal, on the other hand, is 13 by 4 inches, which covers the entire hairline.

The 360 frontal, the newest generation of lace frontals, allows for full hairline coverage around the entire head, making it the most versatile—and costly—option.

Versatility

Offering the greatest coverage, a lace frontal runs from ear to ear. This allows the wearer to part the hair anywhere, providing for the most styling flexibility.

A lace closure, on the other hand, only covers a portion of the head, making it next to impossible to pull the hair back into a ponytail or bun without exposing the tracks.

Cost

Though lace closures are typically smaller and less versatile than frontal options, the one benefit is that they are also the most affordable.

Conversely, while lace frontals are larger and more versatile, they also tend to be more expensive than lace closures.

One caveat, however, is that lace frontals typically require fewer bundles for a full install.

How to Choose the Right Lace Closure or Frontal

• Hair Texture: When choosing between a closure or frontal, it's important to consider the texture of your natural hair and the hair extensions you plan to use as matching the texture will ensure a more natural and seamless look.
• Lace Color: Lace closures and frontals come in a variety of shades, from transparent to medium brown. Choose a color that most closely matches your skin tone for the best results.
• Size: Closures and frontals come in different sizes. Consider the size of the closure or frontal in relation to the size of your head as well as the amount of hair you want to cover for the best fit.

Part: If you plan to part your hair, consider a lace frontal, as it offers greater versatility for parting options. If you'd prefer a lower-maintenance look, on the other hand, opting for a lace closure may be a better option.

Quality: Invest in the highest-quality closure or frontal you can afford to ensure that it lasts for a long period of time and looks the most natural.

Lace Closure vs. Lace Frontal: Which is Right for You?

Now that you understand the differences and similarities between various types of frontals and closures, choosing the one that’s best for you comes down to individual budget and overall preference.

If you’re on the fringe or new to hair extensions, and would prefer to begin with a lower-cost option as you get your feet wet, the lace closure is a perfect solution.

If you are experiencing some thinning at the top of your head or would just like to disguise a few sparse or bald spots, the lace closure is great because it is an affordable option for simple cover-ups.

If you enjoy changing your look frequently, lace frontals are your best option for overall style versatility.

If you want absolute styling freedom and are willing to shell out a bit more cash, the 360 lace frontal is the ideal solution.

How Many Bundles Do I Need for a Sew-In with a Lace Closure or Frontal?

Several factors go into choosing how many bundles you’ll need to create a desired look when incorporating a lace frontal or closure into a weave install.

• Length
• Weight
• Texture
• Volume desired
• Head size

Below are a few details to take into consideration:

• Because a lace closure is smaller than a lace frontal, you will need more bundles.
• The longer the length of your bundles, the more hair you're going to need. If you use a 360 lace frontal, for example, you will need about two-three bundles for up to 20’’ and three or more bundles for over 24’.
• The standard weight of one bundle is​​about​​3.5​​oz or 100 grams though some hair vendors sell 50 gram bundles.
• The kind of hair must be taken into account when deciding how many bundles you’ll need. With curly hair or deep waves, you can get away with fewer bundles since the hair density is naturally fuller, with 2 to 3 bundles needed to achieve a natural look. If you opt for a straight style, you’ll likely need about 3 to 4 bundles.
• For the most part, you’ll need three bundles for your sew-in.

How to Care for Lace Closures and Frontals

Most women quickly become highly skilled at choosing and purchasing the best hair weave for their needs, but not all know how to best maintain them in order to promote the longest life possible. A lace frontal or closure can make your extension installation look more natural, but it's aninvestment. To protect your investment and keep your lace front looking stylish and effortless, you need to take good care of it.

For starters, maintaining your lace closure or frontal starts from installation day.

Not all hair care products are created equal which is why each weave requires different types of maintenance, so it’s important to do your research and select the best product possible.

We’ve put together a list of tips to follow, whether you’re installing a lace closure or frontal.

Tip #1: Handle with care. Your lace frontal may look like your scalp, but it isn't. Nail scratching, pulling, or rubbing can damage the front of your lace and cause baldness. Hair loss at the ligation site is more likely to occur because it is not weft-woven like normal extension. Each strand of hair is individually tied and secured to the roots with a strong adhesive. This makes your closure look natural and elegant, so handle it with care.

Tip #2: Brush up on technique. Brushing your hair gently and correctly can make your closure or frontal last longer. Gently comb through the ends of your hair, then comb up. Hold down the roots of your teeth while brushing to prevent excessive pulling.

Tip #3: Keep your cool. Heat can damage a new installation. Protect your hair from extreme temperatures as intense heat can severely damage your lace closure or frontal. Avoid using hot irons, opting instead for soft curlers left in overnight.

Tip #4: Invest in the best products. Treat your lace closures and frontals like a real scalp using products that are gentle, hydrating, and free from sulfates. Opting for the best products you can afford is essential to prolonging the life of your weave.

Tip #5: Pack it in. Tie a satin or silk scarf around your head after an installation to prevent tangles.

Tip #6: Keep it dry. Never go to bed with a wet weave to prevent matting and musty odors.

Tip #7: Rely on experts. Finally, always turn to a highly skilled, expert hair stylist who specializes in lace mounting and installs. A well installed hair closure gives you a good starting point, making maintaining your weave just that much easier.

How to Wash and Condition Lace Closures and Frontals

• Wash your hair piece gently, running your fingers through the hair in a downward motion. Wash and condition your weave periodically to protect the base material and keep it clean. Choose a good-quality shampoo and conditioner exclusively manufactured for use on hair extensions.
• Before washing, always remove adhesive or glue from the lace and comb out any tangles.
• Never use hot water when washing lace closures or frontals.
• Add approximately one cup of shampoo (more for longer/larger pieces) to a sink half-filled with lukewarm or tepid water.
• Be very gentle, dipping the piece up and down a few times before letting it soak.
• Rinse the shampoo with a light stream of warm water.
• Wash the sink before the conditioning step.
• Add approximately one cup of conditioner to a sink halfway filled with water.
• Follow manufacturer’s suggestions when determining the amount of time to leave the piece in the water/conditioner mixture, keeping in mind that wavy and curly styles require more time than straight weaves.
• To rinse, move the closure or frontal up and down, in and out of the water. Place the piece on one side of a towel, then fold over to cover the weave.
• Gently pat dry.

Where to Shop for Closures and Frontals

We offer the highest quality hair extensions without skimping on the details. Our passion is to create bespoke hair pieces that will improve the look of your hair, enhance your natural beauty, and add a layer of luxury to your life. . Check out our range of fine hair extension products today.

Take Away

Lace closures and frontals are both ideal for adding volume, length, and versatility. Whether you’re looking to create a natural, and more versatile look or simply want to cover up a thinning scalp, the options are endless, making lace frontals and closures excellent options for anyone looking to elevate their look.

Mon Ami Hair offers a full line of extensions guaranteed to fit into any lifestyle, upgrade your look, and elevate your style.