Lace Frontal vs. Lace Closure: Key Differences and Benefits
Lace frontals and lace closures are two types of hair extension that people often use to get a perfect, flawless-looking hairstyle. Lace frontals and lace closures both serve the purpose of providing a completely natural-looking hairline and incredible blend with your natural hair; however, they are manufactured for different purposes with unique benefits to be discussed. Whether you are a newbie to hair extensions or just looking for an upgrade of your style, knowing the differences between lace frontals and lace closures will help you find the best suitable one for your look and lifestyle.
What's a Lace Frontal?
A lace frontal is a hairpiece manufactured by using a material of lace which is spread all along the front of the scalp, often from one ear to the other. It is fitted in a way that resembles a natural hairline across the forehead and blends seamlessly into your existing hairline with no noticeable line of demarcation. Lace frontals are available in popular sizes such as 13x4 inches, though different lengths are available.
Major Characteristics of Lace Frontals:
Provides with complete natural hairline coverage from ear to ear and creates a very realistic scalp.
Possible styling: Due to the reason that one lace frontal wraps across the entire front of the scalp, it ensures one has the option of many styles like ponytails, buns, or even side parts while holding a realistic hairline.
Seamless Blend: The material is pretty thin and somewhat transparent. It is going to give a flawless and undetectable look as it blends quite well with the skin tone.
Customizable: Lace frontals can be customized to meet the demands of the texture, color, and density of your natural hair, which enables creating a personalized style of your choice.
What is a Lace Closure?
A lace closure is similar to a lace frontal; however, a lace closure is smaller, usually only covering just the crown or the top portion of the head, and it is usually only 4x4 or 5x5 inches in size. A lace closure will act as a closure for the weave and cover the area on the scalp where the extensions meet your own hair. Therefore, lace closures are great for people who do not want to hide their entire hairline or more modestly prefer a more natural look.
Main Features of Lace Closures:
Partial Hairline Coverage: Lace closures only cover a smaller section of the hair area, and they mostly limit coverage to the crown or top area. That makes them excellent for those individuals looking for a more natural look, low on maintenance.
Easier Installation: Lace closures are easier to install than lace frontals. The former requires less customization and doesn't have to be glued or taped all around your hairline.
Variability in Parting: Lace closures allow for some versatility in the parting of the hair, as you can attain a clear middle or side part and/or omit it entirely when getting that casual, wispy look.
Less Maintenance: Because lace closures do not cover all the hairline, they tend to be less demanding in terms of upkeep. They demand less touch on the edges, and there is less chance that the closure will eventually lift or display a clear feature of wear and tear.
Lace Frontal vs. Lace Closure: Key Differences
Both lace frontals and lace closures add an enhanced aesthetic look to the hair extensions, but they're different in both functionality and benefits. Here's a table outlining the major differences between the two:
Feature Lace Frontal Lace Closure
Coverage Area Covers the entire front hairline (ear to ear). Covers a smaller section, typically the crown.
Size Typically 13x4 inches or custom sizes. Usually 4x4 inches or 5x5 inches.
Styling OptionstCan hold multiple styles, ponytails, updos. Only limited to separation and styling in the crown section.
MaintenancetMore labor intensive (edges, glue/tape). Less labor intensive, especially for less styling.
InstallationtMore intricate, requires glue, tape, or sew-in. Less labor intensive to install, quicker application.
PricetTypically costly to install, size, and customizations. Less expensive due to reduced size.
Advantages of Lace Frontals
Natural Look: The lace frontal is the most natural-looking when it sits across the hairline. Installed correctly, it makes a perfect imitation of a scalp underneath, and you can barely tell where your natural hair ends and the additional locks begin.
Versatility in Styles: Due to its coverage of the entire hairline, you can achieve different styles, such as high ponytails, braids, and sleek updos without fear that it might look improper from the front.
More Coverage: If you want a full coverage change without any front extensions, then lace frontal should be your way to go. It covers the entire hairline. This ensures that there is no visibility of extension on your natural hair.
Benefits of Lace Closures
Easier Installation: Lace closures are easier to install than lace frontals. They require less precision and effort as to blend the hairline perfectly.
Lower Maintenance: Lace closures are generally easier in terms of maintenance in comparison with lace frontals, especially at the edges. They also do not need frequent re-application.
Affordability: Being relatively smaller in size and easy to attach, lace closures tend to be more affordable than lace frontals, which make them a perfect choice when budget is a concern.
Perfect for Newbies: If you're a newbie to lace or lace frontals, lace closure might be the easier of the two as it takes less time compared to when you install a lace frontal.
Which One to Choose?
Choosing between a lace frontal and a lace closure depends on your personal preference, lifestyle, and how much effort you are willing to put in with your hair.
Choose a Lace Frontal If:
You want full coverage of your hairline and more styling versatility.
You enjoy creating a variety of hairstyles like ponytails or updos.
You’re willing to put in the time and effort for installation and maintenance.
You want the most natural, seamless look for your extensions.
Choose a Lace Closure If:
You prefer a simpler, more low-maintenance style.
You’re on a budget or looking for an affordable option.
You want a natural look without the need for full hairline coverage.
You don’t mind working with a smaller coverage area.
Conclusion
Lace frontals and lace closures both offer unique benefits that can enhance your hairstyle, but your choice depends on your desired look and level of maintenance. Lace frontals are perfect for achieving a full, natural-looking hairline with versatile styling options, while lace closures are ideal for a more relaxed, easy-to-maintain look. Whichever option you choose, both lace frontals and lace closures will help you achieve a flawless, seamless appearance that blends perfectly with your natural hair.