Closures vs. Frontals: Which Is the Best Option for Your Style?
When it comes to wigs and extensions, nothing beats closures and frontals for versatility and natural-looking results.
But, while they're both excellent options for an undetectable look, the best choice is the one that allows you to express your unique style while feeling comfortable and confident. 😎
To figure out which one fits this description for you, keep reading to learn about lace frontals and lace closures..
Understanding Closures
Let's start by breaking down what closure is.
A closure is typically a 4x4 inch piece of lace material with human hair attached to it. It generally measures 4x4 inches, which means it'll give you 4 inches of parting space across the front of your head and 4 inches of parting space from your hairline to the middle of your head.
Of course, you can get it in larger sizes as well, such as 5x5, 6x6, and 7x7 closures.
Just keep in mind that as the size increases, so does the level of maintenance required.
While closures are stylish, their versatility is limited compared to lace fronts. For instance, you won't be able to do a half-up/half-down, but you can slide the hair over to one side or simply create bangs.
On the other hand, it's usually more affordable to get a closure install compared to a frontal because of how simple it is to style.
Plus, hair maintenance is also pretty straightforward, especially for beginners.
Benefits of Closures
- Convenience: Closures are a quick and easy hair solution. They're ideal for those "I need to be out the door in 15 minutes" kind of days.
- Low Maintenance: If you're new to wigs or don't want to spend too much time on your hair, closures are a great option. They require less upkeep compared to frontiers.
- Natural Look: When properly installed and customized, closures can look very natural.
- Reusability: You can reuse a closure multiple times and just have it customized to your specifications for a unique look each time.
Understanding Frontals
Now, let's take a look at the frontals.
A lace frontal has a lot more lace and not as much parking space as the closure. You're looking at sizes ranging from 13x2 inches, 13x4 inches and 13x6 inches frontals.
This means it's 13 inches from ear to ear and about 4 inches of parting space from the front of your head.
The size you pick will depend on how much parting space you want and how you'd like it to look.
Lace fronts are incredibly versatile because you can part them from anywhere, making them the ideal protective hairstyle.
You can also pull the hair back if you like and show off your baby hair. It's basically a piece of lace material with hair attached to it to create the illusion of a scalp.
Frontals are usually pricier, though, because they're so versatile and require more skill to install. However, the investment is worth it for the natural look and styling options you get to enjoy.
Benefits of Frontals
- Natural Hairline: You can easily create a realistic-looking hairline if you install your frontal the right way.
- Full Coverage: Frontals cover your entire hairline, which is ideal if you want to protect your natural edges or have thinning along the hairline.
- Baby Hair Options: Frontals allow you to style and show off baby hair for an even more customized, natural look.
- Perfect for Elaborate Styles: If you love experimenting with different hairstyles, frontals give you the freedom to create various looks, including half-up/half-down styles.
Choosing between Closures and Frontals
Now that we've explored the features and benefits of both closures and frontals, how do you decide which one is right for you?
The truth is, it all depends on the style you're trying to create and your knowledge of closures and frontals and how to maintain them.
Here are a few things to consider:
Your Styling Preferences
Do you prefer simple, low-maintenance styles and don't mind having limited parking options?
Then, a closure might be your best bet.
On the other hand, if you want to be able to switch up your look and try different styles, including pulled-back looks, a frontal would make more sense.
Skill Level and Time Commitment
If you're just starting out with wigs or don't have much time to style your hair every day, then you might find closures easier to work with and maintain.
If you're more experienced and want the ability to style your hair how you wish, then you can get into frontals to enjoy more versatility.
Budget
Closures are generally more budget-friendly, making them a great option if you're looking to save money or if you're just starting your wig journey.
Frontals are pricier but offer more versatility, which might be worth the investment for some.
Lifestyle
As mentioned, closures are super convenient and relatively simple to figure out, so they're perfect if you lead a busy lifestyle.
Frontals, on the other hand, are only ideal if you genuinely enjoy playing around with different hairstyles and have the time to do so.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Regardless of whether you choose a closure or a frontal, proper installation and maintenance are essential if you want to achieve a natural look.
Here are some tips on how to do just that for both options:
For Closures:
The key to a natural-looking closure is a realistic hairline, which you can get by plucking the front of the closure with some tweezers.
This will help to reduce the density of the hair in this area for a more natural look. You can also bleach the knots to create a realistic parting.
If you're installing the closure as a sew-in, make sure to blend it with your natural hair and keep it clean and well-maintained through regular washing and gentle styling.
For Frontals:
During installation, whether you're using glue, tape, or the sewing method, make sure that the frontal is securely attached to prevent any lifting or shifting.
Also, if you want your frontal to look natural for longer, then you need to prioritize more frequent touch-ups and cleaning.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the choice between a closure and a frontal comes down to your personal preferences, lifestyle, and hair goals.
Here's a quick summary to help you decide:
Choose a Closure If:
- You're new to wigs and want something easy to manage.
- You like simple hairstyles and don't mind having limited parking options.
- You're on a budget
- You want something that's easy to take care of every day.
Choose a Frontal If:
- You're experienced with wigs and enjoy styling your hair
- You want maximum versatility in styling and different ways to part your hair
- You're willing to invest more time and money into your hairstyle
- You need to cover your whole hairline
Some people even keep both closures and frontals in their hair collection to suit different occasions and moods.
The most important thing is to choose the option that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Also learn How to Choose Matching Hair Bundles!