Lace Frontals Are The New Hair Phenomena!
Lace frontals have become a new hair phenomenon that hair and beauty gurus alike are addicted to.
I too have become apart of the lace frontal addict club. I'm always watching youtube videos and scrolling across Instagram to see pictures of lace frontals.
My fascination is deep; I even go the extra mile by zooming into images to see just how real the lace frontal looks!
In the past, I remember refraining away from lace frontals because they looked fake. I viewed them as wigs with unrealistic harsh hairlines that seemed hard to maintain.
Fast forward a few years later, and my view is the complete opposite. They are now the go-to hair item for those who would like to achieve a natural-looking hairline.
When customized and installed correctly, a lace frontal will have you looking like a natural-born Rapunzel.
Choosing The Right Lace Frontal
Now when it comes to lace frontals, there are different types, each with its benefits depending on your hair preference.
It is imperative that you know the difference between each so that you can choose the best one for your personal hair needs.
The most common types of frontals are HD, transparent, and 360 lace frontal.
Standard lace frontal wigs give the appearance of a natural hairline while 360 lace frontals create a natural hairline look all around the perimeter of your head allowing you to be able to wear your hair in a ponytail.
While a majority of the process for installing these are the same, there are slight differences which we’ll note when we get down to the step by step instructions when wearing a lace frontal.
Other Lace Frontal Types
There are also different types of lace, French and Swiss are the main two.
Just like when choosing the frontal the type of lace comes down to a matter of preference.
French lace is more durable and slightly thicker. Swiss lace is finer making it more fragile allowing it to be less visible and blend better with the skin.
Lace frontals are made with caps that come in different colors.
The types of frontals available at Private Label include:
It is essential to get a cap color that is similar to the color of your scalp. The types of lace and cap color are critical because they play a significant role in how your lace frontal will lay and appear against your scalp.
Lace Frontal vs Closures
Many also question the difference between frontals and closures.
Frontals usually allow more flexibility when it comes to where you can part your hair while closures typically have a set part. Frontals create natural-looking hair without your hair being exposed making them a great protective style for those going natural or those trying to protect their hair from heat damage.
Your hair can rest while you still rock a glamorous hairstyle.
Customizing & Installing Your Frontal
The key to achieving a natural-looking hairline with a lace frontal is properly customizing and installing your hair.
I remember when I received my first lace frontal wig from Private Label Extensions in the mail. I was so ecstatic and jumping for joy.
The hair was 20 inches of Brazilian body wave. I loved the hair so much that I wanted it to look perfect but I did not know anyone who could customize it for me because I had traveled to New York for Fashion Week the day after receiving the hair.
After watching a few Youtube videos and speaking to some friends, I found out that wearing a lace frontal is not as hard as I thought and slayed the hair myself.
In a few steps, your lace frontal can be good to go.
STEP 1: Bleaching the Knots
Bleaching the knots is imperative to making the lace on your frontal blend with your scalp.
At first, I thought this step was not necessary, but immediately upon doing so, I noticed that the lace on my frontal looked more even more like my scalp.
Knots are tiny little specks at the root of the hair extension that can look like small dots on your scalp if you do not bleach them. When bleaching the knots turn your frontal inside out.
I recommend a 30-50 volume developer and a powder activator for bleaching the knots. Once done, wash the bleach out thoroughly and allow the hair to either air dry or use a blow dryer for faster results.
Make sure that you are bleaching the knots and not the hair.
STEP 2: Pluck the Frontal
Once your hair is dry use tweezers to pluck the front of the hair to create a more natural-looking hairline.
No one’s natural hairline looks like a hard edge line, and this step will help you achieve a more natural look.
Some frontals even come with the hairline pre-plucked to save you some time.
STEP 3: Create Baby Hair
One of my favorite things about lace frontals is the fact that you can create baby hair.
I wear my hair in a low short bald cut, but even before this, my baby hairs were scarce. Wearing a lace frontal allows you to create baby hairs and we all know baby hairs are trending!
For this step separate a small section of the hair from the hairline that you want to use as baby hairs. Use a razor to cut the hair down until the hair is at your desired baby hair length. How long you want them to be is really up to you, some even resort to not creating baby hairs at all.
Using a wig head lay down the baby hairs as you would on your head using mousse.
Notice how customization took three steps? Customization of your frontal is just as important as installation when it comes to wearing it.
STEP 4: Install the Frontal
Customization is over and now its time to install.
Braid your hair down or lay it flat before wearing a wig cap to protect your hair. Select a wig cap close to your scalp color to wear under your lace frontal.
I would recommend a basic wig cap that is colored yet almost see-through. Do this for both lace frontal weaves and wigs.
STEP 5: Lay the Frontal Down
Now it is time to lay the frontal down. Before applying the glue, you can lightly use a foundation that is the color of your skin tone to the lace part of your frontal to add a more scalp like appearance (doing this is optional depending on your preference).
Use lace frontal glue to lay it down. Got 2B Glued is commonly used and I highly recommend it. I used the Got 2B Glued that comes in the black container to avoid the glue becoming white and caking up on the hairline.
Apply the glue a little bit in front of your hairline or on it and lay the frontal down on top of the glue.
When you get to this part, you can either allow the glue to air dry by putting a scarf along the hairline or you can use a blow dryer. Once the glue is dry, if you chose to create baby hairs, style them using a baby hair comb that you can purchase at the beauty supply store, or you can use a toothbrush.
You can lay your baby hairs using a firm hold edge control.
Step 6: Styling
Now you can style your frontal however you would like, and if you select a 360 frontal then your wig is even ponytail friendly!
Lace Frontal Customization Q&A
How can I ensure my lace frontal looks natural on my scalp?
Select a lace that closely matches your skin tone to achieve a natural-looking scalp with a lace frontal.
The most popular options are Transparent and HD Lace.
Before installing, customize the hairline by plucking the hairs along the front to mimic your natural hairline's density and shape. Use a fine-tooth comb and a pair of tweezers for precision.
Additionally, applying a thin layer of lace tint or makeup that matches your skin tone to the underside of the lace can help blend the lace with your scalp seamlessly.
What steps can I take to prevent the lace frontal from lifting?
To prevent your lace frontal from lifting, proper installation, and regular maintenance are key.
Begin with a clean, oil-free scalp. Use a high-quality adhesive or wig tape that suits your skin type and the duration you plan to wear the frontal.
Apply the lace adhesive sparingly and evenly, making it tacky, before pressing the lace onto it. You can sew down the sides or the entire frontal perimeter for added security.
Regularly check the adhesive's hold and touch it up to maintain a secure fit.
How do I choose the right density for my lace frontal?
The density of your lace frontal should complement your natural hair and the desired final look.
A density of 130% to 150% is considered medium and offers a natural and voluminous look suitable for most people. If you seek a fuller and more glamorous look, a higher density of 180% might be more appropriate.
Can I color or bleach my lace frontal? How do I do it without damaging the lace?
Yes, you can color or bleach your lace frontal, but it requires care to avoid damaging the lace and the hair.
Always perform a strand test first to see how the hair reacts to the chemical treatment. Use professional-grade products and follow the instructions carefully.
To protect the lace, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the lace part before coloring the hair. This barrier prevents the color or bleach from seeping through, staining, or weakening the lace.
After processing, wash the hair gently with a sulfate-free shampoo and condition it thoroughly.
How can I style my lace frontal while minimizing damage?
To style your lace frontal while minimizing damage, use heat protectant products and keep heat styling to a minimum.
Opt for lower temperature settings on your styling tools to prevent heat damage. Choose heat-free styling methods, such as rollers or braids, to create curls or waves when possible. Regularly moisturize the hair with leave-in conditioners or oils to keep it hydrated and healthy.
Also, be gentle when brushing or combing to avoid pulling on the lace and causing it to tear.
Conclusion
I have always been a hair lover.
When I tried weaves I was hooked, then I tried wigs, and I became addicted.
I must say that lace frontals are my favorite after my experience with Private Label Extensions Brazilian Body Wave Lace Frontal Wig! I love hair extensions and wigs because of the way they can be used to transform your look.
As a creative, I always have new hair ideas, extensions and weaves allow me to transform my look in the blink of an eye to match my outfit or mood. Lace frontals have become my new addiction because they will enable a hair transformation that looks natural.
Even if your frontal is a very bold color, it still looks like it is growing out of your scalp which allows your fantasy to become a reality.
Not to mention for those of us that do not have edges frontals will heal that in a second!
