If you want a hairline that looks completely natural — one that lets you slick your hair back, pull it into a ponytail, or part it however the mood strikes — a lace frontal is the piece that makes that possible.
A closure can't do all of that. A frontal can.
This guide covers the 13x4 HD lace frontal specifically: what the numbers actually mean, why HD lace is the right choice, how it compares to a 13x6, what installation looks like, and how to care for it so it lasts.
What Is a Lace Frontal?
A lace frontal is a hairpiece that runs the full width of your hairline from ear to ear, with individual hair strands hand-tied into a thin lace base.
When installed, it creates a realistic scalp simulation along your entire front hairline — not just at a parting point like a lace closure, but across your full forehead.
The result is a hairline that looks like hair is growing directly out of your skin. You can part it anywhere, pull it back completely, wear it in an updo, or slick it all the way back — and the hairline holds up through all of it.
That versatility is what separates a frontal from a closure. A closure closes off your install at the crown and gives you parting options.
A frontal gives you a complete hairline and full styling freedom. The tradeoff is that frontals require more skill to install and more maintenance to keep looking clean — which is why professional installation is strongly recommended.
What Does "13x4" Mean?
The numbers describe the dimensions of the lace base.
A 13x4 frontal is 13 inches wide across the hairline — ear to ear — and 4 inches deep from the hairline back toward the crown.
The 13-inch width is what gives you full ear-to-ear hairline coverage. This is standard across frontals — the width is consistent because the goal is always to cover the full front hairline. The depth — the 4 inches back toward the crown — is what determines how much parting flexibility you have and how far back the realistic scalp simulation extends.
A 13x4 gives you 4 inches of lace depth. This is sufficient for the vast majority of installs: middle parts, side parts, deep side parts, half-up styles, and slicked-back looks all work comfortably within 4 inches. For most buyers and most styling goals, the 13x4 is the right choice.
13x4 vs. 13x6 — What's the Actual Difference?
This question comes up constantly, and the answer is simpler than most content makes it sound.
A 13x6 gives you 6 inches of lace depth instead of 4. That extra 2 inches means the realistic scalp simulation extends further back into the crown.
The practical benefit is slightly deeper parting options and more coverage for styles that require lace further back on the head — very deep side parts, certain updo styles, and installs where you want maximum crown coverage.
For most buyers, the 13x4 is the better starting choice:
- It covers all standard parting directions including deep side parts
- It's easier to install because there's less lace to cut, melt, and secure
- It's more affordable than a 13x6
- Maintenance is slightly simpler with a smaller lace area
The 13x6 makes sense if you regularly wear very deep parts that require lace coverage close to the crown, if you build elaborate updo styles that need maximum scalp simulation further back, or if you have a larger forehead and want the extra coverage. For everyday wear and standard styling, the 13x4 handles everything you need.
For a deeper breakdown of both sizes side by side, read our full comparison: 13x4 vs. 13x6 Lace Frontals — Which One Is Right for You?
Why HD Lace Is the Right Choice for a Frontal
If the lace is going to be visible anywhere in your install, it's at the hairline.
A frontal covers your entire front hairline — which means the lace quality matters more here than it does anywhere else.
HD (High Definition) lace is 0.1mm thick — significantly thinner than standard transparent lace (0.3mm) and Swiss lace. At that thickness, it adapts to the skin tone beneath it rather than sitting on top of it. On every skin tone from fair to deep, HD lace effectively becomes invisible when properly applied, without requiring heavy foundation or tint to blend.
Standard transparent lace can look natural on lighter skin tones with proper blending, but it often remains visible on medium to deep skin — which is why HD lace has become the professional standard.
Stylists working at a high level use HD lace because it delivers the most undetectable result with the least amount of extra work at the hairline.
For a frontal specifically, where the lace covers your entire front hairline and is visible from every angle, there's no good reason to use anything other than HD lace. The upgrade is worth it.
The Raw Burmese Curly 13x4 HD Lace Frontal
For buyers building a Burmese Curly install, our Raw Burmese Curly 13x4 HD Lace Frontal is steam-set to the same 3B–3C corkscrew curl pattern as the Raw Burmese Curly Bundles.
Same curl. Same raw base. Seamless blend from the hairline through the full length of the install.
Here's what it includes:
- Hair type: 100% Raw Human Hair (Steam-Set Curl)
- Lace type: HD Lace — ultra-thin 0.1mm, melts on all skin tones
- Lace size: 13" x 4" (ear to ear)
- Curl type: 3B–3C Burmese Corkscrew — matches the bundle pattern exactly
- Density: 130%
- Hairline: Pre-plucked with baby hairs
- Knots: Single, small knots — already minimal before any bleaching
- Part style: Free part — left, right, or middle
- Weight: Approximately 45–60g
- Available lengths: 14" and 18" (measured stretched)
The 14" frontal pairs naturally with bundle installs in the 14"–18" range. The 18" frontal is the right call when your bundles are 20"+ so the frontal length flows naturally into the full drop of the install without a visible length break at the hairline.
Frontal vs. Closure — Which Should You Get?
This is the decision that matters most before any purchase.
The frontal gives you more — more hairline coverage, more styling freedom, more versatility. But it also requires more: more installation skill, more maintenance, more upkeep between wears.
Choose a frontal if: you want to wear your hair pulled back, slicked down, in a ponytail or updo; you want a complete ear-to-ear hairline rather than a parting point; you're working with a skilled stylist and are comfortable with a higher-maintenance install.
Choose a closure if: you primarily wear your hair down with a natural part; you want lower maintenance between visits; you prefer a simpler install. Our Raw Burmese Curly 5x5 HD Lace Closure is the matching option for Burmese Curly installs.
For a complete side-by-side comparison to help you decide, read: Closure vs. Frontal — Which One Is Right for Your Install?
Installation — What to Expect
A lace frontal install requires more preparation and skill than a closure.
Here's what the process involves so you know what to expect going in.
The braid-down: Your natural hair is braided down flat, typically into a cornrow pattern that keeps the base smooth under the frontal. How your stylist handles the hairline braids affects how natural the frontal sits — the front rows need to be flat but not too tight, which can cause tension damage over time.
Lace trimming: The frontal arrives with extra lace around the perimeter. Your stylist will trim this carefully to follow your natural hairline before applying adhesive. This step requires precision — too much trimmed and there's not enough lace to secure; too little and the lace is visible.
Melting: HD lace melts with minimal effort compared to standard lace. Your stylist will apply a light adhesive or melting spray at the perimeter, press the lace flat, and use a melting band to hold it while it sets. The thinner the lace, the easier the melt — which is one of the practical reasons HD lace is worth the extra cost.
Baby hairs and finishing: The pre-plucked hairline and baby hairs on the frontal do most of the work. Your stylist may lay the baby hairs with edge control or a light gel for a more styled finish, or leave them natural depending on the look.
Professional installation is strongly recommended. The frontal is the first thing anyone sees. A poorly installed frontal wastes the product and the appointment. This is not the place for a first DIY attempt.
Bleaching the Knots
The knots on this frontal are small and single — already minimal and difficult to detect, especially with HD lace underneath.
Bleaching the knots is optional, not required. If your stylist prefers bleached knots, the critical rule for HD lace applies: never leave bleach on HD lace for more than 60 seconds. The ultra-thin lace will be weakened by over-processing. Most experienced stylists working with HD lace either skip the bleach entirely or time it carefully — the lace itself does the work.
How to Care for Your Frontal
Washing: Sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash. Gentle downward motion — never scrub the lace. The lace base can develop bald spots if handled aggressively.
Drying: Pat dry with a microfiber towel. Do not rub. Air dry the hair; diffuse on low heat only if needed.
Curl refresh: Mist lightly with water and scrunch. The 3B–3C curl pattern reverts naturally after every wash without additional product.
Protect the temple area: The lace near the temples is the most delicate and highest-wear area of the frontal. Avoid heavy oils or silicone products directly on the lace — they cause buildup that weakens the base over time. Keep product on the hair, not the lace.
At night: Always tie the hair with a silk or satin scarf before sleeping. HD lace is particularly delicate — friction from cotton against the lace perimeter shortens its life significantly.
Storage: When not installed, lay flat on a wig head or store in a satin bag. Never fold HD lace — it can crease and weaken at fold lines.
Shop the Raw Burmese Curly Lace Collection
- Raw Burmese Curly 13x4 HD Lace Frontal — 14" and 18"
- Raw Burmese Curly 5x5 HD Lace Closure — 14" and 18"
- Raw Burmese Curly Bundles — 12"–26"
- Raw Burmese Curly Bundle Deals — pre-matched staggered sets
Have questions about which size or length combination is right for your specific install? Visit any of our three Atlanta locations — our team works with these products daily and can walk you through the right setup for your look.
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