What Is a Lace Frontal Sew In: Everything You Need to Know!
Lace frontal extensions are the newest wave and I love good frontal weaves!
Frontals are really taking over the hair industry. Since more hairstylists and sew-in specialists are training on how to install and “slay” a lace frontal correctly, it’s becoming a growing trend in today’s hair culture!
As many people are getting these beautiful installations, there are still some who are confused about what exactly a lace frontal is.🤔
For those who aren’t too familiar with weave terms, we will get into every piece of the puzzle!
What Is a Lace Frontal?
Lace frontals complete the desired sew-in hairstyle look by closing off the installation, eliminating the need to blend any leaves out.
A lace frontal is the "finishing piece" that completes a full head of weave. It's a recreation of the hairline that is essentially a protective style, giving your hairline and edges a break from the tension of sew-ins.
If you want to try something different regarding hair color, cut, or style, this could be the perfect solution without having to make any permanent changes to your natural hair.
Lace frontals spread from ear to ear and range from, on average, 13" x 4", 13" x 2", or 13" x 6".
A frontal usually extends from your hairline to your crown area, allowing you the option to part your frontal anywhere you like.
How Much to Lace Frontals Cost?
Lace frontals tend to be costly, ranging from $80-$200 alone, not including the human hair bundles.
There are a few cost factors for Lace Frontals you need to consider.
- Type of Hair
- Length of Hair
- Color of Hair
- Frontal Size (13" X 2", 13" x 4", 13" X 6" or 360 Frontal)
A Blonde Straight Transparent Frontal will cost more than a standard 1B color frontal because of extra manufacturing costs for coloring the hair.
Frontals with shorter hair (10" - 14") will cost less than frontals with longer hair (16" - 20") because longer hair is more expensive to source.
The size of the frontal will also play a part in the price. A smaller frontal construction, like a 13" X 2", will require less hair and manufacturing time than a 13" X 6" frontal.
The holy grail of frontals is made with "Raw Hair Bundles" and can be VERY expensive. A single raw hair frontal can take an entire day for one employee to create because it must be done strand by strand, ensuring the cuticle is kept in the right direction.
So, if you find a real "raw hair frontal" expect to pay $150 - $200 or more! The looks you can achieve with a lace frontal are amazing but require more maintenance and upkeep.
The Frontal "Need to Know"
After a few weeks, your lace frontal will more likely move out of place, due to the simple fact that your hair is growing!
Those who desire to keep their lace frontals in for a while usually return to the salon for a reinstallation.
Sometimes for a reinstall of the entire weave, but most of the time, just of the frontal. It's important to know that, as beautiful as lace frontals are, they don't last too long and can be quite expensive!
So, make sure to be gentle with them.
Lace Frontal vs. Lace Closure - What’s the Difference?
These two have many similarities, but the differences are what make people call them by different names.
Lace frontals cover the entire hairline. The lace closure covers a small portion of the head, hence the name “closure.”
Lace closure extensions are typically sewn into place, while lace frontals can either be sewn or bonded.
Both frontals and closures are placed behind or in front of the natural hairline, but because lace frontals are usually bonded, they are usually positioned in the front.
Lace frontals allow for endless versatility, so you can wear any color, curly pattern, cut, or style. Closures only cover a portion of your head, so it’s close to impossible to pull your hair back without exposing your tracks.
Customizing Your Lace Frontal
Customizing your lace is altering the lace's hairline to match your natural hairline best. The reason for customization is simple, everyone's head is different in size and shape!
Most people prefer to customize their lace frontals because if not, it looks either "wiggy" or unnatural. Bleaching the Knots The lace comes in either Swiss or French.
Apart from customizing your lace frontal is bleaching the knots. Doing this prevents you from seeing the black hair knots in your lace, making it appear more scalp-like.
You can also do a silk-based frontal, which tends to be more costly, but you wouldn't need to bleach any knots.
It all depends on personal preference! Plucking the Hairline Lace frontals with baby hairs using a LED Plucking Tweezer are the most common type of frontal advertised.
The baby hairs add to the illusion that the frontal is coming from the scalp.
When dealing with frontals with baby hair, paying attention when plucking the hairline is essential. Otherwise, you'll risk plucking all of the baby hairs and barely any hair from the hairline!
Why Pluck the Hairline?
The hairline of most lace frontals isn't natural. So, to make the frontal appear like it's growing from your scalp, pluck some hairs to mimic your hairline's shape and the same tick or thinness of your hairline.
Although there aren't many steps to customizing your lace frontal, it's all about precision. If you're uncomfortable with doing something, get your hairstylist to do it for you!
Installing a Lace Frontal
Stylists all over have developed their techniques, tips, and tricks on installing lace frontals securely!
Some steps can be interchangeable, and for some, some steps don't need to be used at all.
Here are a few commonly used steps, when installing a lace frontal.
Prepare the Hair
-This can go for the frontal you’re about to install or the hair on your client's head.
Either way, both need to be ready for the process! Make sure your lace frontal is customized to your client’s head, and the braiding pattern is flat!
Measure the Frontal
-Before you sew, place the frontal onto the client’s head and adjust the frontal to where you want it placed. This helps to ensure the frontal doesn’t look “whiggish”.
Decide how far down the natural hairline you want it to go. Began Installing- Most stylists like to start sewing the sides of the lace frontal down first and then the back.
But do whatever you feel is best for yourself or your client! Finishing Touches- Style your bundles, cut the lace off in the front, lay your baby hairs, and slay the day away!
Introducing- 360 Lace Frontals
The 360-lace frontal is the upgraded version of the original lace frontal. It's basically a lace headband with hair on it.
It covers the entire perimeter of your head, front and back, allowing for more versatility, like pulling your hair up into high ponytails.
It's been more popular recently because of its uniqueness and versatility.
A 360-lace frontal could cost as much as, if not more than, a regular lace frontal. But this isn't too surprising!
The Various Lengths/Styles of Lace Frontals
Lace frontals vary just like all the human hair extensions. However, most companies that sell lace frontals have a standard size and style.
Malaysian and Brazilian are common hair types. Other less commonly used hair types include Indian Hair Extensions.
This all depends on the quality you are looking for in a lace frontal. If you plan to use your lace frontal a lot, you'll want to purchase hair that will last a while.
Our Brazilian Straight 13x4 Lace Frontals would be an excellent choice. Hair texture is the most essential factor.
You have to be sure it blends with the texture of your bundles. So, I need a deep wave frontal if I have deep wave bundles.
Length also depends on preference and desired results, such as if you want a layered look.
The length of the lace frontals is 18”. But we have lace frontals that range from 10" - 20" in our special-order category!
Lace Frontal with Bundles
The common question is how many bundles do I need with a sew-in? Because a lace frontal covers ear to ear and is larger than a closure, you will need a little less hair from bundles.
This is especially the case if you are using a lace frontal 360 that wraps entirely around your head and just leaves the back portion open to sew-in bundles.
With a Lace Frontal 360, you will need about two bundles up to 22" and three bundles once you are going over 24" in length.
When deciding how many bundles you need with a HD lace frontal, you must consider not only the length of the hair but the size of the lace.
Based on these factors, consult your stylist before deciding exactly how many bundles you need.
Planning on Getting a Lace Frontal?
Have you already had a lace frontal?
Do you plan on getting one?
Tell us about it! Do you still have questions?
We want to hear what you think! Drop a comment below!👇🏿
2 comments
This article really breaks down everything you need to know about lace frontals! I’ve been thinking about getting one, but I’m still undecided on the maintenance aspect. with lace frontals, how often do you typically need to reinstall or adjust them to keep them looking fresh?
Great breakdown of everything lace frontals! This guide really covers all the essentials from what lace frontals are to customization tips and installation steps. It’s super helpful for anyone considering trying out this stylish and versatile option. Thanks for sharing!