What's the Difference?

Lately, Instagram and YouTube have filled the internet with countless videos of women with long, thick, natural-looking luxurious locks. A lot of these women wear extensions, like sew-ins or even wigs.

Full sew-ins and wigs have graduated from the basic install with leave out, or your average U-Part wig, all thanks to closures, frontals, and 360 frontals.

Let's take a look at the differences between them.

What is a Closure?

Closure Hair is a section of lace, filled with hair, used to “close off” a sew-in, or a wig.

Most closures are 4in in length and 4in in width, making them large enough to give you the option of a middle or a side part in your sew-in, or wig. Lace closures typically are not large enough to achieve both aside and central part in the same install.

Because there is less hair in a closure compared to a frontal or 360 frontal, closures can be very cost-effective.

Lace closures are also, in my opinion, very low-maintenance compared to a frontal, 360 frontal, or even leave out. The low-maintenance is because there are fewer hair strands and lace.

Hairstylists typically sew lace closures into place, while a stylist will usually bond a frontal into place, with either hair adhesive, or even strong hair gel. Your natural hair does not have to be re-flat ironed to blend with your extensions because the frontal is protecting your hair underneath.

Lace closures come in many different textures and lengths to match your extensions. 

You will also want to consider what type of lace you will want to best match your skin tone. Over the years the transparent lace and hd lace closures have become more popular.

A skilled stylist can make a lace closure look very natural, regardless of the length and texture.

Silk vs Lace Closures

Whether you're into a silk closure or lace closure, it all depends on personal preference. The best way to choose which option is best for you also depends on the cost and longevity. To know which type of closure is best for you, let's first find out what is the difference between the two.

Silk closures are made with a silk base where there is a layer of silk in which individual strands of hair are embedded into the silk. The next layer will consist of thick lace that offers more styling options. They imitate a natural looking scalp and very well and ensure the knots are not visible so it does not require bleaching them.

Lace closures are made of lace where the hair strands are tied and knotted onto the lace. For most women, lace closures are preferred because of how flexible they are with all hair types whether chemically treated or in its natural state.

Lace closures do require bleaching the knots but doing so gives a more transparent look allowing your natural scalp to reflect through the lace easily matching your skin tone.

What’s a Frontal?

A lace frontal is very similar to a lace closure.

The most significant difference is a lace frontal is from temple to temple, covering your entire hairline, and the top of your head. Because of their size, lace frontals have unmatched styling versatility.

With lace frontal, you can achieve many styles, such as a half-up half-down ponytail, braids, and unlimited part options in the front.

Lace frontals are also ideal for those that have traction alopecia or those that want to protect their hairline. To protect the hairline, a skilled stylist may use a safe hair adhesive, which will not pull out any hair, in front of a client’s hairline.

The frontal will then be applied to the adhesive, covering and protecting the hairline.

Those that want to experiment with textures or colors different from their natural hair would benefit from a frontal as well. The lace frontal would eliminate the need to dye or heat-style your natural hair to blend with your extensions.

What’s A 360 Frontal?

The 360 frontal is like a hybrid lace frontal.

A 360 frontal gives you maximum hairline coverage, covering the entire perimeter of your head, with space in the center for bundles to be installed.

The 360 frontal also provides incredible versatility.

With a 360 frontal, you can rock high ponytails, braids, and unlimited part options.

Closure & Frontal Base Materials

Lace or silk are the base materials of most lace frontals.

A lace base is typically preferred because they lay much flatter to the scalp compared to a silk base. A stylist may lighten the lace with bleach and hairs can be plucked with tweezers to mimic the client’s natural hairline.

Silk bases have a very natural look to them when looking up close, but tend to bulk up, which makes them look very unnatural and ruins the entire look.

Some frontals have a combination of both lace and silk bases, with silk in the middle and lace on the sides.

Closure, Frontal, or 360 Frontal - Which Is Best For Me?

While a lace closure, frontal, and 360 frontal all have their pros and cons, not one of them is “better” than the other.

The option that’s best for you all depends on your lifestyle, and level of patience.

Closures

A sew-in with closure is perfect for someone that has never worn a lace piece of hair before or someone that wants to wear the same hairstyle every day. A lace closure is a great, simple, and cost-effective option for a beautiful everyday style appropriate for work, school, and casual wear. A closure sew-in is a great way to protect your natural hair while looking bomb!

Frontal closure is similar to a closure except it allows you to pull the hair back naturally. Let's talk about what a frontal is.

Frontal

A frontal is ideal for someone who doesn’t mind a little weekly maintenance, in exchange for lots of versatility. It is perfect for trying new colors and textures, without the risk of damaging your natural hair. A lace frontal closure will give you a full look!

360 Frontal

A 360 frontal is ideal for full coverage around the perimeter of your head. It's similar to a full sew in no leave out, but with more versatility. A 360 frontal may require some maintenance, but it is worth it in exchange for out-of-this-world versatility. Those that love an extravagant high ponytail, or being able to flip their hair every which way, would love a 360 frontal.

When choosing between a lace closure, frontal, or 360 frontal, be sure to consider your daily routine to ensure the best option for you.

Do you like to wear different styles often, or do you enjoy wearing the same hairstyle every day?

Are you interested in experimenting with new colors, or are you content with your natural hair color?

Can you commit to weekly maintenance, or do you just hate doing your hair?

I highly recommend consulting with your stylist before committing to one.

Hair Growth Benefits

I started wearing full wigs about a year ago, and have found that it is a great protective style. The natural look just can't be beaten.

TIP: I always corn braid my hair with moisturizer and coconut oil before applying my wigs, and this allows me to retain more length because my hair is not being manipulated or exposed on a daily basis.

I only wear wigs with frontals, because I enjoy the versatility, and I do not want any of my natural hair to be manipulated or exposed. I have not damaged my edges, and my hair had grown in so much thicker than it did when I was wearing it out every day.

We all need that saving grace for what we would normally leave out but luckily these various hairpieces help to avoid having any leave out for any hair extension style. Wearing a closure or frontal is a great way to protect your hair.

Give Them a Try!

All in all, lace closure, frontals, and 360 frontals can be a great asset in enhancing your hair extensions while keeping your natural hair protected.

They may seem intimidating at first, but with thorough research and a talented stylist, you too can rock ANY style you want.

May the weave odds be ever in your favor!