closures frontals 360 frontals or leave out

Closures, Frontals, 360 Frontals, or Leave Out?

What's the Difference?

The last few years, we've seen extensions graduate from the basic install with leave out, or your very average wig, to closures, frontals, and 360 frontals. Instagram and YouTube have countless videos of women with long, thick, natural-looking, luxurious locks. A lot of these women wear extensions, like sew-ins or even wigs.


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

What is a Closure?

A Closure a section of lace, filled with hair, used to "close off" a sew-in or a wig. Most closures are 4in length x 4in width, making them large enough to give you the option of a middle or a side part in your sew-in or wig. However, lace closures typically aren't large enough to achieve both a side and middle part in the same install. That's where frontals come in, but we'll get into those later.


Closures


A sew-in with closure is perfect for someone who wants a low-maintenance style or wants to wear the same hairstyle daily. A lace closure is a simple, cost-effective option for a beautiful everyday style appropriate for work, school, and even vacay. A closure sew-in is a great way to protect your natural hair while still looking bomb! Frontals are similar to closures, except they are more maintenance and allow more versatile styling.


Hairstylists typically sew lace closures, while a frontal is bonded into place with either hair adhesive or strong hair gel. Lace closures come in many different textures and lengths to match your extensions. You will also want to consider what type of lace you want to best match your skin tone. Over the years, transparent lace and hd lace closureshave become more popular. A skilled stylist can make a lace closure look very natural, regardless of the length and texture.

silk vs lace closure

Silk vs Lace Closures

Whether you're into a silk or lace closure, depends on personal preference. The best way to choose the best option also depends on how much you are comfortable spending and how long you are looking for your closure to last. To know which type of closure is best for you, let's first find out the difference between the two.


Silk closures are made with a silk base with a layer of silk in which individual hair strands are embedded into the silk. The next layer consists of a thick lace that offers more styling options. These closures imitate a natural-looking scalp, and since no knots are visible, it does not require bleaching.


Lace closures are made of lace with hair strands tied and knotted onto the lace. Many women prefer lace closures because they are flexible with all hair types, whether chemically treated or natural.


Lace closures, however, 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 ear to ear, covering your entire hairline, and the top of your head. Because of their size, lace frontals have unmatched styling versatility. With a 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 dealing with traction alopecia or those wanting to protect their hairline. To protect the hairline, a skilled stylist may use a safe hair adhesive, to apply the frontal. The frontal will then be applied to the adhesive, covering and protecting the hairline. In addition, lace frontals eliminate the need to dye or heat-style your natural hair to blend with your extensions.

Wearing Lace Frontal

What’s A 360 Frontal?

A 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 your bundles to be installed. 360 frontals provide incredible versatility. Those that love an extravagant high ponytails, 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 hate doing your hair? I highly recommend consulting with your stylist before committing to any of these options.

360 Frontal

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 pluck the hairline to mimic the client's
natural hairline.


Silk bases have a very natural look and are undetectable when looking up close. A “downside,” however, is that they do tend to bulk up, making them look unnatural. 


Some frontals combine 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 have pros and cons, not one 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 will give you a full look!

Hair Growth Benefits

I started wearing full wigs years ago and have found them to be a great protective style. The natural look just can't be beaten.


TIP: I always braid my hair with moisturizer and oil my scalp before applying my wigs; this allows me to retain more length because my hair is not being manipulated or exposed daily.


I typically wear wigs 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, my leave out is much longer, and my hair has grown much thicker than when I wore it out daily. Wearing a closure or frontal is a great way to protect your hair.

Frontal Style

Give Them a Try!

All in all, lace closure, frontals, and 360 frontals can greatly enhance your hair extensions while keeping your natural hair protected. They may seem intimidating initially, but with thorough research and a talented stylist, you can rock ANY style you want.


May the weave odds be ever in your favor!

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