Frontals, Closures, 360 Frontals or Leave Out?
What’s the Difference?
Instagram and YouTube have been filled with videos of beautiful women sporting thick, naturally-looking, luxurious hair. Many of these women are wearing extensions such as sew ins and hair wigs.
Full sew-ins are now a standard for wigs.
Let’s look at their differences.
What is a Closure?
Closure hair is a section made of lace and filled with hair. It’s used to “close off”, a sewn-in or a wig.
Closures typically measure 4in in length and 4in width. This allows you to have a middle or side part of your sew-in or wig. Most lace closures are small enough to reach both the central and side parts of a sew-in or wig.
Closures are more cost-effective than frontals or 360 frontals because there’s less hair.
Also, lace closures are very low-maintenance when compared to frontals, 360 frontals, or leave out. Lace closures are less maintenance because they have fewer hair strands.
Hairstylists usually sew lace closures in place. A stylist will typically bond a frontal in place with hair adhesive or strong hair gel. Because the frontal protects your natural hair, it doesn’t need to be re-flat ironed.
You can match your extensions with lace closures in a variety of textures and lengths.
No matter the length or texture of the lace, a skilled stylist can make it look natural.
Silk vs Lace Closures
It all comes down to personal preference. How much you can afford and how long it will last are two factors that determine which option is best. Let’s find out the differences between them to help you decide which closure is right for you.
Silk closures have a silk base that contains a layer of silk where individual hair strands are embedded. Thin lace will be the next layer, which offers more styling options. They mimic a natural-looking scalp.
Lace closures are made from lace, where hair strands can be tied and knotted onto the lacing. Lace closures are preferred by most women because they can be used with any hair type, whether it is chemically treated or natural.
Although lace closures require bleaching, it gives the lace a transparent appearance that allows your natural hair color to shine through.
What’s a Frontal?
A lace frontal looks very similar to a closure.
A lace frontal makes a significant difference in how your hair looks. It covers your entire head from temple to temple. Lace frontals are a versatile styling tool that is unmatched due to their size.
You can create many styles with lace frontal such as braids and half-up/half-down ponytails. There are also unlimited parts options.
For those with traction alopecia, or who want to protect their hairline, lace frontals can be a great option. A skilled stylist might use a safe adhesive to protect the client’s hairline. This will not pull any hair out.
The adhesive will be covered with the frontal, protecting and covering the hairline.
A frontal is also beneficial for those who want to experiment with different textures and colors. A lace frontal will allow you to mix your extensions with your natural hair without the need to heat-style or dye it.
What’s A 360 Frontal?
The 360 frontal looks like a hybrid of lace frontals.
360 frontals provide maximum coverage for your hairline, covering all of your head. There is also space in the middle to allow bundles to be placed.
You also have incredible versatility with the 360 frontal.
You can wear high ponytails and braids with a 360 frontal. There are also unlimited parts options.
Closure & Frontal Base Materials
Most lace frontals are made from lace or silk.
Lace bases are preferred as they lie flatter on the scalp than silk bases. To mimic the natural hairline of the client, a stylist can lighten the lace with bleach. Hairs can also be pulled with tweezers.
Although silk bases look natural when viewed up close, they tend to bulk up which can make them appear unnatural and ruin the overall look.
Some frontals combine lace and silk bases with silk in the middle, and lace at the sides.
Closure, Frontal, or 360 Frontal – Which Is Best For Me?
Although each style has its pros and cons, lace closures, frontals, and 360 frontals all have their advantages and disadvantages, neither one is better than the other.
Your lifestyle and patience will determine which option is best for you.
Closures
Sew-ins with closure are great for anyone who has never worn lace before, or for someone who wants the same style every day. A lace closure can be a simple and affordable option to create a gorgeous everyday style that is suitable for both work and school. Sew-in closures are a great way for natural hair to be protected and still look amazing!
Frontal closure works in the same way as a closure, except that you can pull your hair back naturally. Let’s discuss what a frontal closure is.
Frontal
For someone who isn’t too fussy about their hair, a frontal is a great option. You can experiment with different colors and textures without causing damage to your natural hair. You can achieve a full-length look with a lace frontal closure.
360 Frontal
For full coverage around your head, a 360 frontal is the best. This is similar to a full-sew in no leaveout, but it offers more versatility. Although it requires some maintenance, a 360 frontal is well worth the effort for its extraordinary versatility. A 360 frontal is for those who love a high ponytail or can flip their hair in any direction.
To ensure you choose the right option, consider your daily life.
Are you a fan of wearing different hairstyles or prefer to keep the same style?
Do you want to experiment with new colors or do you prefer your natural color?
Are you able to commit to weekly hair maintenance or do you simply hate it?
Before you commit to a stylist, I recommend consulting with them.
Hair Growth Benefits
About a year ago I began wearing full wigs. It has proven to be a great protective style. It’s a natural look that can’t be beaten.
TIP – Before applying my wigs to my hair, I corn braid it with coconut oil and moisturizer. This allows me to keep my hair longer and prevents my hair from being exposed or manipulated daily.
Because I love the versatility of wigs, I don’t want my natural hair exposed or manipulated. I only wear frontal wigs. My edges have not been damaged and my hair is thicker than when it was worn out daily.
All of us need a saving grace to cover what we might normally forget. Luckily, these hairpieces can be used to prevent any hair extensions from falling apart. A frontal or closure is a great way of protecting your hair.
Give Them a Try!
Overall, 360 frontals, frontals, and lace closure can all be great assets in enhancing your hair extensions, while protecting your natural hair.
Although they may look intimidating at first glance, with careful research and the help of a skilled stylist, you can wear any style you like.
May the weave odds be ever in your favor!