When you're shopping for wigs or planning a sew-in, you'll encounter three key terms: lace front, closure, and frontal. They're often used interchangeably — incorrectly. Each describes a different type of lace placement that changes how the hairline looks, how the install works, and what you can do with styling. This guide explains each one clearly so you can choose the right option for your look.
What is a closure?
A closure is a small piece of lace (or silk) with hair sewn or tied into it, used to “close off” the top of a sew-in install. It covers the crown parting area so you don't need to leave out any of your natural hair to create a part.
Standard closure sizes: 4x4 inches and 5x5 inches. The numbers describe the width and depth of the lace panel.
What it gives you: A natural-looking part at the crown with no leave-out. The lace blends with your scalp, and the hair at the part appears to grow directly from your head.
What it doesn't give you: A natural-looking hairline across the forehead. The closure only covers the crown/part area — everything else is covered by the bundles sewn onto the wig cap. If you want a natural hairline, you need a frontal instead.
Best for: Wearers who want a natural part without a leave-out but don't need a custom hairline. More beginner-friendly than a frontal. Less maintenance.
What is a frontal?
A frontal is a larger lace piece that covers the entire hairline from ear to ear. Where a closure covers just the crown parting area, a frontal covers the full front of the head — giving you a complete, natural-looking hairline all the way across.
Standard frontal sizes: 13x4 inches (13 inches wide, 4 inches deep) and 13x6 inches (6 inches deep, giving more parting room).
What it gives you: A fully customizable hairline from ear to ear. You can part the hair anywhere along the lace — middle part, side part, deep side part — and style the edges for a completely natural look. Baby hairs can be styled along the full hairline.
What it requires: More installation skill, more maintenance, and more careful handling. Because the lace covers more area, it's also more likely to lift at the edges if not installed correctly. Frontals need to be laid and melted properly with adhesive for the best result.
Best for: Wearers who want maximum styling versatility and the most natural-looking hairline. Experienced wig wearers or those who have their install done by a professional stylist.
What is a lace front wig?
A lace front wig has a strip of lace along the front hairline — typically 1–3 inches deep — with the rest of the cap constructed from wefts sewn onto a non-lace base. The lace portion creates the natural-looking hairline; the back of the cap is constructed for durability and grip.
Key distinction: A lace front wig is a complete wig with lace at the front. A frontal is a separate piece used in a custom sew-in. The word “frontal” in the wig name doesn't mean the same as the frontal piece used in installs.
Common lace front wig configurations:
- 13x4 lace front: 13 inches of lace across the hairline, 4 inches deep. Most common configuration.
- 13x6 lace front: 13 inches wide, 6 inches deep. More lace = more parting flexibility.
Best for: Everyday wearers who want a natural-looking hairline without a full custom install. The most popular wig type overall.
What is a full lace wig?
A full lace wig has lace across the entire cap — not just the front. This means you can part the hair anywhere on the head and even style it in high ponytails or updos without the wig cap showing.
Pros: Maximum styling versatility. Can be worn in any style, any direction, any part.
Cons: More expensive, more fragile, requires more skill to install and maintain. The full lace cap is more delicate than a standard wefted cap.
Best for: Experienced wearers, stylists, and anyone who needs maximum styling flexibility — especially for content creation, events, or editorial work.
Side-by-side comparison
| Type | Lace coverage | Parting flexibility | Hairline appearance | Skill level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closure (4x4 / 5x5) | Crown area only | Fixed part at crown | Natural part, no natural perimeter hairline | Beginner-friendly | No leave-out; natural crown part |
| Frontal (13x4 / 13x6) | Ear to ear across front | Any part along the full hairline | Natural hairline ear to ear | Intermediate–advanced | Maximum hairline versatility |
| Lace front wig | Front strip (1–3” deep) | Limited — within the lace strip | Natural front hairline | Beginner-friendly | Everyday natural-looking hairline |
| Full lace wig | Entire cap | Anywhere on the head | Natural all around | Advanced | Updos, ponytails, editorial |
Which should you choose?
Choose a closure if…
- You want a natural-looking crown part without leaving out your natural hair
- You're newer to wig wearing or sew-ins
- You want lower-maintenance lace that's easier to install and care for
- You typically wear a center or off-center part and don't need hairline flexibility
Choose a frontal if…
- You want a fully natural-looking perimeter hairline from ear to ear
- You want to style baby hairs along the full hairline
- You change your part location frequently
- You have a stylist to install it, or you're experienced with adhesive installs
Choose a lace front wig if…
- You want a ready-to-wear wig with a natural-looking front hairline
- You want a beginner-friendly option with no custom install required
- You wear your hair down most of the time
Choose a full lace wig if…
- You want to wear high ponytails, updos, or styles that expose the top/sides of the head
- You need maximum styling versatility for content creation or events
- You're experienced with wig care and willing to invest in maintenance
Frequently asked questions
Is a closure or frontal better for beginners?
A closure. It's smaller, easier to blend, and requires less adhesive work. Frontals give you more hairline flexibility but demand more skill to install and maintain correctly.
Can I wear a lace front wig in a ponytail?
In a low ponytail, yes — the lace front hairline remains hidden. In a high ponytail, the wig cap may show at the sides or top. For high ponytails and updos, a full lace wig is the better choice.
What's the difference between 4x4 and 5x5 closure?
The 5x5 is one inch wider and one inch deeper than a 4x4, giving you a slightly larger parting area and more flexibility in part placement. Both are beginner-friendly; the 5x5 is a modest upgrade in versatility.
What's the difference between 13x4 and 13x6 frontal?
The 13x6 gives you 6 inches of depth instead of 4 — meaning you can part the hair deeper from the hairline without running out of lace. If you like deep side parts or middle parts that extend well back from the hairline, the 13x6 is worth the upgrade.
Do I need glue to install a closure or frontal?
For a sew-in with a closure, you can sew the closure to the wig cap without glue — many stylists prefer this for longevity. For a frontal, most installs use adhesive around the perimeter to keep the lace flat and secure at the hairline. Glueless wig options with built-in closures eliminate adhesive entirely for everyday wear.
→ More guides: Lace Types & Cap Construction | Glueless Wig Guide | Installation & Care Guide | All Buying Guides