Closure vs. Frontal — Which Is Right for Your Install?
Closure or frontal — it's one of the most common questions in the hair extension world, and the answer isn't one-size-fits-all. Both give you a natural-looking hairline and scalp appearance, but they're designed for different styles, skill levels, and lifestyles. Here's the complete breakdown.
What Is a Lace Closure?
A lace closure is a small piece of lace — typically 4x4, 5x5, or 6x6 inches — placed at the crown of your head to close off a sew-in install. It covers the top section of your head and creates a natural-looking part without exposing your natural hair.
Because it only covers the crown, a closure gives you a defined part in one location — center, side, or free part — but doesn't give you the flexibility to part anywhere across the full hairline.
Browse our full lace closure collection in 4x4, 5x5, and 6x6 sizes.
What Is a Lace Frontal?
A lace frontal spans the full width of your head — ear to ear — in a 13x4 or 13x6 piece. Instead of just covering the crown, it covers your entire hairline from temple to temple, giving you complete freedom to part anywhere and style your hair away from your face.
Browse our full lace frontal collection in 13x4 and 13x6 sizes.
Key Differences
| Closure | Frontal | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Crown only (4x4, 5x5, 6x6) | Ear to ear (13x4, 13x6) |
| Parting | Fixed part location | Part anywhere |
| Styling | Limited — can't style hair away from face | Full — updos, ponytails, side parts |
| Install difficulty | Easier — less lace to melt and blend | More advanced — requires full hairline blending |
| Maintenance | Lower — less lace to maintain | Higher — full hairline needs regular upkeep |
| Durability | More durable — less lace exposed | More delicate — especially HD lace |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Which Lace Type Should You Choose?
Both closures and frontals come in HD, transparent, and Swiss lace. Read our lace comparison guide for a full breakdown — but here's the short version:
- HD lace — most undetectable, melts into all skin tones, more delicate
- Transparent lace — sheer and natural, more durable than HD, may need tinting for deeper skin tones
- Swiss lace — professional-grade durability, great for frequent installs
Closure Sizes Explained
- 4x4 — standard size, covers the crown with a natural center or side part. Best for most installs.
- 5x5 — wider parting space than a 4x4, more styling flexibility without committing to a frontal
- 6x6 — maximum parting space in a closure. Great for deep side parts.
Frontal Sizes Explained
- 13x4 — standard frontal, 13 inches wide and 4 inches deep. Covers ear to ear with versatile parting space.
- 13x6 — wider depth for more dramatic parts and maximum styling versatility.
Which Should You Choose?
- First-time sew-in wearer? Start with a closure — easier to install and maintain
- Want to wear your hair in a ponytail or updo? Frontal — only a frontal gives you the hairline coverage for styles away from the face
- Want a natural part without the commitment of a frontal? A 5x5 or 6x6 closure gives you more parting flexibility than a 4x4
- On a budget? Closure — lower cost and lower maintenance
- Want maximum styling freedom? 13x6 frontal
- Have fine or fragile edges? Closure — frontals require more glue and manipulation along the hairline
Complete Your Install
Pair your closure or frontal with matching virgin hair bundles for a seamless texture match, or save with a bundle deal that includes everything you need for a full install. Need help with the install? Read our lace frontal install guide for step-by-step instructions. Free shipping on every order.