Closure or Frontal? Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Your Next Wig

When it comes to wigs, the next big question after deciding whether to go for human hair, synthetic or a human-hair blend is whether you should get a closure wig or a frontal wig?

Both options are incredibly popular, but they have completely different experiences in terms of styling, maintenance, and overall look. If you’re stuck between the two, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in a way that actually makes sense.

A closure wig is made with a small lace piece (usually 2×6, 4×4 or 5×5 inches) placed at the centre or side of the wig. This lace mimics the scalp, giving you a clean, natural-looking parting. The rest of the wig is stitched onto a wig cap, so the lace area is limited to just the closure.

In simple terms, a closure wig gives you a parting that doesn’t move… and that’s both the beauty and limitation of it.

Closure wigs don’t demand much from you. Once they’re installed, you’re not dealing with constant lace melting, touching up, or glue lifting. They are beginner-friendly and the right type of wig for people who want a neat look without daily stress.

If you want something you can wear to work, remove easily at night, and put back on the next day without having to style it, closures are the ideal type of wig for you. 

Due to closure wigs using less lace they’re generally cheaper than frontals. So, if you’re sticking to a budget, closure wigs are right up your radar. 

Unlike frontal wigs, you don’t have to glue down the entire front of a closure wig. This technique of glueing down a frontal wig often affects one’s baby hairs, but a closure wig is way more gentle on your natural hairline.

This is the major disadvantage of closure wigs. Closures don’t allow for endless styling and parting. You mostly have to stick to the parting the wig came with, either center or side, unless you’re willing to over-pluck or risk damaging it.

While closures look natural at the part, they don’t give you that full “scalp illusion” from ear to ear. If you want that ultra-realistic hairline, a closure may not give you the effect you’re looking for.

Since they use less lace, they can feel slightly warmer on the scalp in hot weather. This can lead to your scalp sweating, and the wig starting to smell musty over time if you don’t wash it frequently. 

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A frontal wig comes with a lace piece that runs from ear to ear, typically 13×4 or 13×6 inches. This wide lace area gives you the freedom to part, style and lay the wig however you want.

If closures are low-maintenance, frontals are the queens of versatility.

Middle part, deep side part, half-up-half-down, sleek ponytail, you name it. A frontal lets you switch it up whenever the mood strikes. It’s the best wig option for people who get bored easily or love experimenting.

Due to frontals using lace that spans ear-to-ear, the hairline blends much more seamlessly. When installed properly, it almost looks like the hair is growing from your scalp.

Frontal wigs have a certain look when styled properly that fits occasions like weddings, parties, and photoshoots because they give you that polished, snatched, “celebrity glam” look.

Frontal wigs have more lace, which means more ventilation, and this can make the wig feel cooler.

Frontals require regular installation and touch-ups, like glue maintenance, melting the lace, keeping the edges laid…. It’s practically an extreme sport.

Not everyone knows how to properly lay a frontal, which is why people prefer to get professional hair stylists to lay their frontals for them. On the flip side, when you don’t have a hairstylist in proximity to you, you might be stranded.

The lace quality, size, and craftsmanship make frontal wigs pricier than closures.

A frontal install doesn’t usually last as long as a closure wig because sweat, humidity, and daily movements can lift the lace quicker.

Due to frontals often needing glue or gel around your entire forehead, they can be harsher on your edges if not installed or removed properly.

• They want something beginner-friendly and easy to maintain.
  

• They don’t enjoy weekly touch-ups or the stress of keeping lace perfectly laid.
  

• They prioritise comfort, affordability, and convenience.
  

• They want a wig they can remove anytime without worrying about glue residue.
  

• They prefer classic, neat styles and don’t mind limited parting.

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• They love versatility and being able to switch up hairstyles on a whim.
  

• They want the most natural-looking hairline possible.
  

• They enjoy the glam look and aren’t afraid of routine maintenance.
  

• They want styles that allow for sleek ponytails and multiple partings.
  

• They don’t mind the extra cost and effort involved.

Here’s the easiest way to decide:

• Choose a closure if you want:
  
  → something simple
  
  → low maintenance
  
  → affordability
  
  → minimal glue
  
  → everyday, reliable wear.

• Choose a frontal if you want:
  
  → styling freedom
  
  → a natural hairline
  
  → a glam, seamless look
  
  → the ability to switch parts and hairstyles
  
  → don’t mind frequent installs and extra effort

At the end of the day, neither option is “better,” as it all depends on your lifestyle, your budget,, and how much effort you’re willing to put into your hair. Closure wigs are for people who want ease and consistency, while frontal wigs are made for those who live for versatility and a flawless, custom hairline.

Whichever one you pick, as long as it suits your needs (and your patience level), you’re good to go.