Lace closures are small hairpieces applied atop hair extensions, like Brazilian human hair bundles. It allows for different parts, such as a side or center one. Here’s a quick guide on what to know to ensure it blends in as beautifully and naturally as possible.
What Is a Lace Closure?
Lace closures are small pieces made from strands of hair attached to a very sheer base that’s made of fine lace or high-definition lace (which is practically transparent). These pieces are applied just behind the natural front hairline to give a finished look to something like a wig or hair extensions. They may be glued on for easy installation or as a sew-in attachment to the extensions.
Lace closures are versatile, allowing for a natural-looking part. Something like a 2x6 closure or a 4x4 closure also protects the natural hair beneath.
Types of Lace Closures
Determining the best lace closure for your look involves a few different factors.
Based on Lace Material
The type of lace is essential for a natural look.
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HD Lace: the thinnest, most transparent. It’s sometimes described as giving a “melted” look
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Swiss lace: soft and durable; they hold up for multiple installations
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Transparent lace: works well for most skin tones.
Based on Parting Style
How do you want to part your hair? A lace closure with a middle or three-part (left, right, center) is pre-styled; a free part allows you to part it anywhere.
Based on Size
A 4x4 closure is a typical size, allowing for styling basic hairstyles.
Larger options, like 5x5 closures or a 6x6 closure, are more versatile. They cover a wider part of the hairline and allow for deeper parts.
Based on Hair Type
Made from human hair, the closure can match the braiding hair bundle.
They can be straight, wavy, curly, and more.
What Is a Lace Frontal?
Where a lace closure is a small hairpiece, a lace frontal is built to cover the whole hairline, extending ear to ear in a very realistic way. Frontals are typically 13x4 or 13x6 inches and either sewn in or glued down.
It allows for lots of versatility in styling and creates a natural look against the scalp. You can part it in multiple ways, make ponytails, and change up your look without exposing tracks.
How Lace Frontals Are Made
The base of the frontal is thin, sheer (almost invisible) lace, like French or Swiss. This helps make it virtually undetectable against the scalp.
Individual hairs are then tied in; the tiny knots may be dyed to match the hair, making for a very realistic hairline.
Why Wear a Lace Frontal?
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Styling versatility: Because it goes ear to ear, the lace frontal allows you to experiment with different styles (like a high ponytail) and various parts.
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Protects natural hair: if you have thinning or damaged hair, it covers and protects it from heat damage resulting from styling tools.
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Realistic hairline: The hair looks like it’s naturally growing from your head. Natural-looking “baby hairs” add to the effect. That’s a great confidence booster!
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Comfort: Unlike a traditional wig, the lace base of the frontal keeps your scalp cooler and more comfortable.
How to Attach a Lace Frontal
High-quality lace frontals, like those from Kendra’s Boutique, are easy to install, comfortable to wear, and are designed to be applied many times. Here’s how to attach it.
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Determine where you want the piece to “sit” on your hairline.
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Spread a sweat-proof, waterproof adhesive along that area, in small sections; let the adhesive dry for a minute or two.
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Press the lace frontal along the adhesive, pressing downwards to make it secure.
How to Style a Lace Frontal
One of the benefits of a lace frontal is the many realistic styling options available with the piece.
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Begin by plucking some of the hairs along the part and the baby hairs at the front; this customizes it to blend with the natural hairline.
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After styling, use a fine brush and a light gel to control the baby hairs.
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Apply a heat protectant spray before using styling tools.
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Go for a sleek look with a flat iron or create waves and curls with a curling wand.
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Create up-dos or a ponytail; use a rat-tail comb to make a part, pull the hair up, and secure it.
Benefits of Using Lace Closures
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A lace closure helps “finish” the look of hair extensions or a wig by creating a natural-looking hairline
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The lace covers and protects the natural hair underneath from heat styling and other sources of damage.
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Protects against tension and breakage in your natural hair.
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A closure gives you styling options: create a part, an updo, or a ponytail
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Low maintenance; great for beginners
How to Install a Lace Closure
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A lace closure is meant to give extensions the finished look of a natural hairline. Start the install by trimming any excess lace from the front.
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Line up the lace closure with the position where it will sit on the hairline. It should be slightly behind the hairline.
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Add adhesive in small sections along that area; allow it to dry for a minute or two.
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Press the lace closure firmly into place; use a blow dryer on “cool” until the piece adheres.
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Tie the hairline down with an elastic band for 5-10 minutes.
How to Remove a Lace Closure
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Detangle the closure hair with a wide-toothed comb. Use clips to separate it from the rest of the hair, then dab the lace with a little water to soften the adhesive.
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Gently lift the edges of the closure, working around until it’s fully loosened.
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Use a cotton ball to apply a wig adhesive remover to the lace portion. Give it some time to break the glue down, so it won’t tear the lace or damage the hair when you take it off.
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Once the adhesive is broken down, lift the closure gently and remove it. Dip a cotton swab in adhesive remover and run it over the lace to catch any excess.
How Long Can a Lace Closure Last?
With proper care, a human hair lace closure installation can last anywhere from 6-12 weeks. Two to four weeks is a good guideline for your freshest look; tighten up the knots every 4 weeks.
With exceptional care, you can reuse your lace closure for as long as a year. This involves using sulfate-free shampoo, brushing from the ends, and not overdoing the heat styling.
Factors influencing its longevity include the quality of the lace; Swiss or HD lace will last for months.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Lace Closures
Washing and Conditioning
Gently wash every 1-2 weeks, using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Avoid tugging.
Preventing Tangling and Shedding
Brush gently, always working from the ends up. Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair.
Avoid shedding by having the hand tied knots anchoring the hair, tightened every few weeks.
Proper Storage
After cleaning and drying it, store it on a mannequin head, away from sunlight. Wrap it in a silk or satin bag to prevent dust or tangles.
Reapplying Adhesive
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Ensure there’s no old adhesive on the lace portion; use adhesive remover to clean off any remainder.
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Clean your skin – especially the hairline area – of makeup, oil, and sweat. Ensure that it’s dry.
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Apply a thin layer of adhesive just behind the hairline. Use a blow dryer on “cool” or air-dry for a few minutes. You want the glue to be “tacky.”
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Press the closure securely into place; use the back of a comb.
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Tie the hairline down with an elastic band for 5-10 minutes.
Where to Buy Quality Lace Closures
Kendra’s Boutique is passionate about giving our glammy girls the very best quality human hair products and accessories, and that includes lace closures! We’ve learned a few things.
What to Look for When Buying
Human hair looks the best and lasts the longest. The quality of the lace is also critical; opt for Swiss or HD lace for a base that practically “melts” into your natural skin tone.
Trusted Brands and Suppliers
Look for brands that incorporate human hair and high-quality lace that “melts” into the skin. These are two essential ingredients that ensure a natural, realistic look.
Red Flags to Avoid
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Patches on the lace. The closure should have even hair distribution.
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Thick or hard lace. Alternatively, lace that doesn’t match your skin tone. The key thing is lace that should be nearly invisible.
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Thick knots. Great closures have thin, small knots to be undetectable. Thick knots look unnatural.
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Tangled hair. Low-quality hair will tangle easily right after washing.
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Bad smell. This indicates that the hair was treated with poor-quality chemicals.
Final Thoughts
A lace closure is a great way to up your hair game! It elevates any installation, from a wig or extensions, by finishing the hairline in a very natural way. Plus, it opens up style possibilities with different options for a part or a style, like a high ponytail.
If you're experiencing any kind of hair damage or hair loss, a lace closure is a great way to protect your natural hair and give you a boost of confidence!
Kendra's Boutique offers the best in lace closures. We use the highest-quality lace for a practically transparent base. Then, the best human hair is expertly tied in, in tiny knots, to make it look undetectable.
If you want to dive into a new look, the lace closure is great for beginners exploring their hair possibilities. Shop our full selection of top-quality closures and get ready to dazzle!
