If you are in the process of purchasing a new wig but can’t decide between a lace front wig or a full lace wig, just know that you are not alone. It happens to the best of us, which is why I’ve come up with a solution that can help!
The difference between lace front wigs and full lace wigs is that front lace wigs only have lace on the wig’s front portion, whereas full lace wigs have lace covering the wig base. This makes full lace wigs more versatile when it comes to styling, and they also last longer (up to 2 years), whereas front lace wigs only last from 6-12 months.
In this article I am going to focus on the following important aspects that include full lace and frontal lace wigs:
| Common question: | Lace Front Wig: | 360 Lace Frontal Wig: | Full Lace Wig: |
| How much does this wig cost? | $400 to $3000. | $100-$6000. | $500-$3000. |
| Where can I part this wig when styling? | In the front. | Around the lace. | Anywhere. |
| Is this wig beginner friendly? | Yes, very easy to install. | Somewhat easy to install. | No, needs someone who has experience installing wigs. |
| What is the volume of this wig? | Normal. | Thicker than normal. | Thinner than normal. |
| Can I wear this wig in a low ponytail? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can I wear this wig in a high ponytail or updo? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can I wear this wig in a side braid? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can I wear this wig in a pig tail or space bun? | No | No | Yes |
Keep reading for a complete in-depth explanation of both the lace frontal and the full lace wig, as well as some of the key differences and comparisons between the two!
1. What Is a Lace Front Wig?
Lace front wigs have been made popular because they allow you to have a natural-looking hairline without having to pay the price of a full lace wig! But what are they really?
Lace front wigs have a sheer piece of lace attached along the wig’s front hairline. The lace is either 13×4 or 13×6 inches. The rest of the wig has a base that is made from a thin, strong material. The hair bundles are hand-sewn onto the material. The material used as the wig base is stretchy, which allows it to fit on your head.
Keep reading to find out how to properly install your lace front wig like a pro!
2. How To Install a Lace Front Wig
It is so important that you install your lace front wig properly so that it looks and feels its best while you wear it.
The best way to install a lace front wig is first to ensure that your hair is braided flat and secured under your wig cap, then you need to apply a wig glue just below your hairline, on your forehead, and let it get tacky before putting on your wig. Following this, you can part your wig where you wish and lay your edges.
Here’s what to do:
Step 01. Prep your hairline by wiping it down and applying a moisturizer. You can wipe it down using a cotton swab as well as alcohol.
Step 02. Braid your hair, if it is long enough, and wrap in under a wig cap. This is called a protective style and it allows your wig to have a good foundation before application. Make sure that your hair is completely dry under your wig cap to prevent any bacteria from forming, as you do not want unnecessary hair loss!
Step 03. It is important to have a good quality wig cap. Either made from nylon or silk, as these allow your scalp to breathe and keeps your natural hair hydrated under your wig cap. Wig caps made from these materials also create the least tension on your hairline, which promotes hair growth.
Step 04. Ensure that your wig covers the surface area of your entire head, including the edge of your head and your hairline.
Step 05. Use a good quality glue or adhesive. Do not apply it to your actual hairline. You should always apply the glue to the area just before your hairline. Apply just enough glue to create a tacky texture, this will allow your wig to stick better. If you use too much glue you can cause white flakes to occur, which will make your hairline look messy. If you opt for a tape adhesive instead of glue, ensure that is double-sided.
If you would like to find out how to install your front lace wig without using glue, then check out this amazing article What is Glueless Lace Front Wigs? for a step-by-step guide that is super easy to follow!
3. What Is a Full Lace Wig?
Full lace wigs are made from a lace cap that serves as the base of the wig. The hair bundles are hand-sewn onto the lace. On some full lace wigs, there may be a piece of stretch lace attached to the crown of the lace wig cap. This is to allow for movement caused by natural hair growth under the wig and cater to different head sizes.
The base of the wig can still fit over your head even without the extra stretch lace attached, so don’t worry! The perk of full lace wigs is that you can style your wig in an updo hairstyle and can even part your wig anywhere you want and still maintain the illusion that the hair is growing from your actual scalp!
In order for it to look natural, you need to know how to install your full lace wig correctly. Keep reading to find out how!
4. How To Install a Full Lace Wig
To install a full lace wig is first to ensure that your hair is braided flat and secured under your wig cap. Place the wig on your head and secure it using the attached clips and elastic. Following this, cut the excess lace off your wig and apply a wig glue just below your hairline, on your forehead. Then glue down the edges of the wig as well.
Installing a full lace wig may seem a little daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it and practice it will become second nature to you! Keep reading below to find out how:
Step 01. Secure your natural hair in a protective style. If you have hair that is long make sure that you braid it or wrap it under the wig cap. Ensure that your natural hair is flat.
Step 02. Clean your hairline by using a cotton swab that has been dipped in alcohol. This will get rid of any dirt and oil.
Step 03. If you have sensitive skin you will need to apply a scalp protection liquid on your natural hairline.
Step 04. Place your full lace wig on your head, make sure that it is in the correct position. You can partially secure it using the wig grips/clips attached to your wig.
Step 05. Cut the excess lace off your wig. I recommend cutting small sections at a time, just in case you make any mistakes then only a small section will be affected. Make sure that there is at least one inch of lace remaining. Some wigs are pre-cut when purchased so you might not even have to do this step!
Step 06. Apply your wig glue to where you want the hairline to sit, wait for the glue to become a tacky texture (see package instructions for how long) before gluing down your wig.
Step 07. Once the hairline area is safely secured, put glue on the edges of your head then place down the wig in those areas as well. It’s best to first glue down the hairline so that we can get a more accurate idea of where the edges of the wig will fit on our head.
If you prefer not to use glue to install your full lace wig, then take a look at this article Can Full Lace Wigs Be Sewn-In? for a step-by-step guide on how to sew your full lace wig. It may require a bit more time, but it’s totally doable!
Now that we have a clear understanding of what these two wigs are, why don’t we compare them to make our decision-making process easier?
5. The Pros of Lace Front Vs. Full Lace Wigs
When compared to full lace wigs, the main pro of lace front wigs is that they are way more affordable as only a portion of the wig consists of lace. On the other hand, full lace wigs last up to 2 years, whereas front lace wigs only last from 6 to 12 months.
| Lace Front Wigs Pros: | Full Lace Wigs Pros: |
| Looks natural | Looks the most natural |
| Versatile | The most versatile of all lace wigs |
| Affordable | Pricey, but worth it! |
| Easier to install and remove | Airy |
The Pros of Lace Front Wigs
- Looks Natural. The hairline of lace front wigs is carefully made to give the illusion of baby hairs, which make your wig look all the more as though it is your natural hair!
- Versatile. Due to how the hairline on lace front wigs is made, you can create any styles ranging from middle parts to side parts and still have a natural-looking hairline.
- Affordable. Lace front wigs are much more affordable than full lace wigs as only the front portion of the wig is made from lace.
- Easy to install and remove. Lace front wigs are recommended for beginners as they are much easier to put on and take off. Only the front needs to be glued, the rest of the wig can be secured using adjustable straps or sewing the wig on.
The Pros of Full Lace Wigs
- Looks more natural. The fact that the entire base of the wig is made from lace allows it to give the illusion that the hair is growing straight from your scalp. This allows your wig to look more natural.
- More versatile. Full lace wigs can be parted anywhere from the middle part to a side part. They can also be styled in high updo’s and still provide a natural look, unlike front lace wigs.
- Airy. Full lace wigs allow your scalp to breathe which promotes natural, healthy hair growth as the whole wig cap is made from lace.
6. The Cons of Lace Front Wigs Vs. Full Lace Wigs
The main con of lace front wigs is that they don’t allow a lot of versatility when styling. The lace portion of the wig only covers the front hairline, so you can’t style your wig in a high ponytail or updo, or even braid it or do top knots. On the other hand, full lace wigs do allow styling versatility, but they are costly and often unaffordable.
| Lace Front Wigs Cons: | Full Lace Wigs Cons: |
| No flexibility | Very expensive |
| Slippage | |
| Hair damage |
The Cons of Lace Front Wigs
- No flexibility. Unlike full lace wigs, a front lace wig can’t be styled in updo ponytails, as the back of the front lace wig does not have the lace and it has more hair bundles at the back that hinders you from being able to execute this style whilst still having a natural look.
- Slippage. Securing a front lace wig can be tricky as the lace is only in the front. This means that the back of your wig is more vulnerable if you happen to be in a windy area, swimming or if you have an active lifestyle.
- Hair damage. Due to the fact that your scalp is under the material wig base, it cannot breathe as freely. This can hinder your natural hair from growing. If you wear your wig for long periods of time, it can even cause your hair to start thinning out!
The Cons of Full Lace Wigs
- Full lace wigs are slightly more expensive than front lace wigs, due to the fact that the entire wig base is made from lace, thus creating the illusion that the hair is growing from your scalp. If you really don’t want people to be able to tell that you’re wearing a wig, then spending money on a full lace wig is definitely worth it!
7. The Similarities Between Front Lace & Full Lace Wigs
Lace front wigs and full lace wigs, although different, share the quality of being made from the finest and most resilient silk with hair bundles that have been knotted onto the wig base by hand to give the appearance that they are growing straight from the lace, which acts as your scalp.
Lace. Both lace front wigs and full lace wigs consist of a lace that is resilient and of the best quality for wigs.
Wig Style. Both lace front wigs and full lace wigs come in various styles to suit your personality. You can purchase these wigs as long tresses or even in a chic bob style. You can dye the hair to suit your preference and even style it to your liking. Maybe curly hair for work and straight hair for a night out?
Wig Quality. Depending on where you have purchased your wig, both lace front wigs and full lace wigs have a long lifespan of between 6-12 months, due to the fact that the hair bundles are hand-sewn onto the wig base.
8. The Differences Between Front Lace & Full Lace Wigs
The main difference between lace front wigs and full lace wigs is that lace front wigs are a lot more beginner-friendly as they are easier to install and requires little to no manipulation of the wig. In contrast, with full lace wigs, you often need to cut and pluck the front hairline and the back hairline.
| Lace Front Wig: | Full Lace Wig: | |
| Complexity for beginners | This is ideal for first time wig wearers. | This is ideal for people who have experience with installing wigs, as it can be more complicated and requires more effort and time. |
| Versatility | This wig allows you to do only a middle part and a side part. | You can part this wig anywhere you like. |
| Volume | This wig has more volume due to the increased hair bundles at the back of the wig. | This wig has less volume as the wig is made using single knotted hair bundle. Therefore, the wig is lighter. |
| Durability | These wigs can last between six months to a year, provided that you take care of them. | With the proper care, full lace wigs can last for longer than a year even if you have an active lifestyle! |
Now that we’ve compared and contrasted the ins and outs of lace front wigs and full lace wigs, I’m sure you’re still wondering which one you’d prefer. Which one is better, so to speak?
9. Which Wig is Better?
When it comes to lace front wigs and full lace wigs, the better option depends on your hair needs. If you want a wig that can be styled in every way, your natural hair can be and will last you years. Then a full lace wig is for you. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t require a lot of styling versatility, then a front lace wig is perfect.
There is honestly no clear and definite conclusion when it comes to which is the better wig option between lace front wigs and full lace wigs. I know that’s not the answer you were hoping for, but just bear with me! I’ll tell you exactly why my previous statement is true.
There are just so many different benefits of each wig, for example, if you want a wig with more breathability as well as a longer lifespan, then the obvious choice would be to go for a full lace wig.
However, if you’re new to the wig-wearing scene and just want a beautiful and affordable wig that you can still style then I would definitely recommend the lace front wig instead of the full lace wig.
It all depends on your budget, why you are wearing the wig, whether your lifestyle is active or not, and also how much patience you have. You will need a lot of patience when it comes to maintaining your wig as well as installing and removing it.
So really, the best option between the two wigs is different for everyone.
I’ll let you in on a little secret though—if you like the idea of being able to style your lace wig in an updo style, but do not want to break your bank paying for a full lace wig, then I highly recommend purchasing a 360 lace frontal wig. You get the best of both worlds!
10. What Is a 360 Lace Frontal Wig?
360 lace frontal wigs literally have everything that a lace front wig has—the only difference is that the lace on a 360 lace frontal goes all the way around the wig’s perimeter. Hence the “360” in its name. These wigs are not only affordable, but they also allow you to tie your wig into a high ponytail whilst still maintaining a natural look.
These wigs also protect your natural hairline as they do not need to be sewed or glued on. What more does a girl need? They are often called 360 wigs, for short. So don’t be confused when you’re wig shopping and you come across this term.
There you have it, ladies, now you have all the information you will need to make a well-informed decision the next time you go wig shopping. I can’t wait for you to rock your new wig, whichever style you choose!