What is a Lace Front Wig?
Photography Credit Kwaku Alston for FourEleven Agency
Before we answer the question of “what is a lace front wig?”, we need to take some time to really appreciate how far wigs have come since their origin. Let’s be honest: at some point in your life, you've probably seen a historically significant person wearing one of those outrageously huge, Napoleon Bonaparte-esque, obviously fake hair wigs in a textbook.
Luckily for you, wigs have come a long way from their humble colonial-era, powder-room, white sheep hair origins; due to modern manufacturing practices (and a tasteful shift in fashion trends), modern wigs are now crafted to look natural and definitely not sheeplike.
"Lace front wigs are a great way to change up a look without permanently damaging, dying, or cutting your naturally grown hair."
Modern wigs, lace wigs included, experienced a personal renaissance around the early 2000s thanks in part to popularity among actresses and celebrities (wigs have received plenty of screen time in television and films during this time). Once actors, actresses, and celebrities discovered how versatile lace front wig styles were, they slowly started to become a regular accessory for red carpet events, award shows, parties, and filming.
What is a Lace Wig? Vs What is a Lace Front Wig
So, what is a lace wig? What is a lace front wig? If you ask the internet either of those questions, you’ll find that the answer gets somewhat complicated. It is generally accepted that when referring to a lace wig, you are referring to the base material. Lace wigs can then branch into a wider variety of types such as 360 lace, full lace, and lace front (also known as a frontal wig). The most significant attribute between these three types is the amount of material in the interior wig cap.
What is a 360 Lace Wig?
Starting with 360 lace wigs, these wigs are slightly different from full lace wigs in that they are designed with sheer lace around the entire hairline but with a center part of the cap made with a different material at the edge of the lace material. 360 lace wigs have wefts that are sewn into the wig; wefts are collections of hair fibers that are stitched together to form a row of hair strands. The wefts are typically sewn in by a machine. Some wig enthusiasts have been known to DIY construct their own 360 lace wigs because it requires less technical skill than a full lace wig.
What is a Full Lace Wig?
A full lace wig covers the entire scalp with sheer lace. In general, full lace wigs will tend to be pricier than 360 lace wigs due to the added functionality and styles that can be done. Full lace wigs also typically require them to be hand-sewn, which adds to the overall cost. Unlike 360 lace wigs, full lace wigs are not a DIY project. Full lace wigs are coveted for their versatility, full lace wigs can be styled and parted in any way that the wearer wants. The determining factor is the quality that the wearer is looking for.
What is a Lace Front Wig?
Lace front wigs are wigs with the lace only at the front of the cap, hence “lace front”. By having the sheer lace only at the front, these types of wigs typically have a stronger material built into the back of the cap. The back of the cap typically has clips, hairpins, or a combination of the two to ensure the wig is snug. Lace front wigs are the most popular type of wig because you can achieve a natural hairline illusion with the added perk of its durable construction. Lace front wigs are the most popular type of wig due to how the wig can imitate a natural hairline.
Why Everyone Loves Lace Front Wigs
Now that you have the answer to “what is a lace wig?”, you can see why lace front wigs are so popular. The price is more affordable compared to 360 lace wigs and full lace wigs; in addition to this, you don’t have to sacrifice the customizability of lace front wig styles. Lace front wigs can be styled in any number of ways, popular styles include pigtails, bob, high ponytails, top knots, and many more options such as wavy, very wavy, straight, etc. With most lace front wigs, the wearer can also part the hair on whichever side they wish. Lace front wig styles are really only limited by the wearer’s imagination, due to the smart construction of the lace.
New Look, Same You
Lace front wigs are a great way to change up a look without permanently damaging, dying, or cutting your naturally grown hair. In the wig industry, lace front wigs are the best starting wig for new wearers because they’re not as expensive, can be tailored to look natural, and have a shorter lead time in their construction. Whether you’re a seasoned wig wearer or a novice in the wig community, Parfait makes finding your perfect fit easy with the use of AI technology. Visit MyParfait.com to tailor your wig for a new look today.
