Weaves are hairpieces that are usually worn to add length or volume to a person’s natural hair. In some cases, weaves are worn as a form of protective styling. This is where the natural hair is tucked away and protected from products.
Frontal weaves are often compared to closures which are another kind of weave. The main difference between the two is size. The construction and installation of both are usually very similar.
For beginners and those new to wigs, frontal weaves can seem confusing and needless.
We promise you they’re not! Let us take a closer look.
Why Wear a Front Weave?
Front weaves can be worn as part of a wig or on their own. The major benefit to having a frontal is that you have lots of options when it comes to partings and hairstyles.
A frontal weave uses a lace base to give a natural scalp appearance. Because the lace goes from ear to ear and back towards the apex of your hair, you can part your hair anywhere along that frontal.
It’s different from a closure which is usually only about 4 inches wide. With a closure, your parting has to be on that small patch to look natural.
Frontal weaves have become increasingly popular because they are so versatile. They allow you almost unlimited freedom with your hairstyle. You can wear ponytails, top knots, and buns with frontals. This is not the case with other hairpieces.
Another reason for wearing a frontal is to give the appearance of a natural hairline. You might be resting and protecting your hairline, or you may be suffering from hair loss. Either way, a frontal can create the illusion of a natural hairline.
Again, this is different from closures which only cover a small portion of the top of your head.
Frontals can be worn with wigs to complete the look or they can be worn solo to create a totally new hairline. It depends on what you’re looking for really.
Production
A frontal weave is, in the most basic sense, a large piece of lace with hair attached to it.
In terms of size, they are usually 13 inches across and can be 2, 4, or 6 inches long. These sizes refer to the size of the lace piece, not the hair.
You can get frontals with larger widths if you need them. They will be more expensive as more hair is used to cover the lace.
The lace itself is usually Swiss lace which is incredibly fine. The fine lace helps give the frontal a more natural scalp-like look. The idea is to get it to match as close to your scalp as possible.
There is another option when it comes to the lace and that is silk lace. It is less popular than Swiss lace because it is thicker and more difficult to work with.
Silk frontals tend to look less realistic when worn up in buns or ponytails; this is because you can usually see the zones of demarcation due to the added thickness.
Another issue with silk frontals is that silk is harder to match to darker skin tones. It stands out a lot more and requires a lot more skill to install.
Now that we have the base, let’s turn to the hair. Frontals can be bought with any kind of hair on the market. They can be synthetic, human, virgin, or heat-friendly synthetic hair.
The hair is knotted to the lace in a natural hairline shape and can be pre plucked for convenience.
You need to pluck a frontal to remove a bit of the bulk and make it look more natural. Pre-plucked frontals remove the need to do this yourself.
If you wear a frontal that hasn’t been plucked, it will look a bit off. There will just be too much bulk and volume to be believable.
Installing a Frontal
Everyone has their own tips and tricks for installing hairpieces. We’re not going to give you a step by step for fear of missing something out! What we are going to do is give you an overview of the options.
The first thing you need to consider when installing a frontal is how you are going to secure it to your head.
The most popular method of installation is glue. To install with glue you need to first position the frontal so that it looks like a natural hairline. Then you can mark it before applying the glue.
Glue is great because it lasts around two weeks before it needs a touch-up. It really is strong stuff when applied properly!
The downside to glue is that it can damage your natural hairline. The pressure of the glue and the weight of the weave can actually cause traction alopecia which is bald spots caused by frequent force.
Before installing a weave of any kind, you should speak with your stylist about your hair health.
Another method of installation is to use wig tape. It’s a simple process that can be done at home in minutes. The tape is applied to the lace near the hairline and then the other side is peeled off and applied to your head.
It is pretty strong stuff but can be removed from the skin easily and without fuss. This is an ideal method for people who like to change up their style frequently.
The issue with wig tape is that it can cause the edges of the lace to bulge due to its thickness. You may also notice shiny patches if the tape has not been installed correctly.
The final way to install a frontal is to use an elastic band. The band is sewn into the base of the frontal and wraps around the back of the head. This holds the weave in place without the need for glue or tape.
It is much kinder on the hairline as there is no product or pressure on that sensitive area. As the band is measured to your head, it is a secure fit that can withstand strong winds.
The elastic band method is not recommended for people who get headaches or migraines. The constant pressure of the band can trigger these issues for some.
Final Thoughts
Frontal weaves are versatile hairpieces that can help you achieve a natural-looking parting or hairstyle.
They take a fair bit of maintenance so don’t get one unless you’re happy to put some time into styling and maintaining it.