Braided Wigs Lace Guide - Which Lace Material to Choose?

When it comes to choosing a lace material for your braided wig, there are a couple of factors to consider, the style and flexibility you desire for your wig and budget as the prices of laces differ.

If you want the flexibility to style your wig in various ways, the type of closure you choose can significantly impact the versatility and appearance of your wig. Here’s a guide to help you select the best closure for maximum styling options:

2x4”, 2x5”, 2x6” Lace Closures: These types of laces come with one single part that measures 2 inches wide and 4 inches deep, for 2x4” lace, 5 inches deep for 2x5” lace and 6 inches deep for 2x6” lace.

A breathable mesh cap is attached to the lace to construct the wig. These laces give the least amount of flexibility in styling your braids as it cannot be put up in a bun/ponytail neither can the front of the wig be flexibly styled because the width of the lace (2 inches) only covers a small portion of your front hairline.

However, the advantage of this lace is that it is beginner friendly, quicker to wear compared to wigs with bigger lace because it does not require the prep that goes into laying baby hair down for a natural hairline look.

4x4” and 5x5” lace closures: These types of laces also come with one single part. 4x4” lace measures 4 inches wide and 4 inches deep while 5x5” lace measures 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep. A breathable mesh cap is attached to the lace to construct the wig. Although these laces have more surface area for styling your braids compared with the 2 inches width laces, they still give restricted flexibility in styling as it cannot be put up in a bun/ponytail and the front of the wig gives limited versatility for styling because the width of the lace (4 or 5 inches) covers a relative section of your front hairline.

Lace Frontals Overview (13x4" and 13x6"):

• Construction: Lace front closures cover only the front part of the wig, from ear to ear, while the rest of the cap is made with a breathable mesh cap

• Styling Flexibility: Provides a natural hairline and is suitable for a variety of front-facing styles. However, it has limitations for styles that require parting beyond the lace front area.

• Benefit:
  • Natural Hairline: Creates a natural-looking hairline for styles that feature a front part. 

13x4" Lace Front: This lace covers your front hairline from ear to ear and measures 13 inches wide and 4 inches deep. A breathable mesh cap is attached to the back of the lace to construct the wig. This type of lace gives more flexibility in styling compared with the 4x4” or 5x5” inches laces. The front section can be styled flexibly as middle, side part or put in a top bun within the 4 inches depth area. However, there are still some restrictions in styling your braids because the unit cannot be put up in a bun/ponytail.

13x6 Lace Front: This lace also covers your front hairline from ear to ear and measures 13 inches wide and 6 inches deep. A breathable mesh cap is attached to the back of the lace to construct the wig. This type of lace offers more surface area for styling than 13x4” lace because it is 6 inches deep, giving it more flexibility in styling compared with the 13x4”. The front area can also be styled flexibly as middle, side part or put in a top bun within the 6 inches depth area. The limitation to 13x6” lace is that the braids cannot be pulled up a high bun/ponytail.

Full Lace Overview:

• Construction: A full lace is made entirely of lace, providing a seamless, natural look around the entire hairline.

• Styling Flexibility: Offers the most versatility as it allows for various partings (middle, side, or no part) and can be styled in updos, ponytails, and other creative styles.

• Benefits:
  • Natural Look: Mimics the appearance of a natural scalp, providing a realistic hairline.
  • Free Parting: You can part the hair anywhere on the lace, giving you flexibility in styling.
  • Updos and High Ponytails: Ideal for high ponytails and updos since the lace covers the entire head.

 Full laces offers a great level of versatile styling. The lace covers up the whole head without any mesh cap attached, giving you the most natural look. It mimics your natural hair providing you with the most flexible styling options that is unrestricted. The braids can be parted as desired, so whether its an up-do look kind of day or a let your hair down one, the option is yours.

Choosing the Right Closure

• For Maximum Versatility: If you want the freedom to part your hair anywhere and style it in various ways, a full lace wig would be ideal

• For Front-Facing Styles: If you’re primarily interested in styles that involve the front of the hairline, a lace front will suffice

• Consider Your Lifestyle: Choose a closure type based on your styling needs and how often you plan to switch up your looks.

By selecting the right closure, you can enjoy the flexibility to style your wig in numerous ways, ensuring you achieve the look you desire with ease.

Here are a few ways to switch up your look:

• Half-Up, Half-Down: Gather the top section into a ponytail or bun, leaving the rest of the braids down for a chic and casual look. (Can be achieved with full lace and lace front laces)

• High Ponytail: Pull all the braids up into a sleek, high ponytail for a bold, confident style. (Can be achieved with full lace only)

• Low ponytail: Can only be done on all types of closures

• Buns: Try space buns, a low bun, or a messy bun for a fun and playful vibe. (Full lace only)

• Side Part or Middle Part: Adjust the parting for a subtle yet stylish change.

• Accessories: Add headbands, scarves, beads, or hair cuffs to give your wig a personalized touch.

Remember, your wig is already styled with beautiful braids, so minimal effort is needed to keep it looking beautiful!