If you’ve just started wearing wigs or already have a few in rotation, chances are you’ve come across the term full lace wig.
It sounds like a step up from your regular lace front — maybe more advanced, maybe more expensive — and naturally, that gets you thinking: is it worth it?
Understanding lace front vs full lace wig isn’t just about wig jargon. It helps you determine what works for your style, budget, and the amount of effort you’re willing to put into upkeep.
Some people want maximum styling freedom. Others want something easy and natural-looking that won’t eat up their mornings. So yeah, it matters.
Let’s break it down and make the choice a little easier.
Decoding the Lace Front Wig
Before we delve into full lace wigs, it's helpful to understand what lace fronts truly offer — and where they fall short.
Once you get a clear picture of what a lace front wig can do, it’s easier to know if you even need to go a step further.
So, what is a lace front wig?
It’s a wig with lace just at the front — usually running from ear to ear — and the rest is made with a sturdier cap.
The lace part lets you create a natural-looking hairline, while the back gives you structure and support.
There’s a reason lace front wigs are popular, especially for daily styling. They’re:
- Lower maintenance than full lace wigs. You don’t have to spend ages getting it to sit right.
- More affordable, which means you can get a few different looks without draining your wallet.
- Still pretty versatile — you can go for a middle part, side part, or even a half-up, half-down style without any trouble.
For most people, that’s enough. You get a natural look in front, and the rest is secure and easy to manage.
The main limit is the lace only being in front. That means some hairstyles — like a full ponytail or high bun — might not look as natural from all angles.
You’re working with what’s available in the lace zone.
Two Sizes You’ll Run Into: 13x4 and 13x6
13x4: This one gives you 13 inches across the forehead and 4 inches deep. Enough for a neat middle or side part, but a little shallow for complex styling.
13x6: Same width, but deeper — 6 inches going back. That gives you more room to play with parting styles and makes the hairline look more seamless.
Knowing the difference helps when you’re choosing. If you like to switch up your look a lot, the 13x6 gives you a bit more freedom.
But if your go-to style is simple and clean, 13x4 might be all you need.
Decoding Full Lace Wigs
Now that you’ve got a grip on lace front wigs, let’s talk about their more flexible cousin — the full lace wig.
A full lace wig is made entirely of lace, front to back. That means every strand is hand-tied into lace, not just the hairline.
It’s what gives these wigs their flexibility — you can part the hair anywhere, pull it into a high bun, low ponytail, braids, whatever you’re feeling that day.
If you’ve ever seen someone with a flawless, pulled-back hairstyle that looks like it’s growing right out of their scalp, chances are it was a full lace wig.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Full styling freedom: You can part it anywhere, even straight down the back.
- Natural look from all angles: Great if you’re doing styles that expose a lot of your scalp.
- Better for custom styles: Stylists have more room to work their magic.
But there’s a tradeoff
- This kind of freedom comes with a few catches:
- They’re more expensive because they take more time to make.
- They need more care — the lace is delicate, and getting it to lay naturally takes patience (or a skilled hand).
Because of that, full lace wigs aren’t always the best choice for daily wear — unless you’re comfortable maintaining them or have someone to help.
They shine in special situations. Think photoshoots, events, weddings, or when you want a super polished look with styling that shows a lot of scalp or needs parts going way back.
Is it a ‘higher-level’ wig?
Not exactly. People often assume full lace wigs are somehow “better” just because they cost more, but that’s not the full picture.
They’re not better. They’re just different. They do more, yes — but they also ask more from you. More money, more effort, more time. So it really depends on what you need.
Lace Front vs Full Lace Wig: Which One’s for You?
Here’s the simple way to look at it:
Lace front wigs are great if you want something that looks natural in front, lets you do common styles, and doesn’t take much work. Perfect for daily wear.
Full lace wigs give you more styling freedom — but they cost more and take more effort. They’re better suited for special looks or when hair flexibility really matters.
So, which Should You Choose?
Ask yourself how often you style your wig in updos or exposed-part styles. Think about how much time you want to spend maintaining it. And, of course, your budget.
Sometimes, a lace front gets the job done and keeps things simple. Other times, full lace gives you the freedom you need to pull off a very specific look. Neither one is better — just better for you.
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