Frontals are very useful hair pieces for making your hairstyle look as natural as possible. Though they may not seem that different at first, there are certain features about them that are important to consider. This article will tell you all you need to know about 13×4 and 13×6 frontals.
13×4 vs 13×6 Frontal
A 13×4 frontal completes the top of a wig or weave. They are less time-consuming than 13×6 frontals due to their size. Many people gravitate towards the convenience of its easier application and maintenance because it is less labor-intensive. However, they are also less versatile than 13×6 frontals.
A 13×6 serves the same purpose as a 13×4. They have more parting space and are larger overall, but they are more expensive and require more time to install.
Differences:
- 13×6 is larger than a 13’x4
- 13×4 is easier to install
- 13×6 is less versatile
- 13×4 is harder to install
Similarities:
- Both can be parted in different ways
- Both make a wig look more natural
- Both need to be customized
13×4
What is a 13×4 frontal?
A 13×4 is a lace frontal wig. Its function is to blend the hairline and natural skin, to give the illusion of the scalp. It extends from ear to ear and goes 4 inches to the back of the head.
A lace frontal wig is ideal for those who want their wig to look as natural as possible, and can even help those who have a receding hairline. A frontal gives the wig more styling options and provides full coverage of scalp imitation along the hairline. It is the most popular type of lace wig.
Pros
- Less expensive – A 13×4 frontal is less expensive than a 13×6 frontal, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Easier customization – 13×4 frontals have less lace that you will need to deal with, which makes the customization time less than with a 13×6 frontal. There is less lace to tint and less lace to melt on the scalp.
Cons
- Less versatile – Due to the 13×4 frontal being smaller, it is less versatile than the 13×6. There is less parting space on 13×4, which is the main reason for less versatility.
- Less Breathability – The smaller the frontal, the less that it is able to air out. A 13×4 frontal has less breathability than a 13×6, which may be a problem for people who sweat a lot or live in warmer climates.
- Part – A 13×4 does not go as far back towards the back of the head as a 13×6. This makes the 13×4 look less natural than a 13×6.
Read More: What is A 13×4 Frontal?
13×6
What is a 13×6?
A 13×6 is the same as a 13×4 frontal, only bigger. It is the same length across but goes 2 inches farther towards the back of the head. Its function is to make the frontal look even more natural by giving it more parting space and hair in the back.
A 13×6 is the most expensive frontal and is the frontal that is the most difficult to install.
Pros
- Versatile – Due to the amount of lace in the front, a 13×4 is very versatile in the number of styles you can achieve with it. The parting looks better on a 13×6 and goes deeper.[1]
- Natural-looking – Frontals also have lace around the front edges, so similar to lace front wigs, one can style the baby hair look to make the hairpiece appear even more natural. The hairline can be plucked and the lace can be tinted to make it look more natural, and the lace blends around the face as a natural hairline would.
Cons
- More expensive – 13×6 frontals tend to be pricier than 13×4 frontals, due to the amount of hair that is included and their width. A typical 13×6 closure costs about $20-$30 dollars more than a 13×4.
- Harder Customization – There is a lot more lace on a 13×6 frontal that needs to be customized and blended onto the head. Due to the amount of lace, it takes more time and effort to customize than a 13×4 lace wig.
- High Maintenance – Due to the frontal being larger, it will require more maintenance. A frontal needs to be made flat against the head, and there is more work required to flatten a frontal in the back than with a 13×4.
What is the best type of lace for a frontal?
The best type of lace for a frontal ultimately depends on what your needs and preferences are. The highest quality lace is HD lace. It is the thinnest and most transparent lace. However, it is not as beginner-friendly as other laces because it is very delicate. It is also the most expensive. Transparent lace is more durable and is easily customizable to any skin tone. It is still high quality and less expensive than HD lace. If you are wanting the most affordable option, you could choose standard Swiss lace. It is harder to customize and thicker than the other laces.
Read More: Swiss Lace vs. HD Lace
Do frontals ruin your hair?
Frontals themselves do not damage your hair, but there are certain ways you can mishandle it that could cause you hair damage. If you try to remove your frontal without properly removing the glue, you could pull your hair out. Hair glue needs to be taken out carefully with glue removal, or it will continue to stick to the hair.
How do you fix a lace frontal hairline?
When you first receive a frontal, the lace is not cut. One way you can match the lace to your hairline is to glue the lace down where you want it to stick and then cut the excess off as it matches your hairline. You should not cut the lace in a straight line, because it will look more obvious against the skin. You should move your scissors slightly up and down as you cut, so it mimics a natural hairline even more.[2]
The Final Word
Both 13×4 and 13×6 frontal have their benefits, but ultimately, it depends on what you place emphasis on to decide which is better for you.
