Closures are essential to any weave, that is why it is important to choose your closure wisely.
There are two sides people usually take when considering how to complete their weave – lace based or silk based.
Though they seem like they would be very similar at first glance, there are actually several differences that set them apart.
What is the difference between Silk and Lace?
A lace closure is a hair piece usually made with Swiss lace on the bottom that completes a weave on the top part of the head.
It has grids on the bottom that are interlaced with hairs to give the illusion of the scalp.
A silk closure is a hair piece made with silk on the bottom to complete a weave on the top of the head.
It does not have grids like the lace does, but rather a smooth and thick base.
Lace Vs Silk- Which is better?
In order to decide which is better for you, it all depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
If you are trying to make your closure look like a real scalp, you may think silk is better. However, if you are looking for a breathable and more delicate option, you may think that lace is better.
Many people choose lace because it is more comfortable and easier to install. Others prefer a closure that looks the closest to the real thing, and don’t mind the extra effort for silk.
Also, affordability is a factor that is also significant for a lot of people. Lace closures tend to cost less than silk closures.
Both lace and silk have their pros and cons. It really comes down to what cons you consider to be manageable.
Major Differences Between a Lace and Silk Closure
The differences between a lace and silk closure are not hard to miss. Here are the major distinctions:
1. Transparency
One of the main differences in the two closures is their transparency.
Lace is a sheer material that reveals the natural skin underneath. Though lace is see-through, the grids are visible, and also the knots where the hair is attached are also visible.
Lace closures require that these knots be bleached in order to keep the scalp clear of any dots.
If not bleached correctly the lace could become ruined and so could the hair attached to it. Many people choose to use foundation or concealer to tint the color of the lace, but it is an extra step that many don’t like to deal with.
Silk, however, does not require bleaching knots because the base does not have grids. It is not transparent like lace is, but has a color that looks like a scalp.
Silk closures come in specific colors. If the color is not the same as a person’s scalp it can be hard to tint it. Some of the permanent tinting methods of lace involve using tea bags, coffee or dye. [1]
2. Price
Lace closures tend to be less expensive than silk closures. Many people choose these closures for their affordability. Lace closures tend to range from $30 to over $100.
There are different types of lace to choose from. The softest and thinnest kind of lace is Swiss lace, which is more expensive. Transparent lace is also one of the more expensive kinds of lace.
Silk closures are made with both silk and a silk fabric that eliminates grid lines to give them a more realistic look. The extra elements of a silk closure makes it more expensive than a lace closure – they tend to range from $50 to over $200.
Silk base closures mainly vary in price due to their size. For example, a frontal would be more expensive than a 4×4 closure.
3. Thickness
Lace is thin and flexible. It is able to easily wrap around a person’s head and lay flat against it.
Many people choose lace because it is easier to apply against the head in a natural looking way.
Lace is also more comfortable to wear because the grids allow for air to flow through. Silk is thicker than lace, and while it makes it a good fake scalp, it can be uncomfortable for some people.
Also, silk closures can fold and bend if they are not installed properly – making the process of laying the closure flat against the head is more difficult. There is a special way to braid the hair in order to help with laying the closure flat.
Due to its thickness, the silk closure also may not conform to the wearer’s head, depending on the length and size.
It is very necessary to take the extra step of knowing the exact measurements of the wearer’s head and the exact measurements of the closure, in order to avoid wasting money on a size that does not fit.
Many people find the process of getting an exact fit to be too much of a hassle when it comes to finding silk base closures.
4. Installation
Lace Installation
Lace closures are made with lace hanging out from the front. The wearer would have to choose a lace that is a similar color to their own skin.
The different lace colors include light brown, brown, and transparent lace. Once the closure is sewn down, the lace is then cut to the preference of the user, leaving some lace out on the scalp.
Because the lace is visible on the forehead, it is important to find the right color. If the lace does not match your skin color, then it will have to be bleached and dyed to match the tone.
This can be a benefit for some people because silk closures usually are really light, and harder to color.
Many times before the closure is placed on the head, the knots on the lace need to be bleached a lighter color in order to look more natural – as if the hair is coming out of the scalp. The hairline may also need to be plucked, to mimic the spaces in a natural hairline. [2]
The lace extends beyond the hairline for a lace closure, making it easier to lay on the forehead with the imitation of baby hairs. This is done by using glue, such as Got2b.
Silk Installation
A silk closure, just like lace, also needs to be sewn in. It is not necessary to bleach knots for the closure, because they don’t have any.
A person may have to use concealer or foundation powder in or to tint the silk before or after they sew it in, if the silk base does not match their skin color.
Unlike lace closures the silk does not extend past the hairline, rather is cut off at the front – leaving a weft to work around. It can be harder to lay a silk closure flat on the head, especially in the front by the forehead. [3]
One of the benefits of a silk closure is that it gives full coverage of the hair, so you don’t have to worry about blending in your hairline and melting lace.
It is also better to use for a protective style, because all of the hair is covered which allows it to grow out the same throughout.
How Long do Lace and Silk Closures Last?
Lace closures are thin and delicate. If installed correctly, they can last for about 2 to 4 weeks without needing a retouch.
Silk closures are far more durable than lace closures. If installed correctly, silk closures can last for months, depending on how properly they are cared for.
How do I Maintain My Closures?
Lace closures require constant retouches every 2 to 4 weeks, due to re-guling the front. If the weather is hotter, it may require a retouch sooner.
Melting the lace and masking the natural hair with the closure is also a constant process. Both closures will start to lift due to new growth, so they will have to be flattened consistently. Lace closures are easier to flatten, due to being so thin.
Silk closures are harder to flatten than lace closures, because of their thickness. They may need to be retouched every 2 weeks for this reason, depending on how well they are installed.
However, there is nothing concerning the natural hair that needs to be maintained for the silk closure.
It is important to be aware of how tightly one is pulling on a silk closure, because it is sewn in at the front as well as the back – so one can risk pulling out the hair in the natural hairline.
It is recommended by many that people go to professional stylists – especially for a silk-base closure – to install and maintain the closure. This is to ensure that they remain as flat as possible on the head.
Both closures need to be cared for properly on a constant basis – this includes washing, combing, and covering at night. [4]
The Final Word
There are pros and cons to both a lace closure and a silk closure – so it is hard to say which is inherently better.
Lace closures tend to be more popular based on their convenience and price. Silk closures are also popular based on their closeness to a real scalp.
The choice of one or the other really comes down to personal preference.
Though these two closures serve the same purpose, they differ in several areas that are important to be informed of before making a decision.
