How to Choose Lace Parting Space for Closures and Frontals
We see so many new salon owners and resellers order the wrong lace parting space for closures and frontals, then panic when their install looks off or their customers complain they can’t switch up their part. Most of the time, it’s not bad lace or low-quality hair causing the issue—it’s picking a parting space that doesn’t match how the wearer actually styles their hair. You don’t need to overcomplicate this, but you do need to stop guessing and pick sizes that match your actual client base.
What those lace size numbers actually mean (no jargon)
When you see labels like 4×4, 5×5, 13×4, or 13×6, the second number is almost always the depth of the parting space from the hairline back. A 4×4 closure, for example, gives you 4 inches of width across the hairline and 4 inches of depth to part back, so you can do a middle part or slight side part but can’t push the part too far toward the ear without showing tracks. A 13×4 frontal has 13 inches of width across the entire front hairline, but only 4 inches of parting depth back, which is why deep side parts on cheap 13×4 units often look fake. If you’re sourcing stock for your shop, it helps to cross-check this spec against the lace quality checks we outline for all incoming stock, so you don’t get sent mismarked pieces from factories.
Match lace parting space to your client’s go-to style
- 2×6 kim k closures are made exclusively for sharp middle parts, no side part flexibility at all, great for clients who never switch their part and want the flattest possible install
- 4×4 closures work for clients who stick to a middle part or soft side part no more than 1 inch off center, and they’re the lowest cost closure option for everyday wear
- 5×5 closures add an extra inch of parting depth, so you can pull hair into a low ponytail without showing wefts, and they work for slightly deeper side parts
- 13×4 frontals work for clients who want to wear their hair pulled back away from the face, or switch between middle parts and soft side parts across the hairline
- 13×6 frontals add 2 extra inches of parting depth, so you can do dramatic deep side parts, zig-zag parts, or pull hair into high ponytails without visible tracks
- 360 frontals have parting space around the entire hairline, but only 2 inches of depth all around, so they’re only good for pulled-back styles, not deep parts anywhere but the very front
The price tradeoff no one talks about for deeper parting
Every extra inch of parting space adds cost, plain and simple. A 13×6 frontal usually runs 25-30% more than a 13×4 from the same hair donor grade, because it requires more lace and more hand-tied hair across a larger area. A lot of new buyers stock up on 13×6 frontals thinking they’re the “best” option, but end up sitting on $1,200+ of inventory because their regular clients don’t want to pay the extra $40-$60 per install for that extra parting depth. If most of your clients get a quick weave with a fixed middle part, you don’t need to shell out for deep parting space that will never get used. If you’re building custom units, you’ll also want to make sure your closure or frontal texture lines up exactly with the bulk hair or wefts you’re using, so the part doesn’t look mismatched in texture or density.
The most common ordering mistake we see in the warehouse
At least twice a week, we get a message from a buyer who swears we sent them the wrong frontal, because they can’t part a 13×4 all the way back to the crown like they saw in a TikTok tutorial. Here’s the hard truth: a lot of social media clips showing super deep parts on 13×4 frontals are either using custom-plucked, overstretched lace or just editing the part line to look deeper for clicks. If you promise a client a part that goes 6 inches back on a 13×4, you’re going to end up trimming lace, adding extra hair, and losing money on the install to make it work. We usually suggest keeping a mix of 60% 4×4/5×5 closures, 30% 13×4 frontals, and 10% 13×6 frontals for regular salon stock, unless you specialize in high ponytail or editorial styles. If you’re still figuring out your initial stock mix, our wholesale sourcing guide breaks down MOQs and lead times for each size so you don’t overorder.
Don’t forget about lace durability with wider parting
Larger sections of thin HD lace tear way easier than smaller lace pieces, especially if your client is rough on their hair at home. A 4×4 closure has a tiny lace footprint, so it can hold up to 8-10 weeks of regular wear, washes, and styling without fraying at the edges if it’s installed correctly. A 13×6 frontal, on the other hand, has a much larger expanse of delicate lace right along the hairline, so it usually needs a touch-up every 4-6 weeks and is way more prone to tearing if the client pulls their hair too tight. If you’re offering installs paired with sew-in weft hair, make sure to walk clients through the care differences between closure and frontal parting sizes before they book, so they don’t come back upset when their larger lace piece needs earlier maintenance.
Can I make a smaller parting space work for a deep side part?
You can, but it will take extra work, and it won’t look as natural as using a piece made for that style. You’ll need to pluck extra hair along the part line, use concealer to blend the visible lace edge, and avoid pulling hair too tight away from the part to hide the weft underneath. It’s fine for a one-time event look, but don’t promise that level of versatility to clients who want a low-maintenance daily install.
Is a bigger parting space always better for wigs?
Not at all. Bigger parting space adds cost, requires more plucking work during the build, and is more fragile for daily wear. If your customer only ever wears a straight middle part, a 2×6 or 4×4 closure will give them a flatter, longer-lasting install than a bulky 13×6 frontal for half the price.
Next time you place a stock order, skip the hype around the biggest possible parting space and pick sizes that match what your clients actually ask for week to week. If you have questions about specific sizing for your next order, you can reach out to our team or check common answers on our FAQ page for quick, no-sales-pitch responses.
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