Lace Frontal vs 360 Frontal: Stocking Guide for Wig Makers
The lace frontal vs 360 frontal choice comes down to coverage and cost: a lace frontal covers the front hairline ear to ear, while a 360 frontal wraps the entire perimeter. Most wig makers should default to a 13×4 lace frontal and add 360s only for high ponytails and quick installs. Here’s what we see in the warehouse, with stock levels and prices that actually make sense.
What exactly is the difference between the two?
A 13×4 frontal is a 13-inch-wide, 4-inch-deep lace strip that creates the hairline and front parting space.
A 360 frontal adds lace around the sides and back, usually on an adjustable cap or band.
With a 13×4, you fill the rest with bundles of weft hair, hair sewn onto tracks.
A 360 lets clients wear high styles without exposing tracks, but poor fit causes nape bunching.
One gives a natural hairline; the other gives full perimeter styling.
Lace frontal vs 360 frontal: which should you stock first?
For starter inventory, buy 13×4 frontals in your three best-selling textures and lengths.
They sell faster, fit more clients, and pair with standard weft hair without special caps.
Add 360s only after three or more real requests for ponytails, updos, or glueless pull-on units.
New makers overbuy 360s because they look flexible, then watch 13x4s turn every two to three weeks.
This lace frontal buyer guide covers knots, lace color, and fullness for a sensible first order.
How many frontals and bundles should you keep on hand?
- Stock 6–10 13×4 frontals in straight, body wave, and deep wave, mostly 14–18 inches.
- Carry 2–4 360 frontals in your top two textures, mainly 16–20 inches.
- Use 2–3 matching bundles per frontal for standard wigs, or 3–4 for lengths past 22 inches.
- Keep 10–15 extra top-selling bundles so custom orders don’t wait on 7–10-day factory shipping.
- Reorder 13x4s at two units; reorder most 360s only after a deposit.
What do they cost, and who pays the upgrade?
A 360 uses more lace and hand-tied hair, usually costing 30–60% more than a similar 13×4.
It needs fewer bundles, but that savings rarely covers the upgrade by itself.
Clients who want high ponytails or quick routines will pay; clients who only need a natural part often won’t.
Show a finished 13×4 unit so buyers see the cheaper option still looks realistic.
If your market is budget-conscious basic wigs, 360s can sit and tie up cash.
Where buyers go wrong with 360 frontal stock
The big mistake is treating a 360 like a bigger frontal; cap size, nape stretch, and band placement change fit.
Don’t overstock lengths past 22 inches, where heavier units trigger more shedding and tightness questions.
Some clients need a closure—a small lace piece for the parting area—or a standard frontal; this closure vs frontal guide compares both.
Check cap measurements, lace tint, and return terms before ordering, especially for online sales.
Start narrow, prove demand, then add textures one at a time.
Is a 360 frontal better than a lace frontal?
Not for everyone. A 360 is better for updos and quick styling, while a 13×4 costs less, fits easier, and sells faster for everyday units. Stock what clients request, not what looks most impressive.
Can beginners make wigs with a 360 frontal?
Yes, but the learning curve is steeper. You must fit the band, secure the nape, and prevent lace buckling, so build a few clean 13×4 wigs first. Then order one 360 sample.
You can browse current hair extensions to match textures, and our FAQ page covers shipping, cap sizes, and wholesale minimums. Start with a small test order, then let real client demand tell you when to add more 360 frontals.
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