x5 Closure vs 13×4 Frontal: Wig Maker Stocking Guide
For most US wig makers and salon owners, stock 60% 5×5 closures and 40% 13×4 frontals if you serve everyday wear clients; lean into 70% frontals only if most of your customers request updos or custom hairlines. A 5×5 closure is a 5×5 inch lace piece covering just the crown; a 13×4 frontal is a wider lace piece spanning 13 inches across the full hairline and 4 inches back. This guide breaks down the real tradeoffs we see in our warehouse so you can avoid overstocking slow movers and tie up less cash.
How much does a 5×5 closure vs 13×4 frontal cost wholesale?
For virgin Brazilian straight hair, an 18-inch 5×5 closure runs $18–$28 wholesale, depending on lace type (transparent vs HD). An 18-inch 13×4 frontal of the same quality runs $38–$52, because it uses 2–3x more lace and 20–30 more grams of hair. MOQs for closures are usually 10 pieces per length, while frontals often have a 5-piece MOQ per length since they’re slower to produce. If you’re new, mix closure lengths to hit MOQs without tying up too much cash in pricier frontals.
Which one sells faster for everyday wig clients?
In our warehouse, we see 6 out of 10 everyday wear wig orders use a 5×5 closure, especially for clients who wear their hair down or in low ponytails. Frontals move slower for most shops because they’re more expensive, and casual wearers don’t need the full hairline versatility. The exception? Shops with lots of wedding, prom, or performance clients sell frontals just as fast. If you want to fine-tune your closure stock by size, check our guide to x4, 5×5, and 6×6 closures for exact ratio tips. If you’re unsure about frontal demand, start small and reorder based on what your regulars ask for.
How many bundles do I need with each?
The number of weft hair bundles you’ll pair with each piece depends on hair length and desired density, or the overall thickness of the finished wig. 150% density is the standard for everyday wear, so use this breakdown as a baseline:
- 10–14 inch 5×5 closure: 2 bundles
- 16–20 inch 5×5 closure: 3 bundles
- 22–26 inch 5×5 closure: 3–4 bundles
- 10–14 inch 13×4 frontal: 2–3 bundles
- 16–20 inch 13×4 frontal: 3 bundles
- 22–26 inch 13×4 frontal: 3–4 bundles
If you’re making 180% density wigs for clients who want extra fullness, add one extra bundle per length tier.
Common mistakes new wig makers make when stocking these
The biggest mistake new wig makers make is overstocking 24+ inch frontals before they have a steady client base asking for them. Long frontals cost more, and if they sit 3+ months, that’s cash tied up in slow-moving stock. Another common misstep is buying only HD lace frontals without stocking transparent lace, which works fine for most skin tones and costs 15–20% less. If you’re new to buying frontals wholesale, our wholesale lace frontal guide breaks down lace types and quality red flags to avoid. Track how fast each length and lace type sells so you can adjust your next order accordingly.
Quality tradeoffs you should actually care about
Both 5×5 closures and 13×4 frontals come in the same quality tiers, from budget non-Remy to virgin cuticle aligned hair — meaning all cuticles face the same direction for less tangling and longer wear. The main quality difference you’ll notice between closures and frontals is lace durability — frontals have more lace area, so they’re more prone to tearing if handled roughly during plucking or installation. You don’t need to spring for HD lace for every client; transparent lace works for 80% of skin tones and holds up better to frequent styling. If you’re ready to compare quality tiers and pricing, you can browse all hair extensions directly on our site.
Can I do a side part with a 5×5 closure?
Yes, you can do a side part with a 5×5 closure, but you’re limited to 2–3 inches of parting space on either side of the center. Frontals give you full parting space across the entire hairline, so you can do deep side parts, middle parts, or no part at all. If you get more parting questions, our FAQ page has a full breakdown.
Do 13×4 frontals last longer than 5×5 closures?
No, the lifespan of both pieces depends on hair quality and how well the client cares for them, not the size of the lace base. With proper care, a virgin cuticle aligned closure or frontal will last 6–12 months with regular wear. Frontals need more frequent lace maintenance, like re-bleaching knots, since they cover more area.
At the end of the day, the right stock ratio comes down to your specific client base and what they ask for most. Start small with slower-moving sizes, track your sales, and adjust your orders every 2–3 months to keep your inventory turning over quickly.
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