Closure Sizes Explained: 4x4 vs 5x5 vs 6x6 vs 13x4 vs 13x6 - Which Lace Size Should You Buy?

If you are deciding between a 4x4, 5x5 or 6x6 lace closure and a 13x4 or 13x6 lace frontal, the short answer is: the numbers are the lace dimensions in inches, and the bigger the lace, the more parting space and styling freedom you get - at a higher price. A 4x4 closure is the affordable everyday choice, a 5x5 gives noticeably more parting room, and a 13x4 frontal covers the whole hairline from ear to ear for pulled-back and side-swept styles. At Arrow Exim, a raw Indian temple hair factory in Chennai operating since 2011 and shipping to salons, wig makers and hair brands in more than 30 countries, closure and frontal sizing is one of the questions we answer most often - so here is the complete guide.

What do closure and frontal size numbers actually mean?

Every closure and frontal is a piece of lace with human hair strands knotted into it by hand. The size describes the lace itself: a 4x4 closure is a square of lace measuring 4 inches across and 4 inches deep, while a 13x4 frontal is a strip 13 inches wide and 4 inches deep. The lace sits at the top of a sew-in or wig and mimics the scalp, and the bundles are sewn in around or behind it. Width determines how much of the hairline is covered; depth determines how far back from the hairline you can create a parting.

Closure sizes compared: 4x4 vs 5x5 vs 6x6

4x4 closure - the everyday standard

The 4x4 is the most widely stocked closure size worldwide and the workhorse of budget-friendly sew-ins and closure wigs. It covers a palm-sized area at the crown or front, supports a middle part or a modest side part, and uses the least lace, which keeps the cost down. For clients who wear one style most of the time and do not pull their hair back, a 4x4 does the job with the least maintenance.

5x5 closure - more parting freedom

A 5x5 adds an inch in both directions, which sounds small but changes the look: partings can sit deeper, the lace blends over a wider area, and the install photographs more like a frontal from the front. 5x5 closures have become the default for glueless closure wigs, because the extra lace lets the wig sit flatter and the parting look more natural without adhesive.

6x6 closure - maximum closure coverage

A 6x6 is the largest common closure. It approaches frontal-level versatility for the front section - deep side parts, curtain-bang styling and freer parting - while still avoiding the full ear-to-ear installation work of a frontal. It suits experienced wearers and wig makers building premium units.

Frontal sizes: 13x4 vs 13x6

A frontal replaces the entire front hairline. The 13x4 is the industry standard: 13 inches ear to ear and 4 inches back, enough for slicked-back styles, high ponytails and any parting position. The 13x6 goes two inches deeper, so partings can run further back and braided or swept-back styles look more realistic - but it needs more customization skill, more bleaching of knots, and costs more because there is simply more hand-knotted lace. As a rough market guide, frontals typically wholesale at around one and a half to two times the price of a closure in the same length and texture, and a 13x6 carries a premium over a 13x4; exact pricing always depends on length, lace type and hair grade.

Quick guide: which size should you buy?

• Choose a 4x4 closure for everyday sew-ins, budget closure wigs and clients who keep one parting.

• Choose a 5x5 closure for glueless wigs and a more natural, wider parting area.

• Choose a 6x6 closure for premium closure units with near-frontal styling at the front.

• Choose a 13x4 frontal for ponytails, slick-backs and full hairline versatility.

• Choose a 13x6 frontal for deep partings and the most realistic swept-back styles.

• For resale stock, 4x4 closures and 13x4 frontals sell fastest; add 5x5 as glueless wigs grow.

Does lace type matter as much as size?

Yes - size decides styling freedom, but lace type decides how invisible the install looks. Swiss lace is durable and slightly thicker, transparent lace is a see-through version that suits lighter skin tones, and HD lace is the thinnest and melts into most skin tones with minimal makeup. All Arrow Exim closures and frontals are hand-knotted with raw Indian temple hair on the lace type you specify, with pre-plucked hairlines and baby hair available. Wholesale buyers ordering for mixed clienteles usually stock HD and transparent lace in the fast-moving sizes rather than one lace type in every size.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 5x5 closure better than a 4x4?

Neither is better - they serve different budgets and styles. A 5x5 gives a deeper, freer parting and a flatter glueless fit, while a 4x4 costs less and is perfect for a fixed middle or side part. If the wig or install will be worn in one style, a 4x4 is enough; if the wearer changes partings, the 5x5 is worth the difference.

Can you do a middle part and a side part with a 4x4 closure?

A middle part, yes - that is what a 4x4 does best. A modest side part is possible if the closure was made with a free part or pre-plucked all over, but a dramatic deep side part will run out of lace. For deep side parts, step up to a 5x5 or 6x6.

Do I need a frontal for a high ponytail?

For a truly convincing high ponytail you need the hairline covered ear to ear, which means a 13x4 or 13x6 frontal - or a 360 lace unit. A closure only covers the top, so the sides would expose tracks when the hair is pulled back.

How many bundles go with a closure vs a frontal?

With a closure, most installs in 12 to 20 inches use 3 bundles, moving to 4 for longer lengths. With a frontal, the lace covers more area, so 2 to 3 bundles usually suffice up to about 18 inches and 3 to 4 beyond that. Wavy and curly textures look fuller, so they often need one bundle fewer than straight hair at the same length.

What size closure is best for making wigs?

Wig makers most often use 5x5 closures for glueless everyday units and 13x4 frontals for versatile styled units. The 5x5 balances a natural parting with easier construction and a lower lace cost, which protects the margin on ready-to-ship wigs.

Does a bigger lace last longer?

No - lifespan depends on lace quality, knot care and handling, not size. Any well-made closure or frontal in raw hair should last through a year or more of reinstalls if the lace is handled gently and knots are not over-bleached. Larger lace pieces actually need slightly more careful handling because there is more lace to tear.

Are frontals harder to install than closures?

Yes. A frontal must be customized (knots bleached, hairline plucked, lace tinted), then secured flat across the whole hairline, usually with adhesive or an elastic-band method. A closure only needs to sit flat over a small area, which is why beginners and low-maintenance clients start with closures.

Can I order mixed closure sizes in one wholesale order?

Most factories, including Arrow Exim, allow mixed sizes, lace types, lengths and textures within a single wholesale order, and offer sample pieces before bulk commitments. Mixing 4x4, 5x5 and 13x4 pieces in one shipment is the usual way new resellers test what their market prefers.

Arrow Exim is a raw Indian temple hair factory in Chennai, India, manufacturing hair extensions, closures, frontals and wigs since 2011 and shipping factory-direct to customers in more than 30 countries. Every closure and frontal is hand-knotted with single-donor, cuticle-aligned temple hair in the size and lace type you choose. For wholesale price lists, sample orders or help choosing sizes for your market, message us on WhatsApp at +91 98841 11108 or email sales@arrowexim.com.