Frontal Pieces, Lace Fronts, and Partial Systems Explained—When to Use Them, Cost, and How They Compare to Full Systems

Not all hair loss is the same. Some men lose hair only at the front hairline. Others experience thinning only in the crown. Some keep their natural hair on the sides and back, and only need coverage up front.

For these situations, a full hair system isn’t always necessary. A frontal hair system—also called a frontal piece, lace front, or partial system—covers just the affected area. It’s more affordable, faster to install, and often looks incredibly natural because it blends with your existing hair.

Here’s everything you need to know about frontal hair systems.

What Is a Frontal Hair System?

A frontal hair system is a partial hairpiece that covers the front portion of your head—specifically the hairline, temple area, and upper frontal region. It doesn’t cover the entire scalp like a full system does.

Think of it as custom coverage for your specific problem area. If your hairline is receding but you still have healthy hair on the sides and back, a frontal piece fills in that front area while blending seamlessly with your natural hair.

Frontal systems come in different sizes:

Small frontal: Covers just the hairline
Medium frontal: Covers hairline and temples
Large frontal: Covers hairline, temples, and upper crown area
Full frontal: Covers everything from front to crown (but not the back)

Your specific frontal size depends on your hair loss pattern and what area needs coverage.

Who Should Get a Frontal Hair System?

Frontal systems are ideal if you:

Have a receding or thinning hairline but keep hair on the sides and back
Experience hairline recession but not crown hair loss
Have natural hair you want to blend with a system
Want a more affordable alternative to a full system
Need quick installation and shorter maintenance appointments
Want to try a hair system for the first time with lower investment
Experience hair thinning only in the front (not overall thinning)

If you have overall baldness or very significant hair loss across your entire head, a full hair system is better. But if your hair loss is concentrated in the front, a frontal piece is perfect.

How Frontal Systems Work: Installation

Custom Fitting

Your frontal piece is custom-made to fit your specific head shape and hair loss pattern. Unlike full systems, frontals must blend perfectly with your existing hair, so the fit and transition are critical.

Scalp Preparation

Your scalp is thoroughly cleaned. The front hairline and temple areas are prepped with protective barrier and adhesive. This takes 10–15 minutes.

Precise Positioning

The frontal piece is carefully positioned so it aligns perfectly with your natural hairline and blends seamlessly with your existing hair on the sides and back. This is where the skill matters—sloppy positioning ruins the effect.

Blending and Styling

The technician customizes the hairline, adjusts density, plucks the lace, and styles everything so your natural hair and the frontal piece blend as one continuous head of hair. This is crucial for a natural look.

Installation Time: 1–2 Hours

Frontal installation takes 1–2 hours (faster than full systems). The faster installation time is one advantage of going with a partial piece.

Frontal vs. Full Hair System: The Key Differences

Coverage Area

Frontal: Covers front hairline and upper area only
Full System: Covers entire scalp from hairline to back of head

Choose frontal if your hair loss is concentrated up front. Choose full system if you have baldness across your entire head.

Cost

Frontal: $300–800 (less hair = less cost)
Full System: $500–2,000+ (more hair = higher cost)

Frontals are significantly cheaper because they use less hair and less lace material.

Installation Time

Frontal: 1–2 hours
Full System: 2–4 hours

Frontals are faster to install, which also means faster and cheaper maintenance appointments.

Maintenance Appointments

Frontal: Usually 30–60 minutes every 3–4 weeks
Full System: Usually 60–90 minutes every 2–4 weeks

Frontal maintenance is quicker and often cheaper because there’s less area to work with.

Blending with Natural Hair

Frontal: Blends with your existing hair on sides and back
Full System: No blending needed—covers entire head

Frontals have a unique advantage: they blend with your natural hair, which can create an even more natural appearance.

Hairstyle Flexibility

Frontal: Limited to hairstyles that incorporate your natural sides/back hair
Full System: Can wear any hairstyle

With a frontal, you’re somewhat limited by your natural hair on the sides. With a full system, you have complete styling freedom.

Types of Frontal Hair Systems

Lace Front Frontals

The front hairline is made with delicate lace material. The back is usually poly (skin material) or PU for durability. Lace fronts provide the most natural-looking hairline because the lace is nearly invisible. The hairline looks like it’s growing directly from your scalp. These are premium but worth it for the hairline appearance.

Poly/PU Frontals

The entire frontal piece is made with poly or PU material. Poly frontals are more durable and affordable, but the hairline isn’t quite as invisible as lace front versions. Hairline visibility depends on styling and blending.

Hybrid Frontals (Lace Front + Poly Back)

Lace material up front for an invisible hairline, poly material in the back for durability. This is the ideal combination—maximum hairline invisibility plus durability and practicality. Hybrid frontals are usually the best choice.

Frontal Systems: Hair Types

Real Human Hair

Premium option. Looks and feels completely natural. Can be styled with heat. Blends perfectly with natural hair. Requires more care but lasts longer. Cost: $400–800.

Synthetic Hair

Budget-friendly option. Lower maintenance. Pre-styled (can’t heat style). Doesn’t look quite as natural as real hair. Cost: $250–500.

Recommendation

For frontals, real human hair is worth the investment because it blends better with your natural sides/back hair. The seamless blend is the whole point of a frontal—so premium hair quality matters more here than with full systems.

Frontal System Maintenance and Lifespan

How Long Do Frontals Last?

Most frontal pieces last 4–8 months with proper care. Some last 6–12 months. Lifespan depends on:

Quality of the hair and base
How often you wear it
Your maintenance routine
Your lifestyle and activity level

Frontals typically last longer than full systems because there’s less overall wear on the smaller piece.

Maintenance Schedule

Professional maintenance every 3–4 weeks (similar to full systems). You’ll remove it, get it cleaned, get re-bonded, and returned.

Daily care: Wash 1–2 times per week, condition regularly, avoid heat if synthetic.

Lifespan Extension Tips

Get professional maintenance on schedule (every 3–4 weeks)
Wash gently with sulfate-free shampoo
Deep condition regularly
Avoid excessive heat styling
Use protective products
Don’t neglect the blend area where frontal meets natural hair

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect

Initial Investment

Frontal piece: $300–800
Professional installation: $200–500
Total first-time: $500–1,300

Ongoing Monthly Cost

Maintenance visits (every 3–4 weeks): $100–200/month
Shampoo/products: $20–40/month
Total ongoing: $120–240/month

Annual Cost (Year 1)

$1,000–2,000 (initial + maintenance)

Annual Cost (Year 2+)

$1,500–3,000 (maintenance + replacement cycles)

Comparison: Frontals are typically about 50% the cost of full systems, making them ideal for budget-conscious first-timers.

Frontal vs. Minoxidil/Hair Transplants: Which Is Better?

Frontal System vs. Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Frontal: Immediate results, proven effectiveness, no health risks
Minoxidil: Results take 6–12 months, works for some people, potential side effects

If you want immediate results, a frontal wins. If you want to try slowing hair loss first, try minoxidil first.

Frontal System vs. Hair Transplant

Frontal: $500–1,300 initial, reversible, immediate results
Hair Transplant: $5,000–15,000+, permanent, results take 1–2 years

Frontals are perfect for trying before committing to surgery. Get a frontal, see how it feels to have a full hairline, then decide if you want a transplant later.

The Bottom Line: Frontals Are Perfect for Frontal Hair Loss

If your hair loss is concentrated at the hairline, a frontal hair system is an excellent solution. It’s affordable, quick to install, blends beautifully with your natural hair, and delivers immediate, dramatic results.

Frontals are often the perfect entry point to hair systems. Many men start with a frontal to see how they like wearing a system, then upgrade to a full system later if needed.

The key to success is professional installation and regular maintenance. Get it right from the start with a skilled technician, and your frontal will look so natural that only you’ll know it’s not your real hair.

At Ace of Fades 212, we specialize in frontal systems that blend seamlessly with your natural hair. We can help you determine if a frontal is right for your specific hair loss pattern and recommend the perfect solution for you.

Have a receding hairline but full hair on the sides? A frontal system might be perfect for you. Schedule a consultation at Ace of Fades 212 to explore your options and see what’s possible with a professional frontal piece.