Mesh Installs With a Traditional Sew-In: Closures, Frontals, and 360s
One of the most classic mesh installs is also one of the most popular protective styles: a traditional sew-in with a lace closure, frontal, or 360. The natural hair is braided down, the wefts are sewn on, and the lace piece finishes the install with a natural-looking part and hairline. None of the client's natural hair is out.
In this guide, I will walk through how to combine lace with a traditional sew-in and how to choose the right piece.
PART ONE: Why Combine Lace With a Sew-In
- A full protective style. All the natural hair is braided away.
- A natural part and hairline. The lace mimics the scalp.
- No leave-out to blend. No texture matching between natural leave-out and wefts.
- More versatility than a meshless approach.
PART TWO: Choosing the Lace Piece
| Piece | What It Gives the Sew-In |
|---|---|
| 2x6 closure | A long, natural part with minimal lace |
| 4x4 closure | The classic middle part |
| 5x5 closure | Middle and side parts |
| 6x6 / 7x7 closure | Wide parting range and broad coverage |
| 13x6 / 13x7 frontal | A full hairline and pulled-back styles |
| 360 lace | Updos and high ponytails |
"A sew-in with lace is a protective style and a natural part in one install. It is a classic for good reason."
PART THREE: The Install, Step by Step
- Consult on placement and choose the lace piece.
- Prep the natural hair: wash, condition, and dry.
- Braid the base, planning the pattern around the lace placement.
- Sew on the wefts, starting at the nape and working up.
- Place the lace piece and sew it down securely without stretching it.
- Customize and blend the lace and hair.
- Style and educate the client on lace care.
Hair and lace matching
Our lace pieces come in multiple shades and textures and can be custom colored, so the lace hair and the wefts match perfectly.
SIDE BY SIDE: Leave-Out Sew-In vs Lace Sew-In
| Factor | Leave-Out Sew-In | Lace Sew-In (Mesh) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural hair out | Yes | None |
| Heat on natural hair | Leave-out gets styled | None |
| Texture matching | Leave-out must match wefts | Lace hair matches wefts |
| Lace care | None | Required |
What to Expect
| Factor | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Wear time | 4 weeks up to 6 months, depending on the stylist and maintenance |
| Install pricing | Beginners $50-$75/hr, experts about $500/hr |
BOTTOM LINE
A traditional sew-in with a closure, frontal, or 360 is a mesh install and a full protective style in one. Choose the right lace piece, braid a base that supports it, match the lace and wefts, and educate the client on lace care.
Read The 4-6 Month Sew-In and How Mesh Installs Are Installed.
Train and Shop With BLONC
Learn it step by step with the Mesh Integration Install Certification at Blonc Academy, and practice with the Mesh Integration Install Training Kit.
Shop lace closures, frontals, and wefts. Stylists, join Blonc Pros.