How Long Can a Weft Stay In? A Stylist’s Complete Guide
One of the very first questions extension clients ask is:
“How long can I keep my wefts in before I need to come back?”
It’s a fair question—extensions are an investment, and people want to get the most out of them. But as stylists, we know there’s a careful balance between maximizing wear time and protecting the client’s natural hair. Too short a window, and clients feel they didn’t get their money’s worth. Too long, and we risk tangling, matting, and breakage.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about weft longevity: from how long they can stay in safely, to what factors affect their lifespan, to the best aftercare practices. We’ll also explore how to talk to clients about realistic expectations, and how wefts can benefit your salon business when installed and maintained properly.
The Quick Answer
Most professional stylists agree: a weft install should be refreshed every 6–8 weeks. That’s the sweet spot for client comfort, healthy natural hair, and extension longevity.
The weft hair itself (the actual extension) can last 6–9 months or longer, provided it’s high quality and well cared for. Some clients even stretch to a year with premium brands and diligent at-home routines.
But “how long” really depends on a variety of factors: hair type, install method, lifestyle, and even how disciplined your client is with brushing and washing. Let’s dive deeper.
Understanding Weft Extensions
Before we talk timelines, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what a weft is.
A weft is a continuous strip of hair sewn or tied together at the top, designed to be installed row by row into a client’s natural hair. There are several types:
-
Machine-Tied Wefts – thick, durable, and can be cut, but bulkier against the scalp.
-
Hand-Tied Wefts – thinner and more natural looking, but can unravel if cut.
-
Butterfly Wefts – the new favorite. They combine the flat, seamless lay of hand-tied with the durability of machine-tied. They can be cut and customized without unraveling.
For clients, the type of weft they choose affects how comfortable and invisible the install feels. For stylists, it impacts how flexible you can be with customizing and blending.
What Affects How Long a Weft Can Stay In?
Think of wefts like a partnership: half the responsibility falls on the stylist (installation and quality), the other half on the client (aftercare and lifestyle). Here are the main factors that determine wear time.
1. Hair Type & Natural Growth Rate
-
Fine hair may need lighter installs and more frequent maintenance.
-
Coarse or thick hair can often hold rows more securely.
-
Faster-growing hair means quicker move-ups. Clients with fast growth cycles may need 5–6 week appointments, while slower growers might stretch to 8 weeks.
2. Installation Method
-
Beaded rows tend to need more frequent tightening since beads can slip.
-
Sewn-in rows may hold slightly longer, but still require consistent follow-ups.
-
Hybrid methods (thread + beads) can balance durability and comfort.
3. Lifestyle Habits
-
Athletes and swimmers usually require more frequent maintenance. Chlorine, sweat, and frequent washing loosen wefts.
-
Clients who style with heat daily shorten the life of the hair, even if the bonds stay intact.
-
Clients who rarely wash and protect hair overnight often extend wear time.
4. Products & Routine
-
Sulfate shampoos, heavy oils near the roots, or poor brushing techniques all speed up slippage or damage.
-
Heat protectants, silk pillowcases, and gentle detangling extend the lifespan.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Wefts in Too Long
Some clients inevitably want to push appointments—“Can’t I go just another couple weeks?” But the risks are real.
-
Matting at the roots: as the hair grows out, new hair tangles around the bonds.
-
Breakage: the weight of the weft pulls on fragile hair.
-
Discomfort: rows shift lower, poking or pulling on the scalp.
-
Visibility: beads or stitches show when hair moves naturally.
-
Difficult removals: longer wear means more detangling, which can result in excess shedding during removal.
A good analogy for clients: “It’s like wearing braces too long without adjustments—the system stops working with your growth, and problems build up.”
Client-Friendly Timeline to Share
Stylists often find it helpful to give clients a simple timeline:
-
0–2 weeks: Wefts feel snug, secure, and seamless.
-
3–5 weeks: Still comfortable, just regular brushing and care needed.
-
6–8 weeks: Maintenance time. Natural hair has grown, rows need adjusting.
-
9+ weeks: Risk zone—tangles, discomfort, and damage likely.
Making Wefts Last Longer
The lifespan of the hair itself (not just the install) depends heavily on how both stylist and client care for it.
Stylist Best Practices
-
Use premium wefts (like Cooviphair’s butterfly wefts) to ensure longevity.
-
Apply consistent tension—secure but never painful.
-
Customize rows to distribute weight evenly.
-
Blend thoroughly for natural movement, reducing the need for excess daily styling.
Client At-Home Care
-
Brush daily: use a loop brush, working from ends up.
-
Wash gently: sulfate-free shampoo, focus on scalp, let suds run down.
-
Protect while sleeping: braid hair or use silk pillowcases.
-
Avoid oils near roots: they cause slippage.
-
Book maintenance on time: never skip move-up appointments.
Case Studies: Real-World Weft Wear
-
Client A: The Athlete
Works out daily, washes often. Needs move-ups every 5–6 weeks. Wefts last about 6 months before needing replacement. -
Client B: The Busy Professional
Washes 1–2 times per week, uses silk pillowcases, avoids excess heat. Can stretch to 8 weeks between visits. Wefts last 9 months. -
Client C: The First-Timer
Forgetful with aftercare, skips brushing some days. Experiences tangling by week 7. Hair itself is still reusable, but installation schedule had to be adjusted to every 6 weeks.
These stories are great to share with new clients—they illustrate how lifestyle impacts longevity.
Talking to Clients About Longevity
Here’s a sample script you can use:
Client: “How long can I keep these in?”
Stylist: “Your install will need refreshing every 6 to 8 weeks. That’s when we move the wefts back up to protect your natural hair. The good news is, the hair itself can last much longer—up to 9 months or more—if you follow the aftercare routine I’ll show you.”
This way, clients feel they’re getting long-term value, but also understand the importance of regular visits.
Business Benefits for Salons
Talking about weft longevity isn’t just about hair health—it’s also about building consistent business.
-
Recurring revenue: 6–8 week appointments create a reliable cycle of income.
-
Upselling opportunities: add toning, deep treatments, or trims during move-ups.
-
Client retention: clients who understand the schedule are more likely to rebook before leaving your chair.
-
Social proof: share transformation photos at each reinstall—clients love to see their progress.
Advanced Tips for Maximizing Weft Wear
-
Double-check color matching: a perfect match reduces the need for frequent heat styling to blend.
-
Install strategically: lighter density near the crown to reduce weight and visibility.
-
Educate clients on travel care: remind them about protecting hair in chlorine, salt water, and sun.
-
Encourage “extension kits”: sell silk scrunchies, detangling sprays, and brushes at checkout.
FAQs About Weft Longevity
Q: Can I reuse my wefts after removal?
Yes. With proper care, high-quality wefts can be reinstalled multiple times.
Q: Do butterfly wefts last longer than hand-tied?
Butterfly wefts don’t extend the time between move-ups, but they last longer overall because they’re sturdier and don’t unravel when cut.
Q: How do I know it’s time for maintenance?
Signs include loose rows, visible beads, or tangling at the roots.
Q: What happens if I leave them too long?
You risk matting, breakage, discomfort, and even loss of natural hair.
Q: How many times can I reuse a set of wefts?
Typically 3–4 reuses over 6–9 months, sometimes longer with premium brands.
Final Thoughts
So, how long can a weft stay in? The short answer: 6–8 weeks per install. The longer answer: the hair itself can last 6–12 months with the right products, habits, and stylist.
The key is educating clients so they understand the balance between longevity and hair health. Wefts are an investment—and like any investment, they pay off best with consistent care.
If you want your installs to last longer, your removals to be easier, and your clients to leave every appointment smiling, choose premium butterfly wefts from Cooviphair. They’re lightweight, durable, and designed for stylists who want flawless results every time.
✨ Ready to upgrade your salon’s extension game? Contact Cooviphair today and discover why our butterfly wefts are the go-to choice for professionals worldwide.
