How to Install Butterfly Weft Hair Extensions: A Complete Guide for Hair Stylists & Hair Salon

Imagine this: it’s a busy Friday at your salon. Your client slides into your chair, scrolling Instagram, and suddenly asks—
“Hey, do you know how to install butterfly wefts? I heard they’re more comfortable than hand-tied extensions.”

Now, if you’ve been keeping an eye on extension trends, you already know butterfly wefts are having a moment. But beyond the hype, they’re also practical, efficient, and client-friendly. For stylists and salon owners, that makes them not just a passing trend but a smart business move.

This guide is here to walk you through everything: what butterfly wefts are, how to prepare and install them properly, common mistakes to avoid, client aftercare advice, and even the business perks of offering them in your salon. Think of it as a roadmap from first consultation to flawless final style.

What Exactly Are Butterfly Weft Hair Extensions?

Butterfly wefts are a newer generation of hair extensions designed to combine the best features of machine-tied and hand-tied wefts.

• Machine-tied wefts: durable but bulky, can feel uncomfortable.

• Hand-tied wefts: lightweight and natural-looking but fragile, unravel easily if cut.

• Butterfly wefts: thin, flat, comfortable, but strong enough to cut and customize without fraying.

The name “butterfly” comes from the weft’s spread-out design—like wings lying flat against the scalp. That flatter profile means no ridges, no bumps, and a more natural blend.

For stylists, this is huge. You can cut butterfly wefts to fit, stack them for volume, or layer them for subtle blending—all without worrying about unraveling. Clients walk away feeling light, natural, and confident.

Prepping for the Perfect Install

As with most extension methods, success starts before you even pick up a needle or bead.

The Essential Tools:

• Sectioning clips

• Rat-tail comb for precision parting

• Beads or thread for creating the foundation (depending on method)

• Loop tool for beads

• High-quality shears

• Butterfly wefts in the right color blend

• Loop brush or wide-tooth comb

• Heat protectant spray

Preparing the Client’s Hair

1. Wash with a clarifying shampoo—no conditioner at the roots. Oils or residue can cause slipping.

2. Blow-dry completely. Never install on damp hair.

3. Section neatly. Start at the nape and work upward in horizontal rows.

Client Assessment

Not every client is the same. Fine hair works beautifully with butterfly wefts because of the lightweight design. For fragile hair, you’ll want to check tension carefully and possibly reduce the number of rows. Thick-haired clients may need more rows for balance.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Here’s where we roll up our sleeves.

Step 1: Create the Foundation

• Decide whether you’re using beads or thread.

• Apply beads or sew a track across the section.

• Keep even spacing and tension—snug but never too tight.

Step 2: Attach the Weft

• Place the butterfly weft flat against the track.

• Secure with your chosen method (sewing or beading).

• Double-check alignment so there are no bubbles or ridges.

Step 3: Customize Lengths

Here’s the big win with butterfly wefts: you can cut them. Need a shorter piece near the temples? Trim without fear of unraveling. This flexibility gives you creative freedom for shaping and layering.

Step 4: Layer and Blend

Stack or layer wefts for desired fullness. Once installed, blend them with the natural hair using shears or a razor. Movement is key—extensions should flow, not hang like a sheet.

Step 5: Style and Finish

Blow-dry, curl, or straighten to blend. Always finish with heat protectant. Show the client how natural the result looks by running your hands through their hair—it’s a powerful confidence booster.

Common Mistakes Stylists Should Avoid

Even pros can slip up with a new method. Keep these pitfalls in mind:

• Too-tight tension: causes headaches and potential hair damage.

• Incorrect color match: nothing ruins a seamless install like mismatched tones. Always check in natural light.

• Not customizing: butterfly wefts are designed to be cut. Don’t treat them like hand-tied wefts.

• Skipping aftercare instructions: your work won’t last if clients don’t know how to maintain it.

Aftercare Instructions for Clients

Your install can look amazing, but if clients don’t care for their extensions, results won’t last. Give them clear, simple rules:

• Washing: Use sulfate-free shampoo. Focus on scalp, let suds rinse through ends.

• Brushing: Use a loop brush, start at ends, hold roots to reduce tension.

• Styling: Heat styling is fine—but protect every time. Avoid heavy oils near bonds.

• Sleeping: Loose braids or silk pillowcases prevent tangling.

• Maintenance visits: Every 6–8 weeks for adjustment or reinstall.

Business Benefits for Salons

Butterfly wefts aren’t just a styling tool—they’re a revenue driver.

• Boosted service menu: Clients see your salon as up-to-date and trendy.

• Higher ticket sales: Installation, reinstallation, toning, and treatment upsells add up.

• Social media content: “Butterfly” evokes softness and transformation. Perfect for before-and-after reels.

• Client loyalty: Once clients experience the comfort and seamless look, they’ll come back again and again.

Troubleshooting in the Salon

Things happen—here’s how to fix them quickly:

• Tightness complaints: Loosen tension. Clients should never feel sore.

• Slippage: Usually caused by residue or incorrect bead placement. Clarify and reset.

• Shedding: Check stitching quality. Good butterfly wefts (like Cooviphair’s) shed far less.

• Blending issues: Add layers or adjust tone. Sometimes the fix is a quick color tweak.

FAQs About Installing Butterfly Wefts

How long does installation take?
Typically 2–3 hours for a full head, depending on rows and density.

Can clients with fine hair wear butterfly wefts?
Yes! They’re lightweight and ideal for fine hair types.

Are butterfly wefts reusable?
Definitely. With good care, they can last 6–9 months and be reused multiple times.

How many rows are needed for a full head?
Usually 2–3 rows for volume, 3–4 for length and density.

What’s the trick to seamless blending?
Cut and layer strategically. Don’t blunt cut—feather and texturize for movement.

Final Thoughts: Why Stylists Should Choose Butterfly Wefts

Butterfly wefts are more than just a new extension method—they’re a game-changer. For stylists, they mean easier installs, more creativity, and happier clients. For salons, they mean boosted revenue and brand prestige. And for clients? Comfortable, natural-looking hair they’ll love.

If you’re ready to bring butterfly wefts into your salon, quality is everything. That’s where Cooviphair comes in. Our butterfly wefts are crafted from premium human hair, designed for durability, comfort, and seamless blending.

Don’t just follow the trend—lead it. Contact Cooviphair today and take your extension services to the next level.