3 Mistakes Stylist Make that Cause the Braidless Install to Look Thin

Whether you’re a hairstylist learning how to do the braidless microlink sew-in or you’re experienced, mastering the install process is only half the battle. Having the ability to create customized, flawless looks that satisfies and addresses each client’s unique hair concerns—especially those with thick natural hair—requires strategy and attention to detail. New or seasoned braidless microlink weft installs, we find that avoiding these three common mistakes will dramatically improve the density and overall appearance of your work, leaving your clients more satisfied every time.

1. Confusing Clients’ Hair Goals: They Want Length, Not More Volume

One of the biggest mistakes new and seasoned stylists make with the braidless sew-in technique is assuming that every client wants added fullness. At M.O.B. Academy we teach our students the purpose of the install is to add: fullness, length, and/or color! Therefore, if a client’s hair is already fuller and dense, they are not seeking a fuller install, they desire an install that gives them length that blends with the density of they natural, fuller hair.

We also teach our students that the consultation process is one of the most critical steps to pre-install! This is where you will hear the hair desires of the client, assess the client’s current hair state, develop an install plan, and determine the best hair extension solution based on the client's end goal, lifestyle, and hair situation.

2. Using the Wrong Type of Hair Extensions

The second major reason a microlink beaded weft install looks thinner, is the use of the wrong type of hair extensions. Not all bundles are created equal, just like not all client’s hair aren’t! For braidless sew-ins, the quality, texture, and density of the weft hair extensions you choose are critical. Stylists who carry their own hair extensions often times may not carry a variety of hair curl patterns or texture! Therefore, the stylist will grab whatever bundle, based on what’s in their stock (cha ching), without considering how it will blend with the client’s hair to create a seamless look.There also scenarios where the stylist will allow the client to bring in their own bundles, this could lead to the wrong hair extension selection, if the client is not properly guided.

When making the hair extension selection for the client’s braidless microlink weft install remember to consider this:

• Hair density of the client’s hair and the hair extensions.

• Hair texture: straight, curly, wavy.

• Hair surface, how the hair feels: smooth/silky, slightly smooth, slightly rough.

• Luster: extremely shiny, shiny, slightly shiny.

3. Forgetting Longer Hair Equals Thinner Ends

It’s important to understand that the longer the hair extensions, the thinner the ends will naturally appear. This is standard with most extension manufacturers—especially with raw or virgin hair. If you’re installing 24- to 30-inch hair on a client and only using two bundles, the result is long and thin, especially on medium to high density hair clients. When installing 24 inch weft hair extensions and above, three or more bundles is typically needed.

If desire to master customizing braidless sew-in microlinks weft installs to create more client satisfaction, you must understand your client’s current hair state and desired outcome, the importance of choosing the right hair extensions, and how to build out natural-looking density from root to tip. Clients are looking for stylists who can deliver a braid-free install that blends effortlessly.

If you’re a stylist ready to master microlinks and learn the ins and outs of the beaded weft install technique, follow our blog for more expert insights and training opportunities.

Online training: www.masterofbraidless.com