The beauty of Butterfly Weft lies in their ultra-thin, seamless installation. However, remove butterfly weft process is just as important as the application. The goal is simple: a clean, pain-free removal that leaves your natural hair healthy and your wefts ready for their next move-up. Follow this professional step-by-step guide to ensure a damage-free experience.
Step 1: Gather Professional Precision Tools to Prevent Damage
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Using bulky household scissors is the most common cause of accidental hair cutting.
Why You Need Embroidery Scissors or a Seam Ripper
The Importance of No-Slip Sectioning Clips
Rat-Tail Comb
Step 2: Section Your Hair for Clear Visibility
You cannot remove butterfly weft that you cannot see. Working on your own head can be tricky, so visibility is your best friend.
Clear the Area
Using a Mirror Setup for DIY Removal
Step 3: The Professional Technique to Lift and Snip the Thread
This is the most critical step. Butterfly Wefts are thinner than traditional wefts, so the thread is often closer to the PU material.
Locating the Starting Anchor Knot
Locate the knot where the thread was tied off (usually at the ends of the weft).
How to Safely Snip Without Cutting Your Natural Hair
Use the tip of your rat-tail comb to gently lift the thread away from the PU band. Once there is a small gap, use your precision scissors to snip only the thread.
Pro Tip: Protecting the Delicate PU Holes
Be extremely careful near the PU holes. Do not pull the thread through the holes with force, as this can slice through the thin PU material.
Step 4: Gently Sliding Out the Weft for Reuse
Once the thread is cut across the entire row, the weft should become loose.
- Easy Release: Gently hold the PU band and slide it away from your hair. If you feel any resistance, stop immediately—there may be a stray thread or a small tangle that hasn’t been cut.
- Handle with Care: Remember that PU is a soft material. Avoid yanking or stretching the band as you remove it to maintain its shape for future use.
Post-Removal Care for Your Scalp and Extensions
After the wefts are out, your hair and the extensions both need a little “TLC” (Tender Loving Care).
- Comb Out Shedding: It is normal to see some hair come out after removal. This is just “naturally shed” hair that was trapped in the braid/thread during the weeks you wore the extensions. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently brush it out.
- The Deep Clean: Wash your scalp with a clarifying shampoo to remove any oil buildup.
- Store for Re-use: Clean your Butterfly Wefts, let them air dry, and store them flat in a cool, dry place.
Butterfly Weft Removal FAQs
Can I remove Butterfly Weft extensions at home?
Yes, but with caution. If you decide to remove them yourself, always use a three-way mirror and precision embroidery scissors. If you cannot see the thread knots clearly, we strongly recommend asking a friend for help or visiting a professional stylist to ensure your natural hair remains 100% intact
Why does my hair feel thinner after removal? (Normal shedding explanation)
Don’t panic—this is a completely natural biological process. On average, a person naturally sheds 50 to 100 hairs per day. When you wear Butterfly Wefts, those naturally shed hairs are “trapped” within the stitching and cannot fall out as they normally would. After 6 to 8 weeks of wear, you are essentially seeing around 4,000 to 6,000 shed hairs being released all at once.
Need Expert Support from Full Shine?
Written by Skyee, Senior Stylist at Full Shine Hair with 10+ years of extension experience. With over 12 years of hands-on experience in the professional hair industry, Lily specializes in the application and maintenance of seamless hair systems. As a lead educator at Full Shine, she bridges the gap between salon-grade expertise and at-home care. Her “Support & Stroke” method has helped thousands of clients extend the lifespan of their ultra-thin Butterfly wefts.
Hair extensions are an art, but safely removing them is a science.
