Weft hair extensions are a popular method for adding volume and length to your natural hair. They are long-lasting and blend seamlessly with your own strands. While you’ll surely enjoy your enhanced look, there will come a time when they need to be removed—whether for adjustment, reapplication, or simply to give your hair a break.
For safe and proper removal, it’s highly recommended to schedule an appointment with a professional hair extension specialist. This helps prevent damage to your natural hair and ensures the extensions are removed correctly. That said, if you can’t visit a salon, it is possible to remove weft extensions at home—as long as you proceed with caution.
Below, we’ll provide a general guide on how to remove weft hair extensions for those who prefer a DIY approach. Be sure to read carefully and take notes!
How to Remove Weft Extensions
Removing weft extensions at home requires patience and care. It’s always best to seek professional help—especially for sew-in, beaded, or bonded wefts—to avoid damaging your natural hair. However, if you choose to proceed, here are some basic guidelines:
Sew-In Weft Hair Extension Removal
- Twist and clip your natural hair up and away from the extensions to avoid tangling.
- Start at the top of your head and use your fingers to locate the thread attachment points.
- While holding the weft, carefully slide scissors under the thread near the braids.
- Gently tug the weft and snip the thread—be extremely careful not to cut your natural hair. Continue until the weft is loose enough to remove.
- Repeat this process layer by layer until all extensions are free.
- Use the tip of a rat tail comb to gently loosen the braids. Detangle your hair thoroughly before washing to prevent matting.
Beaded Weft Hair Extension Removal
- Section your hair with clips to keep it manageable and clearly visible.
- Locate the attachment points by feeling for the small threads securing the wefts.
- Using scissors, cut the threads as close to the base of the weft as possible, avoiding your natural hair.
- You may need a rat tail comb to help loosen the threads.
- Continue until all threads are cut and wefts are removed.
- Use hair extension pliers to gently squeeze each bead or micro-link, releasing them without pulling your hair.
- Repeat until all beads are removed.
- Gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb before shampooing.
Aftercare Following Extension Removal
Once your extensions are out, it’s important to care for both your natural hair and the extensions (if you plan to reuse them). Use gentle, nourishing hair products such as sulfate-free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, and leave-in treatments to keep your hair healthy. A consistent maintenance routine will help restore your hair’s condition, soothe the scalp, and prevent breakage or tangling after wearing extensions for an extended period.