What Are Butterfly Weft Hair Extensions? A Complete Guide

If you work with hair extensions, chances are you’ve started seeing Butterfly Wefts appearing more and more. They’re a newer addition to the professional weft market and are gaining attention in the UK — but what exactly is a Butterfly Weft, how does it work and how is it different from a traditional weft?

Here’s what you need to know...

Butterfly Wefts are a professional hair extension method designed to provide the volume and coverage of a weft while offering a thin, flexible and discreet attachment.

However, not all Butterfly Wefts are constructed in exactly the same way. Materials and designs can vary between manufacturers, so it’s important to check the construction of the particular weft you’re considering.

Remalisse Studio Butterfly Wefts are made using an ultra-thin, flexible PU (polyurethane) centre with pre-punched installation holes, with Invisible Genius Weft hair positioned on both sides. The extension hair itself is premium 100% Remy human hair.

The flexible PU centre allows the weft to follow the natural shape of the head while creating a flatter attachment with reduced bulk at the root.

The weft can also be cut to the required width without shedding from the seam, allowing the installation to be customised to the individual client.

As polyurethane forms part of the construction and sits close to the scalp when installed, anyone with a known allergy or sensitivity to polyurethane or other materials used within the fitting should discuss this with their extensionist before installation.

Butterfly Wefts use a distinctive fitting method.

The flexible PU centre contains pre-punched holes. During installation, carefully selected sections of the client’s natural hair are passed through these holes and secured using extension beads. This creates a series of attachment points that hold the Butterfly Weft in place.

Because the weft can be cut to the required width, the extensionist can customise its size and placement to suit the client’s head.

Although the fitting concept may appear straightforward, Butterfly Wefts are a professional extension method. Correct sectioning, bead placement, tension and weight distribution are important for both comfort and the health of the natural hair.

There are several reasons Butterfly Wefts are beginning to attract attention from extension professionals.

Their thin and flexible construction allows the weft to follow the shape of the head and sit flatter against the scalp.

They are also customisable. Being able to cut the weft to the required width gives the extensionist greater flexibility when planning placement.

Butterfly Wefts can provide significant density while reducing some of the bulk associated with thicker traditional weft seams. When correctly fitted and concealed, they can create a discreet, natural-looking result with plenty of movement.

The hair can also be reused for multiple refits when it remains in suitable condition.

There isn’t one extension method that is right for everybody.

Butterfly Wefts may be considered for clients wanting additional length, volume or both, particularly those who like the coverage of a weft but want a flatter, flexible and customisable attachment.

However, suitability should always be assessed individually.

Natural hair density, condition, scalp health, lifestyle, previous extension history and the desired result should all be considered before choosing any extension method.

Fine or fragile hair requires particularly careful assessment because the amount of weight the natural hair can comfortably support will vary from person to person.

We’ll be covering Butterfly Wefts for fine hair in more detail in a separate guide.

A Butterfly Weft itself should not be thought of as something that simply “damages your hair”. As with any hair extension method, the quality of the assessment and installation is what matters.

Before fitting extensions, a professional should assess the condition, density and strength of the natural hair and decide whether the chosen method is actually suitable for that client.

The correct hair-to-extension weight ratio is particularly important. Adding more extension hair than the natural hair can comfortably support can create unnecessary strain.

Placement matters too. Attachments positioned incorrectly or fitted with excessive tension can pull against the natural hair, while poor sectioning can place too much pressure on a small amount of hair.

Maintenance and removal are equally important. Extensions that are allowed to grow out excessively, become heavily tangled around the attachment area or are removed incorrectly can all contribute to unnecessary stress and breakage.

So when we talk about extensions and damage, the better question isn’t simply “Is this method damaging?”

It’s:

Is this the right method for my natural hair, has the correct amount of hair been fitted, has it been positioned correctly, and is it being maintained and removed properly?

A good extension professional should be considering all of those things before and throughout your extension journey.

It’s important to separate maintenance intervals from the lifespan of the extension hair itself.

As natural hair grows, the Butterfly Weft moves further away from the scalp and will require professional maintenance and refitting.

For Remalisse Studio Butterfly Wefts, maintenance is typically recommended approximately every 6–10 weeks, depending on natural hair growth, fitting method, lifestyle and aftercare.

With correct maintenance and aftercare, the Remalisse Remy human hair itself can typically last 9–12 months or longer, although this varies according to frequency of wear, heat styling, products used and overall care.

Good aftercare is essential for protecting both the extensions and natural hair.

Wash the hair carefully using suitable extension aftercare, avoiding aggressive scrubbing around the attachment area. The scalp, roots and weft should be dried thoroughly after washing rather than being left damp.

Brush gently with an extension-safe brush, use heat protection before styling and avoid unnecessary excessive heat.

At night, securing the hair in a loose braid or ponytail can help reduce tangling and friction.

Most importantly, attend your recommended maintenance appointments rather than allowing the weft to grow excessively far away from the scalp.

For someone looking for the density of a weft combined with a thin, flexible and customisable construction, Butterfly Wefts can be an excellent method to consider.

For professionals, the cuttable design and pre-punched attachment system provide another option when creating a fitting tailored to the individual client.

However, newer doesn’t automatically mean better for everybody. The best extension result comes from choosing the right method, weight, colour and installation for the individual person.

Butterfly Wefts are becoming increasingly available within the UK as awareness of the method grows.

Remalisse Studio Butterfly Wefts are available from our UK-based online store and are made using premium 100% Remy human hair.

Each pack contains one 50g Butterfly Weft, measuring approximately 16.5 inches wide, with an ultra-thin flexible PU centre and Invisible Genius Weft hair positioned on both sides.

Unsure which shade you need? Use our colour-match service before ordering or purchase a colour swatch for a more accurate match.

Yes. Remalisse Butterfly Wefts can be cut to the required width without shedding from the seam, allowing the installation to be customised.

Yes, provided the hair remains in suitable condition. It can be professionally removed and refitted during maintenance appointments.

One Remalisse Studio Butterfly Weft weighs 50g. Therefore, two wefts provide 100g, three provide 150g and four provide 200g.

Yes. Correct assessment, sectioning, bead placement, tension and weight distribution are important, so Butterfly Wefts should be installed by an appropriately trained hair extension professional.

Explore the Remalisse Studio Butterfly Weft collection to view our available lengths and shades.

If you’re unsure which colour to order, use our colour-match service or purchase a colour swatch before placing your full hair order.