Where Should the Lace Go? Planning Mesh Placement in the Consultation
With a mesh install, you can place lace pieces in several different places on the head. That creative freedom is one of the best parts of the service, and it is also why placement has to be decided carefully during the consultation.
In this guide, I will walk through how I plan mesh placement with a client, step by step.
PART ONE: Why Placement Matters
The right placement makes the lace disappear and gives the client exactly the coverage and parting she wants. The wrong placement puts the part in the wrong spot, leaves thin areas uncovered, or puts lace where it will be rubbed and worn out faster.
PART TWO: The Placement Consultation, Step by Step
1. Ask how she wears her hair
Middle part? Side part? Does she switch? Does she wear it up? Pulled back? In ponytails?
2. Look at where she is thinning
Map any thin areas: the crown, the part line, the top of the head, or the hairline.
3. Decide on a protective style or integration
Does she want a full protective style with no natural hair out, or a lace piece integrated into her own hair or another method?
4. Choose the lace piece
| Need | Piece |
|---|---|
| One long natural part | 2x6 closure |
| Middle part, small area | 4x4 closure |
| Middle and side parts | 5x5 closure |
| Broad top coverage, wide parts | 6x6 or 7x7 closure |
| Hairline and pulled-back styles | 13x6 or 13x7 frontal |
| Updos and high ponytails | 360 lace |
5. Mark the placement
Show the client where the lace will sit. Part her hair where the part will be and confirm she is happy with it.
6. Match shade and texture
Our lace pieces come in multiple shades and textures, and they can be custom colored. Match them to her hair or to the wefts they will blend with.
7. Set expectations
Explain lace care, wear time of four weeks up to six months depending on the stylist and maintenance, and the maintenance schedule.
"Placement is decided before you ever pick up a needle. Map it, mark it, and confirm it with her."
PART THREE: Getting Creative
Mesh pieces can go in many places: at the part, at the crown, at the hairline, across the top, or around the perimeter. They can be placed on their own or combined with sew-ins, single rows, bonds, tape-ins, and clip-ins.
SIDE BY SIDE: Placement Options
| Placement | Common Reason |
|---|---|
| Part line | Natural part, thinning at the part |
| Crown | Thinning at the crown |
| Top of head | Broad thinning, parting freedom |
| Hairline | Pulled-back styles |
| Full perimeter | Updos and ponytails |
What to Expect From a Placement Consultation
| Step | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Assess | Thinning map and parting habits |
| Choose | The right lace piece |
| Confirm | Placement the client approves |
BOTTOM LINE
Mesh placement is decided during the consultation. Ask how she wears her hair, map her thinning, choose the right lace piece, mark the placement, match the shade and texture, and set clear expectations.
Read Every Lace Piece You Can Use in a Mesh Install and How to Match Clients to the Right Method.
Train and Shop With BLONC
Learn it step by step with the Mesh Integration Install Certification at Blonc Academy, and practice with the Mesh Integration Install Training Kit.
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