Start With the End Result: Planning Your U-Tip Install Backwards From a Photo

When you shop for U-tips at BLONC, the options add up fast. We have 28 solid colors, plus ombres, blended and custom colors. Our raw factory has 15+ textures, and virgin hair adds about 21. Lengths go from 14 inches up to 36 in some shades. That's a lot to choose from.

So here's the method I use with every client: start with a picture of the end result. If you know what your hair should look like when it's finished, it's much easier to work backwards to exactly what to order.

"Start from an end result picture. If you have a picture of what you want your hair to look like, it's easier to work it backwards." — Bianca Blanco, BLONC founder

PART ONE: PICK THE RIGHT PHOTO

Choose one or two photos that show the finished hair clearly. The best photos:

• Show the full length, so you can see where the ends land
• Show the color in natural light, not heavily filtered
• Show the texture clearly: straight, wavy, curly, or coily
• Show the part, so you know where your hair will be parted

PART TWO: WORK BACKWARDS, STEP BY STEP

1. Length

Find where the ends land on your body, then measure from your crown to that point. That's roughly the length you need. Our U-tips come in 14 to 16, 18 to 20, 22 to 24, 26 to 28, and 32 inches, with longer lengths by request: some darker shades go up to 36 inches, lighter shades up to 30 inches right now, and platinum blonde up to 32 inches.

2. Color

Is the photo one solid color, an ombre, or blended or striped? Our site shows our most popular shades, from Dark Natural Brown #1B to Platinum Blonde #613, and our full chart has 28 solid colors that can be done as ombre, blended, or custom. Read U-Tip Colors Explained.

3. Texture

Match the texture in the photo, and make sure it works with your natural hair. If your hair is curly and the photo is sleek and straight, you'll be blending two textures, which takes more styling. Our site lists Straight, Wavy, Curly, Kinky Curly, Afro Curly, and Textured Straight.

4. Fullness at the ends

Are the ends thick and blunt, or soft and tapered? Thick ends usually mean double drawn. My favorite combination is double drawn on the bottom and single drawn on top. See Single Drawn vs. Double Drawn U-Tips.

5. Part and bond count

Look at the part in the photo. If you want that part and your natural hair is short, the bonds will go up to about a half inch to an inch below it, and you'll need 300 to 400 bonds. Shoulder-length hair adding up to 24 inches usually needs about 200. Read How Many U-Tips Do You Need?

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PART THREE: A SAMPLE PLAN

In the photo	What to order
Ends at mid-back	22–24 inch U-tips
Soft brown, one color	Medium Natural Brown #2
Loose waves	Wavy texture
Full, blunt ends	Double drawn on the bottom, single drawn on top
Middle part, shoulder-length natural hair	About 200 bonds (8 packs)

This is just an example. Your plan depends on your own hair, but the method is the same every time.

PART FOUR: BRING THE PHOTO TO YOUR STYLIST

If you're working with a stylist, bring the photo to your consultation. It gives you both a shared goal and takes the guesswork out of the order. Stylists: ask every client for a goal photo before you order hair. It saves you from re-ordering and keeps the install on schedule.

Not sure? Send us your photo or call 1-855-720-4247 and we'll help you work it backwards.

BOTTOM LINE

With 28 colors, 15+ textures, ombre and custom options, and lengths up to 36 inches, the easiest way to order U-tips is to start with a picture of your finished hair. Work backwards from it: length, color, texture, fullness at the ends, and finally the part and bond count. You'll order exactly what you need the first time.

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