When to Choose a Mesh Install Over Other Extension Methods
With so many extension methods available, how do you know when a mesh install is the right choice? After 21 years behind the chair, my answer comes down to two situations: when the client wants a really natural appearance, where the hair looks like it is coming directly out of her head, and when she wants a protective style with none of her natural hair out.
In this guide, I will walk through when to choose mesh, when another method may be better, and how to decide in the consultation.
PART ONE: The Two Big Reasons to Choose Mesh
1. A natural, scalp-like look
Because the lace mimics the scalp, hair looks like it grows right out of the head. When a client wants the most natural part possible, mesh delivers.
2. A protective style with no leave-out
A traditional sew-in with a closure in any size, a frontal, or a 360 covers all of the natural hair. Nothing is left out to style, heat, or manipulate.
"If she wants it to look like it is coming out of her scalp, or she wants all her natural hair tucked away, that is a mesh install."
PART TWO: More Reasons to Choose Mesh
- She wants the most parting flexibility. Mesh gives more versatility and parting options than a meshless integration.
- She is thinning in a specific area. A lace piece places coverage exactly where it is needed.
- She is getting another method. Mesh integrates into sew-ins, single rows, bonds, tape-ins, and clip-ins.
- Her texture is hard to match with leave-out. A closure or frontal removes the need to blend natural leave-out.
PART THREE: When Another Method May Be Better
- She will not care for lace. Lace is fragile and needs gentle care.
- She wants the lightest possible feel. A meshless integration may suit her.
- She wants something fast and inexpensive. Clip-ins, halos, or beaded single rows may be a better fit today.
- She loves her natural leave-out. A U-part or leave-out sew-in may be what she wants.
SIDE BY SIDE: Mesh vs Other Options
| Client Wants | Mesh Install | Other Option |
|---|---|---|
| Scalp-like part | Best choice | Leave-out or meshless |
| No natural hair out | Best choice | Full wig |
| Lightest feel | Good | Meshless integration |
| Fast and inexpensive | Not ideal | Clip-ins, halos, beaded rows |
What to Expect From a Mesh Install
| Factor | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Wear time | 4 weeks up to 6 months |
| Install pricing | Beginners $50-$75/hr, experts about $500/hr |
| Maintenance pricing | Beginners $25-$50/hr, experts about $250/hr |
BOTTOM LINE
Choose a mesh install when the client wants hair that looks like it grows from her scalp or a protective style with no natural hair out, and when she values parting flexibility. Choose another method when she will not care for lace, wants the lightest feel, or needs something fast and inexpensive.
Read What Is a Mesh Install? and Who Is a Mesh Install For?
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.
Shop BLONC lace closures. Stylists, join Blonc Pros.