Everything You Should Know Before Your First Weft Move-Up Appointment
- Mallory Sills
- Dec 31, 2025
- 4 min read
If you’ve already invested in weft hair extensions, you know how transformative they can be. But after a few weeks, your hair starts to grow out, and it’s time for a move-up appointment.
Whether it’s your first move-up or you’re considering switching stylists, knowing what to expect can help you feel confident, prepared, and excited for your refreshed look.
What Is a Weft Move-Up?
A weft move-up is the process of repositioning your extensions closer to the scalp after your natural hair has grown out. This ensures:
A seamless, natural blend
Proper weight distribution for comfort + maintaining scalp health
Longevity and durability of your extensions
Skipping regular move-ups can cause tension on your natural hair and scalp, visible gaps, and potential slippage which is why timing is key.
How Often Should You Schedule a Weft Move-Up? (Push-Up vs. Full Reinstall)
When it comes to maintaining weft hair extensions, not all move-up appointments are the same. There are two different types of weft maintenance, and which one is right for you depends on your hair type, density, growth pattern, and overall hair health.
Option 1: Bead Push-Up (Partial Move-Up)
A bead push-up is when the existing beads are gently moved closer to the scalp without fully removing the wefts.
This option can work well for clients who:
Have thicker or denser natural hair
Experience minimal slippage between appointments
Have even hair growth and strong strands
Are consistent with at-home care and maintenance
Why it’s not for everyone: While push-ups are quicker, they don’t allow your stylist to fully reset weight distribution or address hidden tension. Over time, repeated push-ups can cause beads to stack, shift, or place uneven pressure on the hair. This is why I only offer this type of move-up once between full reinstall appointments, and find they are only effective if the client is able to come in every 4-5 weeks - going longer between tends to cause bubbling to occur that prevents a smooth push-up to take place.
Option 2: Full Weft Reinstall (Complete Reset)
A full reinstall involves removing the wefts entirely and reinstalling them from scratch with fresh placement.
This option is ideal for clients who:
Have fine, thin, or delicate hair
Experience frequent slippage
Wear their hair up often
Are newer to weft extensions
Prefer to go longer between maintenance appointments than 4-5 weeks
Prioritize scalp comfort and long-term hair health
Why some clients need a full reinstall every appointment: Fine hair requires precise tension and perfect placement. A full reinstall allows your Chicago weft extension specialist to rebalance weight, check scalp health, and ensure the extensions remain comfortable and damage-free. For many clients, this is the safest and most sustainable option even if it takes a bit more time. This is ideal if you're also someone who would prefer to go a few extra weeks between appointments.
Why Your Maintenance Plan Should Be Customized
There is no one-size-fits-all schedule for weft extensions. During your consultation and move-up appointments, your stylist should be assessing:
Hair growth and density changes
Bead tension and placement
Comfort and scalp sensitivity
Lifestyle factors (workouts, styling habits, travel)
At my West Loop Chicago salon, I create a custom maintenance plan for each client because the goal isn’t just beautiful extensions, it’s healthy hair and scalp underneath them.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a candidate for a bead push-up or require a full reinstall, regular maintenance every 4-8 weeks is essential for keeping your weft hair extensions in Chicago looking seamless, comfortable, and long-lasting.
How to Prepare for Your Move-Up Appointment
To make your appointment smooth and efficient:
Wash your hair 24–48 hours before your appointment – clean hair helps your stylist secure the wefts properly. Keep in mind wash/blowdry is not included in your move-up appointments unless you schedule accordingly, or if you are also getting your color done at the same appointment.
Avoid heavy styling products – oils or silicone-heavy products can make it harder for beads to hold. Always keep this in mind when apply oils in general as they can also cause beads to slip if applied to the scalp.
Schedule enough time – a move-up can take 1–3 hours depending on how many rows need adjustment.
Bring your lifestyle questions – your stylist can offer tips on caring for extensions if you’re traveling, swimming, or living an active lifestyle.
Why Choosing the Right Specialist Matters
Your extensions are only as good as the stylist maintaining them. A skilled weft extension specialist in Chicago will:
Reposition extensions without causing damage
Check for slippage or tension
Blend new wefts seamlessly with existing hair
Give professional aftercare tips for longevity
Switching to a qualified stylist can make a huge difference in how your hair feels and looks between appointments.
What to Expect During Your Move-Up
During your move-up appointment, your stylist will:
Inspect your natural hair, scalp and extensions
Remove or loosen old wefts carefully
Reinstall wefts closer to the scalp OR push the beads up to move the weft closer to the scalp
Trim and blend extensions (as needed) to maintain the perfect blend
Extra Tips for Maintaining Wefts Between Move-Ups
Brush gently daily with an extension safe brush
Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
Avoid excessive heat directly at the bead attachment
Use extension-safe shampoos and conditioners
Apply oil from the mid-ends of hair to maintain healthy, hydrated hair
Following these tips will help your extensions last longer, stay tangle-free, and maintain their shine.
Book Your First Weft Move-Up Appointment in Chicago
Your first move-up is crucial to keeping your extensions looking seamless and healthy. At my West Loop Chicago salon, I specialize in hand-tied and beaded weft extensions, customized for your hair type, growth pattern, and lifestyle.
✨ Book your weft move-up appointment today and keep your hair looking flawless, full, and effortless.
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