Installing hair extensions is one of the fastest ways to transform your look, boost your confidence, and protect your natural hair at the same time. Whether you’re installing Body Wave bundles, a Deep Wave sew-in, or adding a closure or frontal from Mermaid Wavess, the goal is the same: a natural-looking, secure, long-lasting style.

And while professional stylists can achieve flawless installs, you’d be surprised how much you can do at home with the right guidance — even if you’re a beginner. This step-by-step guide breaks everything down in a simple, practical way, so you can feel confident during your install or know exactly what to expect during a salon visit.

1. Start With Clean, Well-Prepped Natural Hair

A good install starts before the first bundle is sewn in.
Your natural hair must be:

• Clean

• Conditioned

• Fully detangled

• Moisturized

Why this matters:

A properly prepped base ensures your hair stays healthy under the install and reduces the risk of breakage when you take it down.

Recommended prep routine:

1. Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo

2. Deep condition (especially if you have curly or coily natural hair)

3. Detangle thoroughly

4. Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner

5. Blow-dry or stretch your hair if needed

This creates a smooth foundation and prevents tension during braiding.

2. Create a Braided Base for Your Sew-In

Your braid-down pattern greatly affects:

• How flat your install looks

• How natural the style appears

• How easy the install is to maintain

The most common braid-down patterns are:

✔ Straight Back Cornrows (Beginner-friendly)

Best for closures and basic sew-ins.

✔ Beehive Pattern

Great for full sew-ins where no leave-out is needed.

✔ Side-Part or Middle-Part Braids

Perfect for installs requiring a specific part.

✔ Frontal Braid Pattern

Includes anchor braids for secure frontal installation.

Tips for a good braid base:

• Keep the braids small and neat

• Make sure tension is comfortable, not tight

• Tuck ends securely so the install lays flat

A flat braid pattern is essential for a flawless, undetectable look.

3. Install Your Closure or Frontal (If Using One)

This step makes the biggest difference in how natural your install looks.

Installing a Closure (4×4, 5×5, or 6×6):

Closures are the easiest lace pieces for beginners.

1. Place the closure at your desired part

2. Stitch it around the perimeter

3. Make sure it lies flat with no bubbling

4. Pluck lightly if needed for a natural hairline

Closures are low-maintenance and perfect if you want a clean part without much upkeep.

Installing a Frontal (13×4 or 13×6):

Frontals require more skill but offer unmatched versatility.

1. Position the frontal ear-to-ear

2. Sew down the back

3. Melt the lace with glue, gel, or adhesive spray

4. Pluck the hairline lightly

5. Press the lace with a band for 10–15 minutes

Pro-tip:

Using HD lace from Mermaid Wavess gives you the most natural, seamless melt with minimal effort.

4. Start Sewing in Your Bundles

Once your lace piece is secured, the bundles can be added row by row.

General rules for a perfect sew-in:

✔ Start from the nape and work upward
✔ Double the wefts for speed on the lower rows
✔ Use single wefts near the top for a flatter look
✔ Keep stitches small and consistent
✔ Secure every track at the ends

How many bundles should you use?

Depends on the length:

• 14–18 inches → 2–3 bundles

• 20–26 inches → 3 bundles

• 28–30 inches → 3–4 bundles

Deep Wave and Burmese Curly often appear fuller, so you may need fewer bundles than Straight or Body Wave.

5. Blend Your Leave-Out (If You’re Using Any)

If you're doing a partial sew-in, blending your leave-out is essential.

For Body Wave or Natural Wave installs:

Use a curling wand or flat iron on low heat for soft waves.

For Deep Wave installs:

Try braid-outs, twist-outs, or a little mousse for definition.

For Straight installs:

Flat iron your leave-out and use heat protectant always.

Key tip:

Only leave out a small portion of hair so blending looks natural and not forced.

6. Cut, Shape & Style Your Install

This is where your install comes to life.

Popular finishing touches:

• Face-framing layers

• Soft wand curls

• Feathered ends

• Blunt cut for straight wigs

• Curl-defining mousse for Deep Wave

Beginner mistake to avoid:

Cutting too much at once — always trim gradually.

7. Style Your Extensions Like a Pro

There are endless ways to style your extensions, depending on texture:

Body Wave:

Loose curls, wand curls, or brushed-out Hollywood glam waves.

Natural Wave:

Soft beachy waves or blowouts.

Deep Wave:

Define curls with mousse + water (no heavy products).

Straight Hair:

Sleek middle part, side part, blunt ends, or silky ponytails.

Burmese Curly:

Big curly styles, wet looks, or boho curls.

Your texture choice determines your styling options.

8. Maintain Your Install for Long-Lasting Results

Even the best install requires upkeep.

Daily Care:

• Wear a satin scarf or bonnet

• Brush or detangle gently

• Avoid oil-heavy products near the roots

Weekly Care:

• Lightly shampoo bundles

• Deep-condition hair for softness

• Let hair air-dry if possible

Closure/Frontal Maintenance:

• Clean buildup from lace

• Reapply adhesive if needed

• Protect your edges

With proper care, Mermaid Wavess extensions can last months and still look beautiful.

9. When to Take Down Your Install

Most sew-ins last:

• 4–8 weeks with closures

• 2–4 weeks with frontals (because of lace maintenance)

Never leave extensions in longer than 8 weeks to protect your natural hair.

Final Thoughts: Installing Your Hair Extensions Like a Pro

Installing hair extensions doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right prep, a secure braid base, high-quality bundles, and a little patience, anyone can achieve a salon-worthy result — even at home.

Whether you choose Body Wave, Deep Wave, Natural Wave, Straight, or Burmese Curly from Mermaid Wavess, a good install sets the stage for weeks of effortless beauty and confidence.

Internal Linking Recommendations (SEO Boost)

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• Body Wave Bundles Collection

• Deep Wave Bundles Collection

• Natural Wave Bundles

• Straight Hair Extensions

• Burmese Curly Collection

• Closures & Frontals Collection