The Guide

Most salons use the method they were trained on. We spent years building a better one.

The Fettle and Mane Extension Method did not come from a brand class or a certification program. It came from Jen doing hundreds of extension installs, studying what worked and what did not, and developing a process that addressed the specific failure points she kept seeing in standard handtied installation.

What the Standard Method Gets Wrong

The most common issues we see in extension guests who come to us from other salons: visible beads, uneven tension across the row, wefts that slip or become loose before the 8-week mark, and insufficient blend at the ends. Read what a properly executed install looks like from start to finish

What We Changed

Sectioning. The horseshoe sectioning pattern we use is sloped to account for how hair grows and moves. Flat horseshoe sections produce rows that sit visibly against the head without proper hair coverage. A sloped section changes the angle in a way that produces better natural coverage from the moment the install is complete.

Stitching. Our specific knot sequence, with particular attention to the number and placement of knots at each bead, produces 8 to 10 points of contact across each row. More contact means more even distribution of tension and less slipping.

Weft placement. We stagger the weft at both anchor beads rather than aligning them evenly. That stagger reduces bulk at the anchor points and contributes to the flat, natural feel of the row against the head.

Blend. We point cut the ends, layer to remove the line of demarcation, and face frame to complement the guest’s features. The blend is not a second thought. It is a full haircut built into every install.

How It Is Taught

Every stylist who performs extensions at Fettle and Mane is trained personally in this method by Jen. They watch it performed, perform it on models, and demonstrate it for assessment before they are cleared for paying guests. Read about the full education system and how stylists advance