Invisible Bead Extensions®, also known as IBE®, is a unique method that is used by licensed cosmetologists to install hand tied hair extensions. 

Invisible Bead Extensions® was created to fill the gaps left by other methods being utilized in the industry. Where other methods leave women feeling discomfort from their extensions, IBE® promises a damage-free and comfortable installation. When other extension methods require 3-6 weeks in between maintenance appointments, IBE® offers a more durable method with the ability to go twice as long in between reinstalls. While many extensions leave guests feeling exposed with certain hairstyles, IBE® gives seamlessness from every view. It offers flexibility and comfort even when worn up in a ponytail. This patent pending method quite literally “flipped” the extension industry!

Hand tied extensions from Invisible Bead Extensions® are not bad for hair and will not damage the natural hair. Unlike tape in extensions, hand tied extensions do not require any harsh chemicals, heat, glue, or tape to attach the wefts to the hair. Instead, individual hand tied wefts are sewn onto a row of beads placed on the hair shaft. The wefts lay flat against the hair for a comfortable, wearable style that looks and feels completely natural.

Removing semi-permanent hair extensions can be a potential cause of damage. The adhesive-free hand tied extensions can be removed gently and easily in the salon. It takes just 5-10 minutes to take out the extensions because there is no bond to break. This means no pulling or tearing when extensions are removed, and no adhesive residue!

We’re often asked, “Is it hard to take care of your extensions?” The answer is no, if you follow these simple home care steps.

Proper care and maintenance is essential for keeping hand tied hair extensions healthy and beautiful. Taking care of your extensions also helps them last longer. Follow these steps to properly care for your hand tied extensions:

Cleansing: Wash your mane regularly with a sulfate-free, extension-friendly shampoo. Do not scrub the wefts! Focus on your roots, then gently squeeze the suds through your extensions. Follow up with a light hydrating conditioner, comb it through the strands, and let it sit for up to 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Prepping Damp Hair: Be aware that hair extensions absorb a LOT of water! After washing and conditioning your hair, gently squeeze or pat the wefts with a towel to remove excess water. Then let your hair air-dry 80% to 90% of the way before finishing with your blow dryer.

Detangling and Brushing: It’s important to thoroughly brush your hair several times a day. The Tangle Teezer is a good gentle brush that works on both wet and dry hair. Separate and brush through each row individually. Make sure to lift the hair and brush in-between the rows to prevent matting.

Think about brushing with the grain of your hair, working from the bottom up. Avoid dragging the brush through the applications near your scalp.

Applying Product: Extensions tend to be dry, so healthy hydration is key! A light leave-in detangler or leave-in conditioner makes detangling easier and protects the strands from damage. Next, apply an oil or serum to seal your ends (both your natural ends and the extension ends).

If your hair needs extra moisture, finish with a leave-in repair cream on your natural hair ONLY. Avoid applying protein treatments or heavy conditioners to your extensions, as this is not necessary and can make the wefts crispy.

Blow Drying: Before blow drying your extensions, separate the rows and dry each row individually. Use your paddle brush or round brush to smooth your natural hair and extension hair together. Be careful to get each row 100% dry to prevent itching or chafing.

Heat Styling: Extensions open up TONS of fun hairstyling options— get creative and enjoy that mermaid hair! Many clients love to curl their hair extensions because the style holds for longer. Before heat styling, always apply a heat protectant to both your extensions and natural hair. Set your iron or heat tool to the lowest effective setting (ideally under 320 degrees) to avoid scorching or drying out your extensions.

Protective Styling: Every evening before bed, work 3-4 pumps of hair oil or serum through your hair from mid-shafts to ends. Then put your hair into one or two low, loose braids to prevent friction and tangles.

Headed to the beach, ocean or pool? Before swimming, wet your hair and saturate the strands with a leave-in conditioner or hair mask. Comb the conditioner through your strands and secure your hair in a braid or bun. Rinse your mane out thoroughly after your swim!

While hand tied hair extensions require daily upkeep, it’s very manageable once you get into a rhythm. And the extra self-care will pay off with shiny, healthy and luscious hair!

Yes! Not only can you wear your hair up, you can do so with confidence knowing that your extensions will remain undetectable!

A major advantage of utilizing the IBE® method to install hand tied extensions is that the beads and tracks are not visible when styling your hair. This isn’t possible with most hand tied installation methods.

Additionally, your IBE® hair stylist’s top notch training guarantees the most natural look possible! Your extensions will easily blend into your natural hair and will be unnoticeable in buns, ponytails, and other updo styles.

Hair extensions offer so much versatility. They allow you to try different lengths, hair colors, and hair styles. And while you may be familiar with clips-ins or other extension types, hand tied extensions are by far the most popular and provide the most styling versatility — especially with a tried and trusted hand tied extension method such as Invisible Bead Extensions®.

So, whether you have short, medium-length or long hair; fine, thinning, or dense hair; straight, wavy or curly hair… You can be sure that there are hand tied extensions for different hair types. In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about hand tied extensions for all hair types.

Hand tied extensions are a lower-maintenance option— perfect for people with BUSY, active lifestyles! The longevity of the installation depends on how fast the hair grows out. Generally, hand tied extensions need to be moved up every 6-8 weeks.

Regular maintenance ensures that the beads are placed close to the scalp and fully concealed. Hand tied extensions usually last longer than other types of extensions (such as tape ins) because there is no adhesive that can degrade over time.

The actual hair extensions last for 6-12 months with proper care. High-quality, 100% real human hair extensions are recommended for best results. Make sure to trim the extensions around the 6-month mark to remove any damaged ends.

Short intro about how to sleep with hand tied extensions, then explain the proper way to sleep with hand tied extensions step by step. Example below:

With all the time and resources you’ll invest in your hand tied hair extensions, you’ll want to ensure that you care for them properly, especially when you sleep! There are a few ways to make sure your hair remains beautiful and luscious, day after day.

1. Sleep On a Silk Pillowcase. to prevent your hair from getting tangled while you sleep. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase is not only good for your skin (helps to prevent wrinkles); it’s also great for your hair. Silk pillowcases are better than any other pillowcase because it creates less fiction to your hair compared to other pillowcases.
2. Place Your Hair in a Braid or Low Ponytail Before Bed. By tying your hair in a braid or low ponytail (using a soft nylon hair tie), it will prevent your extensions from becoming knotted.
3. Use a Hair Serum Every Night. Adding a serum such as the Goldie Locks® Signature Hair Serum will keep your hair ultra hydrated by locking in moisture — leaving your hair silky smooth.
4. Do Not Go to Bed With Wet Hair. Damp or wet hair before bed can cause severe tangles, knots, and can even cause damage to your hair follicles.
5. Brush Your Hair Before Bed. Brushing your hair daily before bed will help remove tangles from your hair. Brush from top to bottom slowly to avoid damage.

Hand tied extensions can work for women with different natural hair densities as well as textures. Whether you have fine hair or thick hair, you can wear this extension method. Do you have curly or straight hair? Hand tied extensions will work for you! They can also be installed in different hair lengths as well.

Did you know your extensions are considered in a grow out phase for 80% of the time they are worn? Once you realize that, you understand why it is imperative you choose an extension method that promises a solid and damage-free experience during the entire time they’re worn. IBE® was the first extension method to be transparent about how your extensions should look at every stage of wear. The unique way our foundation is structured, combined with our precise stitching pattern, offers guests the peace of mind that their extensions are going to hold up and be easy to maintain. In fact, during the 2020 covid pandemic, salons were shut down which forced guests to go exceptionally long in between their IBE® maintenance appointments. It was truly incredible to watch women trickling back into the salon 4-6 months later, with their rows still beautifully intact.

Hand tied extensions mostly come in a straight texture, but curly options are possible with some hair brands. For the best experience, you should choose an extension brand that offers 100% real human hair. You can find hand tied extensions that are naturally curly or straight hair that has been steam-pressed into a permanent wave.

When choosing a stylist to install curly hand tied extensions, you will want to make sure that stylist has been through extra training specifically on the cut and style of curly hair. Some extension education brands, such as IBE®, offer intensive courses on installing, cutting, and styling curly hair.

Swimming with hand tied extensions is absolutely possible. However, you MUST take the proper precautions and follow a few key steps before entering the water.

You must make sure to wet your hair with tap water BEFORE entering the pool or ocean. Once you have dampened, you then need to generously apply a leave-in conditioner and comb through to evenly saturate. Secure your hair in a low ponytail with a nylon hair tie, tightly braiding the remaining hair. This hairstyle will ensure that your hair won’t tangle or mat as the waves ebb and flow.

Once you are out of the water, immediately rinse the hair with water and follow with a shampoo and hydrating mask from a professional line such as Goldie Locks Ultra Hydrating Shampoo and Hair Mask. Then apply a serum to the mids and ends.