Beaded hair extensions consist of wefts of hair attached to your natural locks using silicone-coated beads for secure attachment. They offer a non-damaging alternative to other methods using glue or heat and can even be reused over months with proper care. Beaded hair extensions are relatively straightforward to maintain, though you must care about where they attach to your natural locks. Ensure you use a shampoo without sulfate and gently brush to avoid tugging at them.
Hand-Tied
Johnson says this hair extension method is ideal for creating fuller locks while remaining natural-looking, especially for straight-to-wavy textures that may otherwise kink easily or curly hair that needs help avoiding kinks. This technique uses beads as the foundation upon which to sew weft extensions, unlike traditional sew-in extensions, which rely on braids as foundation. Hand-tied extensions require extreme precision and knowledge to install correctly, so you must select a professional stylist certified in this technique, such as IBE. Doing so will guarantee an undetectable, healthy installation without chemicals or adhesives requiring removal later. Furthermore, hand-tied extensions last longer and simplify removal without chemicals being needed!
Tape-In
Tape hair extensions are thin wefts attached by taping between your locks in a sandwich-like bond. While semi-permanent, tape hair extensions can last as long as desired; once loose or fallen out, your stylist must redone them. Tape-in extensions offer more versatility than hand-tied extensions; they can be worn into high ponytails and braids without fear of rubbing against your scalp or hairline. However, it’s best to avoid wearing them in ways that cause friction against these areas of the head or hairline. Heavy styling products should be avoided to prevent the adhesive on your tape-ins from breaking down and slipping out; opt for a lightweight leave-in conditioner or detangler instead to maintain natural-looking extensions that stay put! Also, be wary about engaging in heavy exercise shortly after installing tape-ins, as sweat can cause them to shift, causing you to experience slipperiness with them installed.
Sewn-In
Sewn-in beaded hair extensions are ideal for thicker locks as they won’t weigh down your natural locks. Furthermore, their versatility enables users to add volume or length as desired. Your stylist will combine sections of weft hair with your natural waves, securing it together using tiny silicone-lined beads that are virtually weightless and won’t damage natural follicles like other extension methods might. It is one of our go-to styles for coarse or curly locks! Bead hair extensions will last much longer when properly maintained by regularly washing and not tousling, which can cause tangles or slippage. Always use a lightweight yet hydrating conditioner like our Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Conditioner. This is especially important if your natural fine or thin hair weighs too much to support its extra weight; generally speaking, beaded extensions last six months to a year when looked after properly.
Micro Beads
Micro beads (microlinks) offer a safe and gentle solution for those seeking semi-permanent hair extensions. A few strands from your head are inserted into a bead and tightened using special pliers, creating an undetectable transition from short to long locks. Micro beaded hair extensions offer numerous advantages over glue or tape extensions, such as no heat usage or glue adhesives being required to install. Unfortunately, without regular maintenance sessions every four weeks and using heat protectants regularly (in other words, using micro beaded extensions effectively will shorten its lifespan dramatically). At your stylist’s advice, the best approach for caring for micro bead hair extensions is consulting them directly and using only appropriate products containing silicones, proteins, and abrasive substances that may irritate them. Also, gently brush twice a day so as not to dislodge micro beads or damage individual strands of your hair.
