How is IBE hand-tied different?
You may think all hand-tied hair extensions are the same but they are not. One question I get a lot is “what makes your method different than so many other popular methods of hand-tied”?. First lets discuss some common terms.
Invisible Beaded Extensions (IBE) - this is not just a method it is a company that is trademarked and registered with a proprietary beading technique that does separate them from the other companies. I have been certified with 3 different popular companies for hand-tied hair extensions and never felt they did a good job protecting my clients natural hair. Which is why when I found IBE I was so excited to join their program.
It’s all in the tension (or lack of). When we are taught to do hand-tied beaded wefts the foundation is made of beads attached to your natural hair. Then the wefts (the new hair) are stitched to the beads. And this foundation and stitching is where the major differences occur. So here are a few photos of alternate methods of beading and why this not how I lay my foundation down.
Natural Beaded Row (NBR)
This is an example of a similar foundation of NBR. They attach the beads on an angle and affix a string between all beads. This means as the hair grows out the bead is only attached to a small section of the hair.
The bead it also attached at an angle which is not my preferred method. The wefts are then sown on top only of the row. So it will not be a hidden row when lifted up.
Similar to a braided sew in
This is another method running a track of hair into the bead and then sowing in the wefts on top. Again you will see the beads are installed at an angle and not in the natural fall of the hair.
The wefts are then sown on top only of the row. So it will not be a hidden row when lifted up.
Exposed beads
This photo is showing a machine weft and how the beads are exposed in many methods when lifted up. The technique does have the bead at a natural position that allows the bead to grow in line with the hair as it grows.
Getting closer
The photo you see is getting closer to the IBE method of placement and beading. But there is still to much tension on the beads to allow a full invisible placement of the wefts under the row. But for a top only application of wefts is totally doable.
The IBE Row
All the hair is at natural fall and no tension. Meaning from the first day of installation you will be able to flip up the hair without any discomfort. And as the hair grows the row of extensions will be secured to a full foundation of your natural hair and beads. We will measure and map out the beads to ensure even placement and no tension. The founder of the IBE method has also done years of research on how wide and thick we measure for each placement of the beads. But hey did you know the photo is blurry? Yes my friend we are not allowed to show the actual photos online. But I am happy to show you in a consultation in studio if your interested in starting your IBE journey.
I could show so many more examples of how the IBE method of hair extensions is so different but these above are a great visual of how where we are different. Still have questions? Shoot me an email at tabitha@charlottehair.com or if your ready to start your hand-tied hair extensions journey head over to my website and fill our a new client application at www.charlottehair.com.
