Hand-tied extensions are one of the services guests ask us about most. They want to know how the extensions are attached, whether they'll damage their hair, and how often they'll need to come back. Salon on 3rd is a certified IBE® studio in Old Town Temecula, so this post covers the method we use and what a first appointment involves.
What IBE® means
IBE stands for Invisible Bead Extensions, a patented way of installing hand-tied wefts. Your stylist builds a row of small beads into your natural hair, then sews thin wefts of extension hair onto that foundation. The install uses no glue and no heat.
The beads sit under the weft, so they're hidden once your hair is down. The wefts lie flat against your head, which is why the finished result reads as your own hair.
How IBE® compares to tape-ins
Tape-ins use adhesive tabs pressed onto either side of a section of your hair. They go in faster and suit some people well. IBE takes longer to install and uses no adhesive at all, so taking the extensions out doesn't involve dissolving glue from your hair.
Which method fits you depends on your hair's density, your routine, and how much upkeep you're willing to do. That's what the consultation is for.
Start with a consultation
Every extension service at Salon on 3rd starts with a consultation. Your stylist looks at the thickness, length, and condition of your hair, talks through the look you're after, and matches the extension hair to your color. If you're planning a color change too, bring it up here, because color and extensions are usually planned together.
You'll also get a real answer on price at this stage. It depends on how many wefts you need and which stylist you book with, and you'll see it when you book online or call the salon.
Installation day
Plan for a long appointment. Your stylist places the bead row, sews in the wefts, then cuts and blends the extensions into your natural hair so the ends look seamless. The blending takes time, and it's what keeps the extensions from being noticeable.
Living with extensions
You can wash, style, and use hot tools as usual, with a little more care near the beads. Most guests find these habits help:
- Brush from the ends up, holding the hair near the row.
- Use professional, sulfate-free products. Our boutique carries the ones our stylists use.
- Sleep with your hair in a loose braid or on a silk pillowcase.
- Keep your maintenance appointments.
Maintenance and the move-up
As your natural hair grows, the bead row grows away from your scalp. At a maintenance appointment your stylist moves the row back up and re-tightens it. How often you need one depends on how fast your hair grows, and your stylist will set a schedule with you.
Who does IBE® at Salon on 3rd
Owner Amanda Hunter is an IBE® Certified Extension Specialist, and several stylists on the team specialize in IBE® hand-tied extensions, blonding, and dimensional color. Their specialties are listed on the team page, so you can book with the stylist who fits what you want.