What are I-Tip Hair Extensions & How are They Different?

Do I-tip Hair Extensions Damage Hair?

For clarity, all types of hair extensions have the potential to cause damage to your natural hair if not applied, maintained, or removed correctly.  For example with i-tip hair extensions if too much of your hair is pulled through the bead or if the bead is clamped down too tightly, excessive tension on the hair shaft could result in breakage or damage to your natural hair over time. If the  i-tip hair extensions aren’t well maintained, including brushing and separating the bonds, your natural hair can become tangled or matted around the beads, causing your natural hair to be damaged when trying to unclamp the bead.  Also trying to remove i-tip extensions without the proper tools and technique can lead to snagging, pulling, and breakage of your natural hair.  

However on the other hand, when handled properly, i-tip hair extensions are considered one of the gentler and more mild hair enhancement systems compared to those involving heat or glue.  To ensure I-tip hair extensions do not damage your hair stylist will:

• use beads that are the appropriate size and material for your hair type and density to prevent slippage or excessive pressure.  
• install the extensions strategically to distribute the weight evenly. 
• prepare appropriately sized sections of your natural hair for each extension strand making sure it’s strong enough to support the weight of the extension without being overloaded or too tight.
• match the thickness of the extension strand to the section of your natural hair diminishing the chances of stress and breakage.
• position the bead at a safe distance from your scalp so it will not cause discomfort and restrict natural hair movement which could potentially result in pulling and breakage.
• ensure that beads are not placed too close together in a way that creates concentrated tension on the same section of hair.
• apply the extensions in a way that takes into account your natural hair. growth patterns to prevent tangling and ensure the extensions move naturally as your hair grows out.

How to Color I-Tip Hair Extensions?

While the basic principles of coloring human hair extensions are relatively similar across all the many different types,  when coloring i-tip hair extensions you want to be extra careful to avoid getting excessive dye directly on the i-tip attachment tip or bond.  Since the i-tips are attached using beads, if dye gets heavily saturated on the attachment tip, it can potentially cause the attachment bond to soften, break down, or become sticky.  This could potentially lead to the hair extension slipping out of the bead more easily.  So in coloring i-tip hair extensions you want to be precise with dye application around the i-tip attachment bonds to not compromise their integrity in any way or make them more vulnerable to slippage. 

Beyond this precaution coloring i-tip hair extensions is just like coloring any another hair extension.  Start by gathering necessary supplies, including gloves, a non-metallic bowl, applicator brush, color developer, hair dye, old towels, clips, and a comb and you’re on your way.  It’s always sensible to perform a strand test first to check the color and hair integrity to avoid an unanticipated surprise.  

Be mindful hair extensions that have undergone previous processing might affect how they absorb color.   A strand test will confirm the dye will produce your desired shade, if the processing time needs to be adjusted, or if an entirely different dye is needed.  This prevents you from potentially dyeing your entire set of i-tip hair extensions an unexpected or unwanted color.    It’s also important to understand how the dyeing process will affect the texture and condition of the i-tip hair extensions.   You want to make sure the hair does not become brittle, dry, or damaged after being exposed to the dye.  This is important because chemicals or improper processing can compromise the quality and longevity of the hair extensions.   At the end of the day a strand test saves you time, effort, and the potential disappointment so it’s a sensible first step. 

From this point mix the dye according to instructions and apply evenly to dry extensions.   Process for the recommended time, rinse thoroughly with cool water and apply a color-safe conditioner.  Gently pat the extensions dry and allow them to air dry, only low heat and a protectant if blow-drying. Remember as a general rule of thumb going darker or toning is safer than lightening as bleach can be damaging and always use color-safe aftercare products.

How Long Does it take to Apply a Full Head of I-tip Hair Extensions?

The time it takes to apply a full head of i-tip human hair extensions depends on several factors and most prominently the experience of the stylist. Depending on your natural hair density and the desired result a full head can range from  using 100 to 200+  i-tip hair strands.  Generally speaking thick natural hair tends to require more extension strands to achieve a seamless blend, which takes more time.  Longer extensions can sometimes take slightly longer to apply as there’s more hair to work with.  Working with multiple colors or creating a very complex look generally means more time.  So know that time range can significantly vary but as some guidance,  time estimates are as follows:

• Average Full Head (100-150 strands): This typically takes 2 to 4 hours.
• Thicker/More Voluminous Full Head (150-200+ strands): This can take 3 to 5+ hours.

These are very generalized estimates, your chosen stylist can assess your hair and discuss your desired look to give you a more accurate time estimate for the application. 

How to Install I-tip Hair Extensions?

Professional installation is advised but for informational purposes, installing i-tip hair extensions generally involves these steps: 

• After preparing clean, dry, and detangled hair, the stylist sections the hair and threads a micro or nano bead onto a small section of natural hair using a hook tool or manually. 
• The i-tip of the extension is then inserted into the same bead, and the bead is clamped shut to secure the extension. 
• This process is repeated row by row until the desired fullness is achieved, followed by blending and styling. 

The selection of the correct bead size and material is important, impacting the comfort, security, longevity, and health of both your natural hair and the extensions.  The size of the bead (micro or nano) should be matched to your hair density, with smaller nano beads preferred for fine hair and larger micro beads for thicker hair to ensure a secure hold without being too visible or causing discomfort.

The material of the bead is also important; metal beads offer durability, while silicone-lined beads provide a softer grip, can be more comfortable and better for finer hair by preventing slippage and reducing friction.   Choosing the correct bead size and material ensures the i-tip hair extensions remain secure, minimizes damage to natural hair, maximizes comfort, and contributes to a natural and seamless overall look. 

I-tip Hair Extensions Buying Guide

Here are some tips for buying i-tip human hair extensions:

• Choose 100% Remy Human Hair: This is high-quality hair where the cuticles are kept intact and aligned in one direction.  When the cuticles are aligned, they lie flat against each other, minimizing friction and preventing the hair from tangling or matting easily. Because the hair behaves more like natural hair with its cuticles intact and aligned, it has a more realistic flow, movement, and appearance.  Remy hair tends to last longer than non-Remy hair because the cuticles are intact and less prone to damage, allowing the hair to withstand washing, styling, and coloring (when done properly) for a longer period.
• Consider Your Natural Hair Type: I-tip extensions are often recommended for those with thin or fine hair because they are lightweight and don’t add excessive weight. They also tend to blend well with straight to wavy hair textures.  
• Choose the Right Shade: Select a shade that closely matches your natural hair color for a seamless blend. Many retailers offer color matching services. If your hair has highlights or lowlights, consider purchasing a mix of shades for a more natural effect. Always check the color in natural lighting if possible.  
• Determine the Right Length and Volume: Decide on the length you desire and the amount of volume you want to add. The number of strands needed for a full head varies based on your natural hair thickness and desired look. For adding volume, 100-150 strands (2-3 packs) may be enough, while for both length and volume, 200-250 strands (4-5 packs) are generally recommended.  
• Factor in Styling Versatility: If you like to change your hairstyle often, i-tip extensions made from human hair can typically be curled, straightened, and even colored.
• Check the Quality of the I-Tip: Look for extensions with high-quality keratin or polymer tips, as these will ensure the extensions stay securely in place.