What Is IBE^® Hair Extensions? Invisible Bead Extensions Explained

Last updated on October 29, 2026 · Created on October 22, 2025

In hair extensions, IBE^® stands for Invisible Bead Extensions^®: a hand tied extension method installed only by licensed cosmetologists who have completed IBE^® certification. It’s built on two things: significantly fewer attachment points and flexible tension. Together, they create a comfortable install that prioritizes the health of your natural hair. To book, find a certified IBE^® stylist near you.

What Is Invisible Bead Extensions^® (IBE^®)?

Invisible Bead Extensions^®, also known as IBE^®, is a unique method that is used by licensed cosmetologists to install hand tied hair extensions. Created for hand tied wefts and microwefts (also known as genius wefts), IBE^® was built with one purpose: to create beautiful, seamless extensions without compromising the health of the hair and scalp.

IBE^® METHOD – hair by @ladyraehair

OTHER METHOD

How Do IBE^® Extensions Work?

Instead of placing beads directly at the scalp like other methods do, IBE^® is installed with flexible tension that prioritizes keeping the natural hair healthy. At every move-up, the certified IBE^® stylist fully removes the row and reinstalls it. This gives them the chance to assess grow out and shedding, so each install is customized to the client’s exact needs.

Why Use the Invisible Bead Extensions^® Method?

Invisible Bead Extensions^® was created to fill the gaps left by other methods being used in the industry. Each of those gaps maps to something IBE^® was designed to fix:

Comfort and hair health. Where other methods leave women feeling discomfort from their extensions, IBE^® creates a damage-free and comfortable installation.
Time between appointments. While some other extension methods require 4 to 6 weeks between maintenance appointments, IBE^® offers a more durable method, with the ability to go twice as long between reinstalls.
Styling. While many extensions leave guests feeling exposed with certain hairstyles, IBE^® stays undetectable from every angle. It offers flexibility and comfort even when worn up in a ponytail.

The method is only as good as the hands applying it, so when you are ready to book, ask your IBE^® stylist to show you their grow out photos before your consultation.

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How Is the IBE^® Grow Out Different From Other Hand Tied Extension Methods?

Your extensions are in a grow out phase for about 80% of the time you wear them. Once you realize that, you understand why it is so important to choose an extension method that holds up through the entire time it’s worn. IBE^® is 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, gives guests the peace of mind that their extensions are going to hold up and be easy to maintain.

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, salons were shut down, which forced guests to go exceptionally long between their IBE^® maintenance appointments. It was truly incredible to watch women trickling back into the salon 4 to 6 months later with their rows still intact.

We share grow out results like these openly. We believe in “show the grow,” and we encourage the extension community to do the same. IBE^® sets a high performance standard in extension application, which translates into a high expectation for what the grow out should look and feel like.

Here is an IBE^® guest with her initial install and her 9-week grow out. Notice how clean her install was, which led to a comfortable and easy-to-maintain grow out.

IBE® hand tied install on the day of application — Install by @ladyraehair

The same IBE® install at 9 weeks of grow out — Install by @ladyraehair

Is IBE^® the Same as Beaded Weft Extensions?

No. IBE^® is different from the traditional beaded weft method. With other methods, the beads are simply slid up toward the scalp, causing discomfort at the roots. With IBE^®, the certified stylist completely removes the foundation and wefts at each reinstall and reapplies everything, which allows them to maintain proper tension. The table below shows how the most common methods compare.

IBE® vs other methods at a glance

Method	Attachment	Comfort and look
Tape-In	Sticky adhesives	Stiff extension sections; harder to blend on lighter or finer hair
Traditional Beaded Weft	Wefts attached to beaded rows	No foundation flexibility, which can cause discomfort at the roots
I-Tip	A lot of attachment points throughout the head	Less thick and less natural-looking than IBE®; can separate and look “stringy” if not constantly brushed
IBE® (hand tied wefts)	Minimal attachment points with a flexible foundation	Lightweight rows that are comfortable from day 1; seamless from every angle; works in a ponytail or top bun

If IBE^® matches what you want from your extensions, you can find a certified IBE^® stylist near you on our locator.

Comparing the IBE® Method Versus Other Popular Extension Methods

There are several types of hair extensions, and the IBE® method is easiest to understand next to other popular extension methods. Here are the comparison photos between IBE® and another well-known hand tied extension method using beaded rows.

I-Tip Method

IBE® hand tied install shown with the hair lifted at the back

IBE® hand tied row next to I-Tip extension bonds

Unlike I-tips, which use attachment points throughout the entire head, IBE® uses minimal attachment points, strategically placed for a fully customized install that’s lightweight but still full and natural-looking. The result is extensions that move like natural hair instead of separating and looking stringy.

Traditional Beaded Weft Method

Traditional beaded weft row next to an IBE® hand tied row

Instead of beads pushed right up to the scalp, which can cause irritation, pain and, over time, damage, IBE® uses a foundation with flexible tension, built for comfort at the roots. And while traditional rows often use thick, heavy wefts, IBE® was created to use lighter, thinner weft lines that keep the rows hidden while still adding lots of volume.

Tape-In Method

Tape-in extensions compared with an IBE® install

Moving from tape-ins to IBE^® means trading sticky adhesives for lightweight wefts you can barely feel. IBE^® is also much easier to conceal when styling than tape-ins, which gives you more versatility. Lastly, IBE^® removal takes only minutes without leaving any residue behind. For a full side-by-side, read our guide on tape-in vs hand tied extensions.

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Invisible Bead Extensions® Method Before and After Photos

Before and after photos of IBE® installs, each credited to the stylist who did the hair.

hair by @alexandrasileshair

hair by @victoriarosehairdesign

hair by @lauren_domyhair

hair by @columbus.blonde.whisperer

hair by @hairsbyashleytoothman

hair by @hairbyemileec

hair by @roguehairdontcare

hair by @haleyhaxtonhair

hair by @maneboss_tanisha

How Much Do IBE^® Extensions Cost?

IBE^® installations usually start around $200+ per row, plus the cost of the extensions, and full packages generally run from $1,000 to $2,500+. Because hand tied extensions are a luxury service that takes time and special skill, the total cost varies based on the salon, how many rows are needed to achieve the desired volume, and the length the client wants. Color services typically come at an additional cost.

Those packages usually include the extensions, installation, color customization for the extension hair, and a custom cut and style. For a method-by-method breakdown, see our guide on how much hair extensions cost.

When a client comes in for maintenance, they will pay a fee similar to the initial installation fee.

How Long Do IBE^® Extensions Last, and How Often Do They Need to Be Moved Up?

Although IBE^® extensions are an investment, the full, natural results last a long time when properly cared for. With regular maintenance, the hair in your IBE^® install can be enjoyed for 6 to 12 months. For best results, clients will need a move-up every 7 to 10 weeks. Your stylist may recommend your first move-up at 7 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows, so they can assess the grow out. For more on lifespan and move-up timing, read our guide on how long hand tied extensions last.

Best Tips for Maintaining Hand Tied Hair Extensions Installed Using the IBE^® Method

Caring for IBE® hand tied extensions at home

Care and maintenance are non-negotiable for all extensions, and caring for them will increase their longevity:

Wash gently. Use a sulfate-free shampoo safe for extensions, wash your roots, and squeeze the suds through the lengths without scrubbing the wefts. Follow with a hydrating conditioner or mask on the mids and ends.
Dry carefully. Squeeze out water with a towel, air-dry to 80% to 90%, then blow dry row by row until the wefts are completely dry.
Brush often. Brush several times a day in sections, from the ends up, and support the base of the extensions with one hand. Avoid brushing over the attachment points.
Keep hair hydrated. Use a light leave-in and a clear serum or oil, and skip protein treatments, which leave wefts coarse and brittle.
Protect hair at night and from heat. Each night, apply around 3 to 4 pumps of hair oil or serum to the mid-shaft and ends, gently brush, and braid your hair into one or two braids. Use a heat protectant and the lowest setting possible when heat styling.

To learn more, watch the video below.

About the Invisible Bead Extensions® Certification Program

Too many certification classes end the moment you walk out the door, leaving stylists with unanswered questions and nowhere to turn. We created the IBE® certification program to change that.

Our program is built to give stylists the confidence to apply what they’ve learned. When you become an IBE® Stylist, you’ll earn your certification and an understanding of how, what and why this method works the way it does. And because the program is completely online, there’s no travel required.

IBE® stylist installing hand tied wefts during a certification session

IBE® stylist sectioning hair for a hand tied install

IBE® install by Elite Educator @torijohnstonstyling

hair by IBE® Elite Educator @torijohnstonstyling

IBE® combines online learning with one-on-one mentorship. Our modules and training sessions are organized into three certification sections and filmed in high definition, so you won’t miss a single detail. You can pause, stop or rewind whenever you need to and move at the pace that’s most comfortable for you.

With every module, you’ll build your knowledge, and your mentor will guide you through your training, answer any questions you have and fill in any gaps based on your individual learning style. And once you’re certified, our community and resources continue to support you long after class ends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does IBE® stand for?

IBE® stands for Invisible Bead Extensions®, an attachment method for hand tied wefts and microwefts (also known as genius wefts) extensions. Only IBE® certified stylists can install it.

Are Invisible Bead Extensions® and hand tied extensions the same?

No. Invisible Bead Extensions® refers to the attachment method used to install the extension wefts. Hand tied is the type of weft, and IBE® is the method.

Does the IBE® method work better with hand tied wefts or machine tied wefts?

The IBE® method was developed to use hand tied wefts and microwefts, since they have a smaller weftline. Although other wefts can be used, the same result is not guaranteed. To see how the two weft types differ, read our guide on machine tied vs hand tied wefts.

How frequently do I need to get my extensions moved up?

For best results, your stylist may recommend that you have your first reinstall at 7 weeks. The frequency of appointments depends on how quickly your hair grows. On average, most IBE® wearers have maintenance appointments every 7 to 10 weeks. For more on timing, read our guide on how long hand tied extensions last.

How long will my hair extension appointment last?

Typically, each row takes 45 to 75 minutes.

How long will my hair extensions last?

High-quality human hair extensions can last between 6 and 12 months with regular maintenance. The origin of the hair also affects its quality and how long it lasts.

Are Invisible Bead Extensions® bad for your hair?

IBE® was created for a damage-free and comfortable installation. IBE® is only installed by licensed cosmetologists who have completed the certification, so the method is only as good as the hands applying it. Read more on whether hand tied extensions are bad for your hair and whether hair extensions damage your hair.

Can I find an IBE® stylist near me?

Yes. Use our Stylist Locator to find a certified IBE® stylist near you.

What are the best products to use on my extensions?

Use high-quality products on your extensions to make them last. We recommend Goldie Locks® Ultra Hydrating Signature hair care products, which were developed specifically to improve the lifespan and quality of your hand tied hair extensions.