I-Tips — 5 min read
I-Tips 101: The No-Glue, No-Heat Install
I-tip extensions attach with a tiny bead instead of heat or glue — the gentlest strand-by-strand install there is. Here is how the bead method works and how to keep it flawless.
I-tips are tipped with a narrow "I"-shaped end that slides into a small silicone-lined bead. Your natural hair and the extension are clamped together inside the bead — no heat, no glue, no solvents. That makes i-tips the most install-friendly option for sensitive scalps and anyone cautious about chemicals.
How the Bead Method Works
Section and Thread
Hair is sectioned into clean rows; a loop tool threads a small slice of your natural hair through each micro-bead.
Insert and Clamp
The i-tip slides into the bead alongside your hair, and the bead is gently clamped flat. Each attachment takes seconds — a full head installs in about 2–4 hours.
Blend and Style
Like k-tips, i-tips move in every direction. Ponytails, braids, and buns all work because there is no weft, tape, or track.
Maintenance and Move-Ups
As your hair grows, the beads travel down with it. Every 8–10 weeks your stylist re-opens each bead, lifts it back to the root, and re-clamps — the same hair can be reused for several cycles, making i-tips one of the most economical installs over time.
Care Tip
Beads grip best on hair that is clean but product-free. At the root, stick to a light spray moisturizer — thick creams can let beads slip prematurely.