Can Genius Wefts Hide Beads Like the Invisible Bead Extensions (IBE)®?

Invisible Bead Extensions®, also known as IBE®, is a registered method and training by Invisible Bead Extensions, LLC, to install hand-tied hair extensions using microbeads for a seamless blend.

To master the thorough skill of the IBE method, it is recommended that you enroll in the IBE’s training program and make the skill your own.

This post covers what the IBE method is all about, what this smart approach can contribute to a seamless result, and how to apply Genius wefts to achieve a similar result. Let’s dive in.

What Are Invisible Bead Extensions?

How does the IBE method work? In short, you create a foundation by beading a section of the client’s natural hair. Then sew two rows of hand-tied weft extensions, sandwiching the beaded section for a seamless appearance. Hence the name “invisible bead extensions.”

What’s So Good About Invisible Bead Extensions?

Statistics show that the IBE method is the most requested extension method today. Surely, IBE hair extensions have some significant advantages other methods don’t.

1. Invisibility

Invisible bead extensions are also called hidden bead extensions, as the beads are not shown. This is the most outstanding point about IBE extensions. The beads are hidden between two sandwiching hand-tied weft hair extensions, so the beads are perfectly invisible. The bonding is seamless.

2. Wide Variety of Styles

With no beads showing, you can lift or flaunt the hair however you like, and the bonding remains seamless. This way, the hair can be styled in any way possible without worrying about showing the beads.

3. Damage-Free

IBE extensions hardly damage the wearer’s natural hair, just like other weft (sew-in) extensions. The weight of the extensions is shared by the beaded foundation that’s sandwiched in between, and each beaded natural strand doesn’t carry too much weight and eventually breaks or gets pulled off. It’s particularly good for thin or fine hair.

4. Longer Wear Between Reinstalls

Other hair extension methods usually require maintenance or a touch-up every 3-6 weeks. IBE, however, can go twice as long between re-installs, thanks to its unique beaded structure and its stitching pattern. This fact was tested out during the COVID pandemic.

Quote: “…during the COVID pandemic, many hair salons were shut down which forced their clients to go extremely long in between their IBE maintenance appointments. It was incredible to see women returning to the hair salon or studio 4-6 months later; their rows were still beautifully intact.”

5. Easily Maintained

While wearing extensions, the natural hair continues to grow (so does fine hair). And the grow-out phase is 80% of the time they are worn. So that the extensions may look different at every stage of wear. The IBE, however, was the first method through which, the wearer can see the hair grow out at each stage of wear.

Both the beaded structure and its stitching pattern work together to ensure a solid hold and also provide adequate flexibility for the regrowth of natural hair. It offers clients peace of mind that their extensions will hold up and are easy to maintain.

Hide Microbeads with Wefts: Inspired by the Invisible Bead Extensions (IBE) Approach

Installing the IBE is similar to sewing other hand-tied extensions and machine wefts. The only difference is that instead of using one row of hand-tied weft, we use two wefts to hide the beads.

Disclaimer: These steps are not the original approach to installing Invisible Beadn Extensions (IBE). They are only a guideline on how to hide microbeads using wefts. To handle the original skill with industry details, please enroll in the IBE training program and master the skill.

Step 1: Section the wearer’s natural hair where the hand-tied extensions are to be applied.

Step 2: Apply microbeads to the hair sectioned off, and ensure correct spacing between the beaded strands (usually one and a half fingers wide), and clip them tight with extension pliers.

Step 3: Put on the bottom weft extension under the sectioned hair, align the weft, and clip it together with the sectioned hair.

Step 4: Put on the top weft, align it, and secure it with clips like in the preceding step; now, the beaded section is perfectly sandwiched.

Step 5: Sew the wefts to the foundation with threads and a round body needle; starting from the third pocket to the edge and then back will keep the wefts perfectly aligned.

Step 6: When sewing, also make sure to comb the hair together from both the top and bottom weft to get rid of flyaways.

Step 7: Cut the ends so the extension hair and natural hair blend naturally, and style or perm the hair as the client likes.

Hidden Bead Extensions Before and After

IBE vs. Other Popular Extension Methods

What method should you introduce to your client? Well, there’s not so much to say about which hair extension method is better. At the end of the day, it all depends on which method will suit her needs. Here, let’s compare the IBE with some of our most popular extension methods.

IBE vs. Tape-In Extensions

The IBE method has the significant advantage of keeping the bonding undetectable compared to tape-in extensions, especially when styling. Tape-ins, however, have a hard time hiding their tapes. Tying the hair up will be an easy giveaway.

IBE vs. Normal Beaded Weft Extensions

Only one more row of beaded weft makes a huge difference. The stitching pattern is patented to ensure better comfort compared to traditional beaded wefts. The IBE method itself opens to many more styles such as high ponies or top buns.

IBE vs. i-Tip and Y-Tip Extensions

To extend the whole head, your client would usually need over 100 attachment points for i-Tip or Y-Tip extensions. That is over 100 beads. But with the IBE, all you need is to make the foundation using only 1/3 of the same amount of beads. IBE makes lighter work.

How Much Are Invisible Bead Extensions?

How much do invisible bead extensions cost? As they use Hand-tied extensions, they are generally considered a luxury service. It requires highly skilled and experienced stylists to do a fantastic job.

One female client may need two rows of beads, which makes four wefts for the whole head. At Newtimes Hair, our wefts come in four, which is adequate for the job.

Hair Color Matters: Typically, a standard pack of four good-quality 12″ human hair wefts costs $45 at wholesale price. Lighter colors (lighter than #8) may cost an extra $20.

Hair Length Is Key: The price of the extension itself is primarily based on the hair length. For hair lengths from 12″ to 28″, the wholesale price/pack can range from $45 to $350.

Installation Cost: The initial installation typically costs between $200-$250/row and $500 per whole head. If the client picks ombre or rooted wefts, you might have to root her hair, too, for a perfect match. The coloring service is usually charged separately.

Maintenance Cost: Maintenance usually costs the same as installation because the natural hair never stops growing and will eventually grow out of the beads. The stylist will have to remove the foundation and reattach the wefts.

IBE Combos: As a stylist, you may offer IBE combos. Today, these combos usually cost from $1,000 to $2,500. If the client selects a combo, the extensions may be deemed “free of charge,” and other services are all covered in the combo price, such as installation, coloring both the extensions and natural hair, and styling.

How Do I Maintain Wefts Similar to the Invisible Bead Extensions (IBE) Approach?

IBE extensions are actually sew-in wefts. Maximizing the longevity of the weft extensions requires joint efforts from both the client and the stylist. Make sure you schedule reasonable revisits for your clients so you can show them DIY care tips.

Moving Up: Just like IBE wearers, all hidden-bead wearers don’t have to revisit so often; the rows must be moved up every 7 to 10 weeks.

Cleaning: Regular hair cleaning is key. Use a sulfate-free shampoo paired with a hydrating conditioner (so the hair is never so dry that it’s unhealthy; no one wants extremely dry hair). Never scrub the wefts during washing, but wash the roots and let the suds saturate the hair to remove buildup.

Conditioning: Have the conditioner saturate every inch of the strand, let it sit for at least 5 minutes, and then rinse it off thoroughly.

Drying: Hand-tied extensions hold a lot of water and usually soak wet after washing. Make sure you gently dry the hair with a cotton towel. The best way is to softly squeeze the excess water out with a towel and air dry the hair.

Avoid Protein Treatments: Try avoiding protein treatments, as they leave the wefts feeling coarse and even brittle.

Brushing and Detangling: Brush or comb the hair several times a day to prevent the hair from tangling, especially when waking up or before bed. Start from the ends, work your way toward the roots, and avoid the scalp. Lift each row of wefts separately to ensure they don’t tangle up.

Nourishing the Hair: Most extensions are made of human hair, which needs to be hydrated and nourished. Apply a leave-in conditioner to protect the strands from damage and ease the detangling process. Then, use nourishing oil or serum to give nutrients to your extension hair and your natural hair.

Blow Drying: Always use heat protectants before blow drying the hair to avoid potential heat damage. It’s advisable to go row by row. Use a paddle brush or round brush while blowing to blend the natural hair with the extension hair. Make sure each row is thoroughly dried to avoid itchiness from damp hair.

Heat Styling: IBEs are open to more styling options than most other methods. Many wearers are into soft curls and waves. Also, extension curls and waves hold longer. But before landing your hand on the iron, always apply a heat protectant to avoid potential heat damage. Also, be sure to use the lowest heat.

Sleep With IBE: To survive tossing and turning without tangling, a sleeping cap is recommended. Alternatively, braid the hair into 1 or 2 braids. It is also advisable to apply 3 or 4 pumps of hair oil or serum to the mid or ends of the hair.

Swim with IBE: It’s general knowledge that without protection, chlorinated water and seawater can easily dehydrate the hair, leading to breakage. So, before the first summer dive, be sure to saturate the hair with leave-in conditioner or mask. Rinse thoroughly after the swim.

Just hair extension methods; IBE extensions and any hidden-bead extensions need daily maintenance. Once you establish a routine, maintenance will become a piece of cake. The result? Silky smooth glam with a touch of luxury.

For more detailed extension care tips, read our related posts:

How to Take Care of Hair Extensions

Can You Swim With Hair Extensions?

How Long Do Invisible Bead Extensions Last?

Like beaded weft extensions, invisible bead extensions can be easily removed and reapplied multiple times. With proper care and the right products applied, weft extensions can easily last 6-12 months.

Invisible bead extensions, however, have a unique stitching pattern, and the client doesn’t have to return too frequently for maintenance. They can easily last from 9 to 12 months.

Can Genius Wefts Hide Beads like the IBE?

Now, back to our questions at the beginning: Can Genius Weft hair extensions be worn to hide microbeads like the IBE does?

The answer is yes. However, allow us to reiterate our disclaimer: Invisible Bead Extensions (IBE) is a registered method and training program by the same name. To have a standard IBE installation, you must enroll in the IBE program to get properly trained. With their registration of the term, there are a lot of details they will be teaching that we may not be able to cover.

Anyway, you can use Genius wefts to sandwich microbeaded hair. If you put a Genius weft and a hand-tied weft together, you probably won’t be able to tell which is which without a professional eye.

Genius wefts have a thinner spine than hand-tied wefts do. Looking from the side of the weft, they look the same. The thickness of the weft’s spine is everything that matters when sewing them to the beaded foundation.

Imagine: two wefts sandwiching the beads in between, there will be three layers altogether. If the wefts are too thick, like machine wefts, the result will be too bulky. That’s why you need thin, smooth hand-tied wefts. Genius wefts, however, can do the same. They are revolutionized machine wefts and have every benefit hand-tied wefts offer.

To know more about what Genius wefts can do, read our related post: Hand-tied vs Machine Wefts

About Newtimes Hair

Newtimes Hair is a manufacturer of premium human hair extensions, distributing to over 2,000 salons worldwide. All our professional extensions are made from the highest quality cuticle-aligned Remy hair. Register with us to enjoy premium quality hair at nearly half the price.

We supply the hand-tied Genius wefts, along with every tool and accessory you need for an installation of invisible bead extensions. We are your one-stop destination for everything you need for a prosperous salon business.

Contact us today.

FAQs About Invisible Bead Extensions

Can I use normal machine weft extensions for the IBE method?

Yes, you can, but it’s not recommended. Machine wefts are thicker than hand-tied wefts. With two thick wefts to sandwich the beaded hair, the result might be too bulky.

Your weft extensions typically come in four wefts per pack. But what if my client wants extremely thick hair?

No worries. We are a hair factory ourselves. We are very flexible with packaging. We can pack the extensions loose, like one big box with as many wefts as you like.

Do invisible bead extensions damage hair?

Well-installed IBEs will not damage the wearer’s natural hair. The weight of the wefts is shared equally by the beaded foundation. The bonding is tight, so when the client moves her head, the wefts won’t be pulling on the natural hair. The IBE will only damage natural hair if not installed properly. If the hair is loosely sewn, then the weft will pull each time the client rocks her head, and the wefts may dangle and pull her natural hair, causing breakage.