Keratin Bond Vs. I-Tip Hair Extensions Pros & Cons

Do you often wonder about the differences between keratin bond hair extensions, versus i-tip hair extensions? Both methods are attached to several strands of your natural hair; (1) utilizes a micro bead where a hair extension is placed inside of the bead, and clamped closed (no adhesive), (2) and the other utilizes a keratin adhesive that melts the hair extensions into the hair. 

In my thirty years of experience, the keratin bond extension is more resilient and will last longer in the hair without slipping. I do not discount the i-tip method, I use this system on extremely fragile hair, and I only use twenty or so to fill in sparse areas of the head. The reason I do a partial set of i-tips is that they slip, although they are reusable, my clients find this method costly since they have to move them up more often than keratin bonds.  

Although keratin bonds are not known to be reusable, we can re-tip them. Re-tipping, aka re-bonding, is best done for bonds that slip out within the first four months of wearing. The hair can be gathered, and re-tipped, but after 5 months - they may be thin due to shedding.

I find that keratin bonds should be worn no longer than six months, and I do not suggest removing them before two months. If you remove the bonds too early, they are still strong, and difficult to remove. The type of keratin adhesive also varies, I use keratin made in Italy or Germany, instead of the wax. The wax type of adhesive (found on Amazon), is very sticky and does not withstand the test of time. High-quality keratin bonds can be washed, styled, and treated like your own hair for months.

The main complaint with i-tips is that a client will lose several in a month since the micro link slips down the hair shaft. This is especially true for oily and fine hair. There are cases where thick/coarse textures hold the i-tip for a longer duration, but the reapplication can take several hours and is not as cost-effective as keratin bonds.

The caveat is that either method must be placed on enough natural hair to secure the extension. Our own hair sheds over 100 strands per day, therefore it is impossible for any method to be permanent. Additionally, brushing, products, and at-home care is imperative.  

Also, the quality of the hair is important, non-remy hair will tangle quickly, causing one to stress the hair in order to detangle. Therefore, the added stress from detangling can also cause individual-type hair extensions to pull out from the scalp. Although it is not unusual to lose a few strands while wearing.

It is important to seek a professional's advice, we can tell you which hair extensions work best with your hair type, and lifestyle. There may be an alternative type of hair extension that is better suited for your hair, i.e.: pull-thru, tape, sew-in weft hair extensions.

A free consultation is the best approach, visually touch & feel your new hair, and trust your gut. I am always here to help with questions, texture match, and color and you can visit our VeilaHairExtensions.com website where we offer a variety of hair extension methods for virgin and curly temple Indian temple hair.

Hair Extensions Background

At Noelle Salon, they evaluate your natural hair, and listen to the client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. They use human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair, or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and they have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using the Veila Pull-thru method with the Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied, and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out and explore the possibilities.