No glue. No heat. No compromise. IBE is the #1 most-requested hand-tied extension method in the country. Emerald Salon in Hiawatha, Iowa is one of the only IBE certified studios serving Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area.
| Factor | IBE ✦ | Tape-In | Fusion / Keratin | Traditional Beaded Weft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adhesive or Heat | None | Tape adhesive | Heat bonds | None |
| Bead Visibility | Fully hidden, always | N/A | N/A | Can peek through |
| Scalp Contact | ✓ Never | ✗ Yes | ✗ Yes | Sometimes |
| Ponytail / Updo Ready | ✓ Day One | Difficult | Difficult | Sometimes |
| Move-Up Interval | 8–10 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 3–6 weeks | Varies |
| Hair Reusability | 6–12 months | Limited | No | Limited |
| Removal Residue | None | Adhesive residue | Bond residue | None |
| U.S. Patent | ✓ Yes (3 patents) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Before & After
Natural Blend
Volume & Length
Seamless Blend
The Bead Row
IBE is a U.S.-patented, hand-tied weft extension method. Silicone-lined microbeads are clamped to small sections of your natural hair (not the scalp), and hand-tied wefts of 100% Remy human hair are sewn to the bead row. The weft lies completely flat and is undetectable on all sides.
The weft hair itself lasts 6–12 months with proper care. You'll need a "move-up" appointment every 8–10 weeks as your natural hair grows, during which the beads are repositioned higher on the shaft and the same weft is re-sewn. You're investing in the hair. Not repeatedly replacing it.
IBE uses no glue, no heat, no adhesive of any kind. The beads never contact the scalp. Only the hair shaft. Weight is distributed evenly across the entire row (rather than at individual points like tape-ins or fusions), minimizing stress on any single strand. It is consistently rated as one of the lowest-damage extension methods available.
Yes. Ponytail, bun, half-up, any updo. From day one. This is IBE's most celebrated advantage. The weft is positioned and sewn in a way that remains completely hidden even when your hair is pulled straight up.
IBE extensions start at $200 per row plus the cost of hair. Exact pricing depends on your hair goals, density, and row count. Move-up appointments every 8–10 weeks. We'll give you a complete cost estimate at your complimentary consultation.
Brush thoroughly before washing using a soft extension brush or Wet Brush. Use sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo. Avoid products with silicone build-up at the roots. Sleep in a loose braid or low ponytail. Avoid applying conditioner directly to the bead row. We provide a full at-home care guide with every installation.
IBE is one of the best options for fine and thin hair. It reduces attachment points from 100+ (other methods) down to approximately 30, distributing weight evenly across the row. Fine, thin, or fragile hair responds beautifully. This is IBE's most celebrated use case.
IBE removal takes minutes. The beads are released, the weft is removed, and there is zero residue, zero adhesive, and zero chemical treatment involved. Compare this to tape-in removal, which requires chemicals, repeated combing, and often leaves adhesive on the hair shaft for multiple washes.
Yes. Color services are typically done before installation to perfectly match the wefts, and color can be refreshed at move-up appointments. Your IBE specialist will handle the timing and sequencing. Avoid bleaching directly over the weft rows between scheduled appointments.
Yes, with proper care. Pre-wet your hair with clean water before entering a pool, ocean, or lake. Braid your hair before swimming, rinse immediately after, and follow with a clarifying shampoo if exposed to chlorine or salt water. Your stylist will give you a full protocol at your installation appointment.