1. What are I-Tip hair extensions?
I-Tip (or “stick tip”) extensions are individual strands of 100% Remy human hair with a small tip that attaches via a micro‐ring. They’re also called micro-link or micro-bead extensions. Each strand is secured strand-by-strand using tiny metal or silicone-lined beads. COOVIP’s Keratin I-Tip extensions have a pre-bonded keratin tip at the end of each strand, so they fuse to your hair without glue or heat (a “cold fusion” method). Because each piece is so small, I-Tips move naturally with your hair and blend smoothly for a seamless look.
2. How are I-Tip extensions installed?
Installation should be done by a trained stylist. In general: part the hair and gather a small section (about 1/4″ by 1/4″). Thread the natural hair through a tiny I-tip bead using a loop tool or needle, then insert the extension’s keratin tip into the bead and use pliers to clamp it closed. Repeat row by row, spacing rows about ½–¾″ apart, until the head is covered. I-Tips are a cold application – no heat or glue is applied during bonding – making them gentler on the hair. (If using silicone-lined beads, a quick burst of heat can be applied to melt the silicone, but the hair itself isn’t heated.)
3. How many grams is each piece?
Each I-Tip strand is very light – typically around 0.5 to 1 gram per piece. (COOVIP HAIR’s I-Tip extensions are about 1 g per strand.) This means a 50 g pack contains roughly 50–100 strands. Because each piece is so fine, you’ll use many strands for a full look.
4. What is the difference between I-Tip and Nano Tip?
Nano tip extensions use ultra-tiny rings (~1.0–1.2 mm) that are about 90% smaller than standard I-tip beads. Nanos are designed to be nearly invisible once installed and are gentler for very fine hair. They attach with tiny metal or acrylic rings and offer a super-discreet bond. In contrast, I-Tips use slightly larger micro-beads (~3–4 mm) or cylinders and may have a small keratin “stick” tip. I-Tips are easier and faster to install on normal to thick hair, and can support more length/volume strand-by-strand. In practice, the main differences are size and visibility: nano beads are smaller (more natural-looking but trickier to handle), while I-tip beads are bigger and easier for the stylist to use in thicker hair.
5. What’s the difference between I-Tip and Flat (K-Tip) extensions?
Both are individual strand extensions, but Flat Tip (also called Keratin or K-Tip) hair extensions have a flat, glueless keratin bond at the top. In a Flat/K-Tip install, each keratin tip is fused with heat to create a flat seal to your hair. I-Tips, on the other hand, attach via a round bead (with or without a small keratin stick) and usually do not require heat. The result is subtle: Flat tips lie very flat against the scalp, while I-tip beads are slightly raised under the bond. Both use 100% Remy hair, but Flat/K-Tips are heat-fused and may feel slightly more “molded” to the hair, whereas I-Tips rely on the micro-ring clamp for hold.
6. What are the pros and cons of I-Tip extensions?
Pros: I-Tip extensions are low-impact and versatile. They use no glue or chemicals – just tiny beads – so there’s no risk of adhesive or heat damage during application. Each extension is very small, so the added weight on your scalp is minimal (good for fine or thin hair). Because they’re applied one by one, you can customize placement and volume, and the result looks very natural and moves fluidly. I-Tips are reusable (you can reapply the same strands 1–3 times) and each touch-up only takes 5–10 minutes. Colored beads and small strands make the bonds nearly invisible when done well.
Cons: They do require careful installation and upkeep. Some wearers report initial discomfort or itchiness for the first week or two as the beads settle in. Maintenance can be more involved: you must shampoo gently around the beads (avoiding heavy tugging) and never brush directly on a bead, to prevent pulling. If installed or removed improperly, I-Tips can stress hair roots or cause breakage, so always see a professional for removal. Finally, installation time is moderate (about 2–4 hours) and higher-quality strands can be pricier – though reusability often offsets the cost in the long run.
7. How long do I-Tip extensions last?
With proper care, I-Tip extensions have a long wear life. Expect them to last about 3–6 months per install under normal use. COOVIP HAIR uses premium Remy strands with an 18-month lifespan if cared for (meaning you can wear, maintain, and reapply for over a year with multiple uses). You should see your stylist every 8–10 weeks for a quick tightening and bead change. Over time the beads loosen as your hair grows, so these adjustments keep everything secure.
8. Are I-Tip extensions reusable?
Yes. One big advantage of I-Tips is reusability. The same hair wefts can be removed (unsnapped) and reinstalled 1–3 times. All you need is a new set of micro-beads. As long as the hair and beads are in good shape, you’ll save time and money by reapplying the extensions instead of replacing them.
9. Do I-Tip extensions damage natural hair?
When applied correctly, I-Tips are one of the gentlest permanent extension methods. They use no glue or harsh heat, and the strand-by-strand application means weight is distributed over many small bonds. In fact, stylists often recommend I-Tips for fine or fragile hair because they avoid excessive pressure on the scalp. That said, any extension can cause stress if misused. Improper bead placement or neglecting touch-ups could lead to tension on the roots. Always ensure a certified stylist installs and removes your I-Tips to minimize any risk.
10. Can I-Tip extensions be styled and colored?
Absolutely. I-Tips are made from 100% human Remy hair, so you can treat them just like your own hair. You can curl, straighten, wash, or even trim I-Tip extensions without worry. (Be cautious with heat near the keratin tips or beads – always use a heat protectant and moderate temperature.) You can also dye or bleach I-Tip extensions, but it’s best done by a pro to match colors perfectly and maintain hair integrity. In short: yes, they take color and style well, letting you enjoy any look from jet-black to bright blonde safely.
11. Summer & Winter Care Tips:
To keep your I-Tips looking their best year-round, follow our seasonal advice.
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Summer Care: High heat and humidity can stress extensions. Always wear UV protection (hats or UV sprays) to shield against sun damage, which can weaken the keratin and cause frizz. Limit shampooing to 2–3 times a week to preserve natural oils, and use a rich deep conditioner after each wash. Get regular trims (or clip-on topper pieces) to remove any dry ends. Before swimming, saturate hair with clean water and a leave-in conditioner, and wear a cap if possible – chlorine and salt can cause dryness and tangling. In short: treat your extensions gently under the sun, protecting them from UV, chlorine, and overwashing.
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Winter Care: Cold, dry air can dehydrate hair. Switch to more moisturizing products (a leave-in conditioner or hair oil) in your routine. Use a silk or satin pillowcase year-round to reduce friction. Never sleep on wet hair – moisture trapped under a cap can lead to matting. Be gentle when removing hats or beanies: lightly brush through any tangles afterward. A weekly deep-conditioning mask can help restore hydration lost to indoor heating. By giving your extensions extra moisture and avoiding rough handling in winter, you’ll keep them smooth and tangle-free through the cold months.
