Most people are unsure what exactly I-Tip extensions are. When you research them you get so much misleading information- some of it is downright scary. I have been doing hair extensions for the past 10+ years and can tell you that 80% of my clients prefer micro-links over any other method. Let's breakdown the Truths and Myths of Micro-link Extensions.

First off, they go by many names: Micro-Rings, Nano-Rings, Micro-Tubes, Cold Fusion, Beaded Extensions, Micro-Bead and I-Tips, Strand-by-Strand-but they are all the same method.

 Are Micro-link I-Tips damaging?

The first thing clients ask me during a consultation is "Don't those extensions ruin your hair?" And I tell them "Yes, they can." (Hey, I'm giving you the truth here.) Then I say "so can bleach, and so can heat."  Any treatment can ruin your hair if it's not done right. It's all about proper application- equal weight distribution and precise sectioning without tension.  And let's not forget, extensions are applied at the roots where hair is the healthiest.

Some information will tell you that the copper links will break your hair off, and that there are little ridges inside them that will clamp your hair and snap it off.  You'll also hear that  it's not for people with fine hair.

Truth: If not properly installed, ANY type of extensions can damage your hair. Improper sectioning, uneven weight distribution and applying extensions too tight (tension) will surely cause some breakage no matter what the method is.

The links are made of copper. Your hair and the extension fit snug inside the link and it is pressed flat. Many companies will lead you to believe that you need to have silicone inside the link-  there is no need for ridges or silicone inside the link when the proper amount of hair is used and the correct link size. Monti's custom links come in 3 sizes for a perfect fit, and do not have ridges or silicone inside them.

Myth: People with fine hair can wear any kind of extensions.

Fine hair can't hold that much weight, so wearing the right size and method of extensions is imperative to hair health.  

Truth: People with fine hair absolutely can wear I-Tips over Tape-In's or Glue-In (Keratin Bonds). The weight distribution in a micro-link is balanced, unlike Tape-Ins where the section of your hair that  holds the tape extension is lighter in weight than the 2 tapes that are attached to it.

Keratin bonds tend to have the same problem, the weight distribution is sometimes not equal, and the glue can be bulky and show on someone with finer hair. 

The amount of hair put in the micro-link should be same amount as the extension itself, and there should never a be a small amount of your hair holding onto a large, heavy extension. Monti Extensions has created I-Tips that are small and large, and copper links that fit both sizes in order to cater to all hair types.

Myth: You can leave your extensions in for 6 months.

I hear from my clients with keratin bonds (that are ready to make the switch to micro-links) that their extensionist told them to wear them for 6 months. 

Truth: Nobody with fine hair, or any hair texture for that matter, should keep extensions in for that long- no matter what the method is. We recommend returning to remove and reuse your extensions  every 4-6 weeks for Tape-Ins, and at 9-12 weeks for I-Tips.

For more information, you may contact us directly at 415-409-1500  with questions or for  a consultation with a professional extensionist.