When I-Tip hair extensions are unsuccessful, it’s usually because of slippage. Slippage is when the hair extension strand falls out of the bead. Sometimes this happens while brushing or styling, sometimes it happens all on it’s own.

Some slippage is completely normal, but any more than 10% is cause for concern. (If you have 100 strands, having any more than 10 fall out would be bad.) There are a few things that can cause slippage in beaded hair extensions.

Strand width. The hair extension strand and the strand of the client’s hair it’s attached to should be the same width. If it’s too small, the hair won’t be able to hold the hair extension and bead. If it’s too big, the bead can’t hold the hair securely inside.

Improper Crimping. Each hair extension bead should be crimped three times with the hair extension tool -- once in the middle, and once on each side.

Root Conditioning. Conditioning is great for hair extensions, as long as it’s done on the midshaft down. Conditioner can cause the hair extension bonds to slip.

Pulling and picking. Hair extensions can take a lot, but constant meddling with the bonds can loosen the bonds over time. Just brush, style, and leave them alone!

It’s both the hair stylist’s and the client’s responsibility to stop slipping, but with a few simple steps, keeping your hair extensions in place and looking fabulous is easy!