You finally did it, you invested in the hair you’ve been dreaming about your whole life. Long, full, confidence-boosting hair that no amount of mousse or wishful thinking could ever give you. And you walked out of the salon feeling brand new. Every compliment, every double-take, every “Oh my gosh, your hair looks amazing!” felt like confirmation that this was money well spent.

You went home, used the Goldie Locks products your stylist recommended, put your Invisible Bead Extensions® into a loose braid before bed, and slept comfortably because, let’s be honest, Invisible Bead Extensions® is the only method designed to eliminate tension and discomfort at the scalp.

Then came the next morning.
Gym day.

Your ponytail looked so good it basically deserved its own Instagram account. But the moment you started sweating, a little panic set in:

“Wait… did she tell me to blow-dry every time I wash? Or every time I sweat? Should I rewash? How do I dry hair that’s already halfway dry? Do I have hand-tied wefts? Micro wefts? Which is which?! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?”

Take a breath, friend.
This is exactly why Invisible Bead Extensions® not only offers premium hair extensions but also provides advanced Hair Extension training and hair styling education for stylists, so clients like you can have clear answers, not confusion.

And today, you’re getting those answers.

A Quick Breakdown: Hand-Tied vs. Micro Weft Hair Extensions

Before you start blow-drying or curling anything, you need to understand what kind of wefts you’re wearing. Even clients who have had extensions for years often mix these up, it’s more common than you think.

Invisible Bead Extensions® uses the highest-quality wefts available, and stylists trained through IBE®’s Hair Extension education learn exactly when and why to choose one type over the other.

Hand-Tied Wefts

Hand-tied wefts are literally tied by hand, strand by strand. They’re known for being lightweight and natural-looking.

Pros:

Ultra-light
Flexible and natural
Return hair adds built-in volume

Cons:

Return hair can swell in humidity or when left damp
More delicate and can unravel if cut incorrectly

Micro Wefts

Micro wefts use a thin resin seam instead of return hair. They were created to fix the issues hand-tied wefts sometimes cause.

Pros:

No return hair
Can be cut without unraveling
Don’t swell with moisture

Important:
The resin seam can melt with direct heat. That’s why knowing how to heat style properly is so important.

Many IBE® stylists even combine the two types depending on your density, texture, and lifestyle, something you’ll only get when you Find Certified Hair Stylist trained in the IBE® method.

Why Heat Styling Matters So Much for Extensions

Let’s be real, most extension damage doesn’t happen from washing or curling. It happens from:

Leaving the weft line damp
Using too much heat
Using heat in the wrong areas
Using tools incorrectly
Not protecting the hair

And this isn’t your fault. Most clients are never taught this, unless they’re with a stylist trained through a certified Hair Extension training program like Invisible Bead Extensions®.

Here’s what you need to know:

Wet hair is weaker and more prone to breakage
Hair extensions hold more water → they get heavier → more tension on your scalp
Micro weft seams can soften or melt if overheated
Sweat and humidity count as moisture

This is why your drying routine matters just as much as your styling routine.

How to Blow-Dry Your Hair Extensions the Right Way

1. Towel Dry Gently

Pat dry, don’t rub. Keep hair above the shoulders while getting ready to avoid unnecessary pulling.

2. Use the Right Products in the Right Order

Start by detangling with a soft-bristle brush, then apply:

Leave-in conditioner
Serum
Blow-dry spray / heat protectant

Brush everything through evenly.

3. Rough Dry Before Styling

Rough drying simply means using your dryer without a brush.

Tips from IBE® stylists:

Always use a nozzle
Direct airflow downward
Clean dryer filters regularly

4. Keep the Blow Dryer Moving Over the Weft Line

Do not hold heat on one spot.
Micro wefts can soften.
Hand-tied wefts can swell.
Your scalp won’t love it either.

Think: light, sweeping motions.

5. Use Blow-Dry Brushes & AirWrap Tools Carefully

Here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:

These tools can get too hot, too close, too fast.

Across the industry, stylists have seen:

Melted weft seams
Excessive shedding
Full weft loss

Use them sparingly and never directly on the seam.

6. Finish With a Paddle Brush

Once your hair is about 85% dry, then switch to a paddle brush to smooth and finish.

If your hair feels cool afterward, it’s still damp.
Hair should feel neutral in temperature when completely dry.

Using Irons on Extensions (Without Causing Damage)

Whether you love big glam curls or sleek, polished hair, here’s what matters:

Reapply heat protectant on dry hair
Stay within 325º–375ºF
Avoid the weft line entirely
Keep irons moving
Never clamp or rest an iron on the seam

High heat doesn’t equal better styling, it equals more damage.

When Extensions Get Wet on Non-Wash Days

If you:

Sweat
Do hot yoga
Sit in a sauna
Take a steam shower
Live somewhere humid

…your extensions collect moisture even if you didn’t physically wet them.

What to Do

Dry the weft line
Avoid letting moisture sit
Prevent mineral buildup (varies with pH)
Reduce discoloration, swelling, or shedding

This single habit can extend the life of your wefts dramatically.

Your Extensions Are an Investment, Treat Them Like One

Whether you’re wearing hand-tied, micro wefts, or a customized mix, your extensions will last significantly longer when you:

Always use heat protectant
Brush gently and consistently
Never leave the weft line damp
Keep heat tools moving
Avoid overheating the seam
Follow professional aftercare

And if you ever feel unsure, your best resource is always a professional trained with advanced Hair Extension education, ideally an IBE®-certified stylist.

You can always Find Certified Hair Stylist through the Invisible Bead Extensions® Stylist Locator to ensure you’re getting care from someone trained in proper weft placement, hair extension science, and safe heat styling practices.

Invisible Bead Extensions® doesn’t just revolutionize the way extensions are installed, they also elevate the entire industry with ongoing Hair Extension training and education designed to keep hair healthy, beautiful, and protected.

With the right stylist and the right routine, your extensions will stay gorgeous, strong, and long-lasting, exactly the way they were meant to.