When it comes to choosing hair extensions, it is easy to get lost in the different types that exist. From flat-tip to weave-in and tape-in hair extensions, several types of hair extensions are available on the market, and finding a type that suits your preferences can be quite tricky. Therefore, we have compiled the following information to help you understand the differences and similarities between 2 popular types of hair extensions: U Tip and I Tip hair extensions.
Let’s get started.
What are U Tip Hair Extensions?
U-Tip hair extensions, also known as “hot fusion extensions,” are among the most common types of extensions used by hair experts today. A hair professional pre-sets them with keratin and fixes them onto the hair through a perm or a hot extension iron.
U Tip hair extensions are made of the strongest keratin available on the market. The keratin tip may need to be clipped to get rid of any surplus keratin. These extensions are a professional product, and because of the hardness of the keratin, they must only be applied by hair professionals.
If you feel that the heat from the hair extension iron will damage your hair, you shouldn’t worry at all. The heat is less intense than that from a standard flat or curling iron. Thehot hairextension iron will only touch your hair for a few seconds and the job will be done.
What Are I Tip Hair Extensions?
I-Tip hair extensions are a recent development in the world of hair care. They are made up of several strands of hair fastened together at the tip. Unlike U-Tip extensions, these are applied without a hot iron and do not need glue or heat for application. Hence, they are very popular among women who don’t want heat applied to their hair. So if you feel that U-Tip extensions will damage your hair, go for I Tip hair extensions! However, for the I-tips to hold adequately in your hair, you must have hair with an average or thick texture.
I-Tip hair extensions are also known as “cold fusion,” “shoelace tip,” or “flash point” extensions. They are applied onto the hair through a pulling tool such as a hook or loop. This tool pulls the hair through a tiny, micro ring. Micro rings are mostly made of aluminium or copper. The hair expert then inserts I Tip hair extensions into these micro rings. Next, the rings are compacted and flattened with special pliers. This is known as the “compression” process, and it holds the extensions in place.
How Are U-Tip and I-Tip Extensions Different?
Tools
I-Tip hair extensions use aluminium or copper micro rings to keep the extensions in place. In contrast, U-Tip extensions are applied using a hot hair extension iron to melt the keratin onto the hair.
Hair Types
U-Tip hair extensions require clean, product-free hair before the hot fusion process. This means that you cannot apply leave-in hair care products such as conditioners. If you have problematic, knotted, and twisty hair that is already fragile or damaged, look into other types of hair extensions, such as I-tips, which are suitable for most hair types.
Damage
U-Tip hair extensions might cause heat damage (although negligible), whereas I-Tip hair extensions can lead to tangling, snarling, and extremely tough removal, especially for women with rough, curly, and springy hair.
Cost
U-Tip hair extensions are cheaper than I-tip micro ring extensions, so if you still can’t decide which ones to pick out, you might want to consider price as a determining factor.
Removal Time
Since hair professionals do not use glue, heat, or chemicals when applying I-Tip extensions, the removal time for these extensions is minimal. It takes approximately 1 hour. On the other hand, hair experts use acetone-based products to remove U-Tip hair extensions, hence the removal process is slightly longer.
The Similarities between U-Tip and I-Tip Extensions
Both I Tip and U Tip hair extensions are classified as “fusion” or “pre-bonded” extensions that are fastened to the natural hair using different adhesives and tools. It takes a hair professional about 3 to 4 hours to apply them onto the hair.
I-Tip and U-Tip hair extensions are considered semi-permanent and can stay in your hair for up to 4 months. However, like with all other types of hair extensions, how long they stay in your hair will depend on your hair type and growth.
The process of managing and treating I Tip and U Tip hair extensions is pretty much the same as caring for your real hair. With these extensions, you can use the same hair care products you would typically use. However, both types of extensions will need re-positioning as your natural hair grows, after every 3 to 4 months.
U Tip vs. I Tip hair Extensions : Which One is Right for You?
When it comes to purchasing hair extensions, there are so many things that you need to consider before making a final choice. Ask yourself how comfortable you are with heat applied to your hair.Do you have brittle and damaged or strong and healthy hair? Do you have straight hair or curly hair?
As always, you must consult with your stylist and ask them whether U Tip or I Tip hair extensions will be better for your hair. Remember that at the end, the choice is all yours since you know your hair better than anyone else.
We hope that through this blog, we were able to provide youwith all the necessary information you needed to make an informed decision on which type of hair extensions will be suitable for you based on your hair type and your hair goals.
To find out more about the different types of hair extensions or get expert advice on which type to choose, visit Oddel today. At Oddel, we arecommitted to bringing you the finest quality hair extensions at affordable prices!