Why IBE® Extensions Are the Best Hair Extensions in the Industry (And Why We Love Them)
If you’ve been dreaming about longer, fuller, healthier-looking hair, you’ve probably done the deep dive into extensions. And if you're overwhelmed by all the options out there—tape-ins, clip-ins, keratin bonds, sew-ins—we get it. But at our salon, there's one method that stands out above the rest for its comfort, customizability, and healthy hair growth results:
👉 Invisible Bead Extensions® (IBE®).
This game-changing method is the gold standard of hand-tied extensions—and for good reason.
What Are IBE® Extensions?
IBE® stands for Invisible Bead Extensions, a patented technique that uses a beaded foundation with hand-tied wefts to create natural, seamless volume and length—without damaging your natural hair.
Unlike traditional sew-ins or other beaded methods, IBE® hides every point of contact between the weft and your scalp. That means:
No visible beads
No uncomfortable tension
No damage to your hair or scalp
Just beautiful, invisible, blendable volume.
5 Reasons We Recommend IBE® Over Other Extension Methods
1. No Glue, No Tape, No Damage
IBE® doesn’t rely on adhesives or heat to bond the hair, which means no sticky residue, no breakage, and a safer option for long-term wear.
Your natural hair is protected and continues to grow—even while you're living your best long-haired life.
2. Seamless Blending = Natural Results
One of the biggest frustrations with extensions is the dreaded "line of demarcation"—where your natural hair ends and the extension begins. Not with IBE®.
The strategic placement of the wefts and the hidden beading system means your extensions will blend flawlessly, even in a ponytail, braid, or half-up style.
3. Maximum Comfort & Wearability
IBE® was created with scalp health and comfort in mind. The flexible foundation lays flat against your head and distributes weight evenly, meaning less tension and way more comfort—even if you have a sensitive scalp.
You won’t feel them—and no one else will see them.
4. Customizable for Every Hair Type
Whether you’re looking for length, fullness, or both, IBE® is fully customizable to your:
Hair density
Color blend
Lifestyle needs
Maintenance preferences
Our certified stylists at Chasing Vanity will work with you to design a completely personalized install that fits your hair goals.
5. Flawless for Special Occasions—AND Everyday Life
From bridal hair and special events to your everyday "wake up and go" style, IBE® extensions move naturally with your real hair. They hold up to styling, color blending, and daily wear better than almost any method out there.
Whether you’re walking down the aisle or running errands, your hair will look incredible.
Why Our Stylists Choose IBE®
We don’t just install extensions—we build relationships with our clients, based on education, customization, and long-term hair health. That’s why we’ve invested in IBE® certification and training.
We chose IBE® because: ✔️ It’s safe for fine or fragile hair
✔️ It’s versatile enough for custom color blending
✔️ It allows for clean, open-track move-ups without matting or tension
✔️ It keeps our clients looking and feeling their best—month after month
The IBE® Experience at Chasing Vanity Salon
When you book an IBE® consultation with us, you can expect:
A detailed conversation about your hair goals
Color matching and custom weft selection
An install tailored to your lifestyle and look
Full styling, aftercare education, and maintenance plan
✨ We want you to leave feeling confident, empowered, and obsessed with your hair.
Ready for the Hair of Your Dreams?
Whether you're new to extensions or ready to upgrade from another method, IBE® is a total game-changer—and we’d love to show you why.
📍 Visit us in Grand Rapids at Chasing Vanity Salon
📞 Call 616-419-3549 or
📧 Book your consultation online at
What’s the Difference Between Lived-In Color and Balayage?
If you’ve ever stared at Pinterest hair inspo or sat in your stylist’s chair unsure what to ask for, you’re not alone. Two of the most requested techniques—lived-in color and balayage—can seem similar, but they’re not the same. At Chasing Vanity Salon in Grand Rapids, MI, our color specialists break it down for you so you can make the right choice for your hair, lifestyle, and goals.
💡 Quick Answer: Lived-In Color vs. Balayage
Balayage is a technique—it involves hand-painting color onto the hair to create soft, natural highlights.
Lived-in color is a look—a customized style that mimics natural hair growth and lasts longer between salon visits.
But there's more to it—so let’s dig in.
🎨 What Is Balayage?
Balayage comes from the French word meaning “to sweep.” Your stylist hand-paints lightener or color onto the surface of your hair in soft, sweeping motions, without using traditional foils. The result?
Subtle, sun-kissed brightness
Softer grow-out with no harsh lines
Great for first-time color clients
Often used to create dimension on brunettes and blondes
💬 Think of balayage as a natural-looking way to lighten or add dimension to your hair without the high maintenance of traditional highlights.
Balayage look by @Becksdoeshair
🌾 What Is Lived-In Color?
Lived-in color is a modern color trend that uses strategic placement, root smudging, and blending techniques (yes, sometimes including balayage) to create a result that looks effortless and lasts longer.
Lived-in color is perfect for:
Clients who want fewer salon visits
A more diffused grow-out
Low-maintenance brightness or depth
A seamless blend from roots to ends
💬 It’s the ultimate “I woke up like this” hair color—grown-out, but polished. Bright, but believable.
Lived color by Karinne
🔍 How Are They Different?
Balayage v.s. Lived-In Color
What it is A technique (hand-painting) V.S. A look (rooted, seamless blend)
Maintenance Medium V.S. Low
Best For Natural highlights V.S. Long-term wear between appointments
Grow-out Soft but noticeable V.S. Intentionally diffused
Process Painted on mid-lengths to ends V.S. Often includes root shadow, foils, gloss
Look by Gabriella
💁♀️ Which One Is Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Do you want to go lighter without lots of upkeep? → Go lived-in.
Do you love sun-kissed highlights but don’t mind regular touch-ups? → Try balayage.
Do you want both brightness and depth that grows out gracefully? → We might combine both!
At Chasing Vanity Salon, we customize your service based on your natural color, hair health, maintenance preferences, and lifestyle. No two formulas—or clients—are the same.
📍 Why Choose Chasing Vanity for Balayage & Lived-In Color in Grand Rapids?
We’re not just hair colorists—we’re hair strategists. Our color specialists are trained in advanced blonding, foiling, hand-painting, and tone management to give you modern, dimensional, camera-ready color that fits your life.
✔️ We specialize in low-maintenance color
✔️ We stay on top of the latest techniques
✔️ We use salon-exclusive products to protect your hair
✔️ We love creating transformation moments that last
💬 Real Client Reviews
“The color melt I got at Chasing Vanity is exactly what I didn’t know I needed. It’s bright, lived-in, and I haven’t touched it in months!” – Megan B.
“I used to bounce around trying different salons. Not anymore. Their balayage game is next-level.” – Taylor R.
✨ Ready for Your Dream Color?
Whether you’re craving subtle dimension, a seasonal refresh, or a total hair color overhaul, our team is ready to create a look that lasts—and gets compliments for months.
📍 Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, MI
📞 Call 616-419-3549 to book your consultation