Even if you’ve never been a fan of wigs and prefer a natural look, microlink extensions may be right for you. They increase the volume of your natural hair and produce a very versatile smooth, natural look. The method has become popular on social media as a natural-looking hair extension alternative for people who still want to feel their natural hair. If you are thinking of a creative way that can add length to your natural hair, this article is for you.
What are Microlinks?
Microlinks are extensions that are attached to the hair using silicone microbeads and microtubes. Microlinks allow you to expose all of your hair, unlike wigs, which are worn over braided hair, or sew-ins, which demand that all or almost all of the hair be tightly braided to the scalp. Additionally, they are less stressful on the scalp than traditional extensions.
When done correctly, microlinks are almost impossible to spot after installation, resulting in the ideal blending of your natural hair and the extensions.
Micro-links are typically categorized as I-tips and beaded wefts based on the installation method. Wefts are put row by row while I-tips are added one strand at a time.
How Long Do Micro Links Hair Extensions Last?
This will be greatly determined by how it was installed and your care routine. Microlinks can last for 2-3 months when properly installed and maintained.
The extension at times can last for more than 3 months but with the cost of damaging your hair.
The recommended time to stay with your microlinks is 2 months. This will give your scalp time to breathe and free your natural hair from unnecessary pressure.
Who Are Not Suitable For Microlinks?
1. Short hair
People with short hair might not befit from microlink extensions. Microlinks are not suitable for people with hair shorter than 4 inches. However, they can be suitable for everyone regardless of their hair texture.
This is because there needs to be some length for microlink I-tips to hold up for successful installation; otherwise, they may not blend in with short hair.
This is because there needs to be some length for microlink i-tips to hold up for successful installation; otherwise, they may not blend in with short hair.
Get microlinks with the right inch matching your natural hair if you plan to keep your hair short while adding volume with them to ensure the extension blends in perfectly with your natural hair.
2. Thin and permed hair
Naturalists with thin and chemically treated hair should also exercise caution before having microlink extensions because the weight of the extensions will put additional stress and tension on your relaxed and chemically treated natural hair, which could lead to breakage.
In addition, if you take good care of your microlink extensions to lengthen their service life, the installation and maintenance may exceed your budget.
3. Unhealthy hair
Despite how small and light they are, microlinks work best with healthy hair. Starting with a healthy head of hair is recommended because pre-existing damaged hair will be weakened by the added weight and pull off the beads. You should probably consider other options if you experience hair loss or excessive shedding.
Do Microlinks Cause Breakage?
Hair extensions with micro links are made to give fine and thin hair more length and volume. Micro links, however, can harm your hair if they are not installed, maintained, and removed correctly.
Your stylist will urge you not to pull your hair too tightly when styling if this is your first time using the micro links hair extension to prevent adding pressure to the roots.
Even though it is uncommon, improperly installed micro links hair extensions might hurt, itch, or make you uncomfortable, especially if they are snipped close to the root.
However, the removal of the micro link extensions is the main time when hair damage occurs. If you are not sure about anything on microlinks, I recommend you talk to your stylist.
How Much Are Microlinks?
Microlinks are pricey. This is because you incur the cost of three things; the microlinks, hair extensions, and a professional hairdresser.
To avoid harming your natural hair, we strongly advise having a professional apply the microlinks extensions.
Depending on the salon you visit, the cost of installing microlinks will range from $200 to $900 for a full head of extensions.
To apply the complete head, 150–200 microlinks are required. Six rows of hair can be created with 150 microlinks, and eight rows with 200.
It is highly advisable to get your microlinks installed by a professional stylist to prevent damaging your hair.
Why are microlinks so popular on Tiktok?
1. Feels and appears natural
Microlinks are light and do not add much weight to your hair. Also, they blend well with natural hair making it hard for people to notice.
2. Flexible and indiscernible
The tiny beads that attach your natural hair to the extension are so little and barely noticeable that they maintain the greatest degree of flexibility.
3. Allows more hairstyles
Allow s more hairstyles. They provide you with a ton of styling options and unrestricted hair movement. Additionally, you may style them as you like and style them like your natural hair.
4. Reduced possibility of scalp discomfort
Microlinks are the safest hair extensions for many scalp types. You can try this extension even though you have a sensitive scalp. No braiding, tape, glue, heat, adhesives, or other chemicals will be used in the application of Microlinks hair extensions.
5. No damage to the hair
As long as they are put correctly, microlinks eliminate your concerns about damage from pulling, rubbing, or snagging.
Can You Reuse Micro Link Hair Extensions?
Yes, microlinks can be reused. However, there are some factors like the quality, type of hair extension, maintenance routine, and storage will determine whether the microlink can be reused. There are two types of hair extensions in the market i.e. synthetic and human hair extensions.
Human hair micro link extensions can last up to 4 years if properly cared for and stored, but synthetic ones only last 1-2 years, sometimes even less.
Depending on your financial reach, the time of year, and your desired hairstyle, both human and synthetic hair are excellent options.
Microlinks Pros And Cons
Everything has its advantages and disadvantages and microlinks are no exception. Below are the pros and cons of microlinks that you should know before installing them.
Pros of microlinks
- Microlink installation takes relatively little time. Depending on the stylist, attaching microlinks once typically takes an hour or less.
- Reusable and simple to remove
- Breathable
- Easily Maintained
- Excellent durability
- Greater variety of hair textures
Cons of microlinks
- The price to install microlinks is high.
- Not appropriate for too-short hair
- Unsuitable for weak hair
Where To Buy Micro Link Hair Extensions?
There are numerous reputable offline and online retailers globally, depending on the length you want to purchase.
Below are some websites that sell microlinks are;
eBay
Aliexpress.
Esty
How To Install And Remove Microlinks
Micro-link extensions come in two main categories: wefts and i-tips. Each microlinks has its unique way of installation and removal. The guides below will assist you in installing or removing any type of microlink.
How To Install I-Tip Microlinks?
Installing microlinks will take a lot of time and is tedious. However, if you wish to go ahead and do it on your own, you can follow the procedure below.
- Make Horizontal Sections With Your Natural Hair.
- Install the I Tips from the bottom while clipping the remaining components and moving them out of the way.
- The lowest layer should be divided into equal strands.
- A hair strand should be inserted through the pulling hooks.
- Draw the bead upward onto the hair. Avoid bringing it too close to your scalp or your hair may become stuck at the root, making it impossible to lift it.
- Insert a piece of I Tip hair extensions that you have removed. In Between Microbead And Your Natural Hair.
- Plier It Down and Clamp It.
- On each sectioned strand, repeat the process.
How to remove I-tip microlinks?
Without learning the proper procedures, removing I-tips can actually do a lot of harm. Turn to the stylist for advice if you’re a beginner and unsure of what to do.
- Always begin at the bottom row of your head, where you had installed first, and work your way up, starting with the lowest layer and finishing with the side parts.
- To disclose the microbeads in the bottom row, section it out and tie the rest hair back. Take the beads off one at a time, row by row.
- Use pliers to clip the microbeads, and then slowly press it in the direction vertically to flatten them.
- Initial pressure should be light; gradually increase the pressure until the beads begin to come loose.
- The I-Tip Extension Slides Out Easily Once the Beads Are Extended.
- Do not tense if you find some parts of fallen-out hair and product residue after removing the extension because it is quite normal.
- Comb your hair after taking out all the extensions.
- Try adding some protein spray or conditioner for hair extensions to help loosen and lubricate the hair if you’re having trouble separating the extensions from your natural hair.
How To Install Beads Weft Microlinks?
- To give your hair a fuller hair appearance, simply cut another weft the same length as your existing one and crochet it in an additional row.
- Make Horizontal Parts In Your Natural Hair.
- Except for the bottom layer, tie your hair up or clip it to the top of your head to keep it out of the way.
- Measure the required length from one end to the other while holding the weft extensions up.
- Cut the extra weft and keep the beads weft and your natural hair at the same length.
- Holding the weft extensions, secure each end with a clip.
- From one end, comb off a 1-inch-wide strand of your natural hair.
- Hook out the hair strand after threading the pulling hook through the microbead.
- With the pliers, clamp the microbead.
- Repeat the procedures.
How To Remove Beads Weft Microlinks?
Please take out any bead weft hair extensions one weft at a time. Remember to remove them row by row the same way had installed them.
- Separate the wefts starting at the bottom and working your way up, leaving side pieces for last. Except for the bottom row, clip the hair out of the way.
- Use scissors to carefully cut the threads attaching the weft and the microbeads, and then slowly pull the thread out of each crossing using the tail of the comb. The knot at the end of the weft can be a little challenging to untie. Remember to take caution when cutting the knot with the scissors.
- Wefts should be moved away from the head.
- Gently cut the securing stitch.
- Using pliers, clip the microbeads and gently press them in the vertical direction in which they were flattened. Lightly press it, then gradually apply more pressure until the beads begin to come loose. Avoid applying too much pressure all at once.
- Remove microbeads when they start to slide down. To remove any remaining debris, carefully comb your hair to remove tangles
If you intend to reuse the wefts, gently wash and clean them with shampoo to get rid of any product residue and grease. Weft hair extensions should be deep-conditioned, soaked for 10 to 20 minutes, and then properly rinsed. Place them in a box, drawer, or another secure, flat location.
How To Maintain Microlinks Hair Extensions?
Follow the care and maintenance routine below to keep your microlinks in good shape.
1. Wash
The recommended number of times to wash microlinks is once per week.
Use your fingers to separate the microbead with your fingers before washing it to prevent the formation of tangles. Use conditioner and dry shampoo on the top section of your natural hair, but don’t use beads since they might make your hair extensions less effective.
Work the shampoo through each section of your hair separately. Try to scrub the scalp horizontally to make the shampoo flow gently into the scalp and wefts instead of using your usual circular motions to massage the scalp, which will pull or catch the beads or weft and tangle the i-tips.
Remove all product buildup from the scalp with a thorough rinse, then apply the shampoo to the hair extension in up and down motion. Do the same for conditioning.
How to dry microlinks extension after washing:
Microlink extensions may be dried in two different methods, i.e a towel to dry naturally or a blow dryer.
- Dry the microlinks hair extension using a towel: Gently wipe the hair and scalp with a cloth. Never rub your hair because doing so will cause tangling. Let your hair dry naturally after soaking.
- Blow-dry the microlinks with a blow-dryer: It only makes sense to use a blow dryer with a low heat setting—not too hot. The metal tubes that makeup microlinks make using a hot dryer harmful to your scalp. However, this method is not very recommended.
Long-term wetness of your hair will cause the beads to fall out, and over time, the fabric and stitching on the wefts will weaken and rot.
2. Brush
First, use your fingers to detangle the ends followed by a wide-toothed brush and combs. Be careful not to touch the beads.
For better results, brush your microlink extensions twice per day to prevent the formation of tangles and matts.
If you don’t want to brush wavy or kinky curls, mist them with water to keep their shape.
Brush lightly from the bottom up toward the rings, separating the bottom weft.
3. Use Safe Products
The recommended products for microlink extensions are those that are sulfate-free. Parabens and alcohol can cause your extensions to dry out because they lack natural oil protection. Additionally, alcohol can damage the microbeads over time and cause them to loosen.
4. Heat
When you add heat to your hair, apply heat protection thermal sprays or serums from the center to the ends. Keep all hot instruments away from the area of attachment and pay attention to keeping high temperatures away from the root area where the microbeads are to prevent sliding.
Microbead extensions can be styled using heat tools at low heat. High heat will melt the beads, which might cause your natural hair to fall out.
5. Care for your hair when you go to sleep
If you don’t want your hair to get tangled overnight, braid it individually, create a loose ponytail, or put it up in a bun.
To prevent potentially severe tangling and pulling, keep your hair covered with a satin scarf or bonnet.
Unprotected hair when sleeping will tangle, harm the condition of your hair, and give you headaches.
Lay your head on a silk pillowcase. Before applying a protective cover, curly and kinky textures should be hair braided into two or four strands.
Alternative For Microlinks
There are a ton of other extension kinds, though, that might work for you if microlinks are out of your budget.
- Sew-in hair extensions: A clip secures the hair extension to your natural hair. This approach is straightforward and practical. Without assistance, you can complete it quickly and effortlessly at home. Installation takes five to ten minutes.
- Tape-in: The hair is evenly distributed on a tape, which the hairdresser will then secure to your natural hair. Although a professional is needed to complete this procedure, tape-in will unquestionably cost less than microlinks.
- Hair weave: After you braid your hair into cornrows and attach the extension to a thread, a hairstylist will sew the extension into your natural hair. This procedure gives off a lovely appearance while protecting your natural hair.
