All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
But there’s another hair extension method that has become immensely popular micro-links.
Courtesy of LaShaundra Harris
Though we’ve been seeing this style a lot on social media lately, micro-links are nothing new.
“When I was doing micro-links, it was a hidden secret.
It was the celebrity secret,” she shares.
Courtesy of Tomeka Gantt
On Tiktok,#microlinkshas 54.8 million views #microlinkhas 4.7 million.
In a world full of wigs and sew-ins, micro-links are a different way to wear hair extensions.
What are micro-links?
Courtesy of Tomeka Gantt
There are two main types of micro-link extensions: i-tips and wefts.
The weft method of installation involves using microbeads to attach tracks of hair to the client’s head.
Who are micro-links best for?
Courtesy of Tomeka Gantt
If you’re struggling with hair loss or excessive shedding, you should probably consider another technique.
She also won’t work on anyone withalopecia or bald spotsbecause the style can potentially aggravate those areas.
Other than that, no dice.
Courtesy of LaShaundra Harris
How are micro-links installed?
Each method requires a different technique.
Next, she’ll add the hair extension and clamp it all together.
What kind of hair can you use?
Though many videos of micro-links tend to feature straight or wavy textures,curly and kinkyoptions also exist.
How do you care for micro-link extensions?
Courtesy of LaShaundra Harris
There are a couple of things to keep in mind with micro-link extensions.
But that doesn’t mean the upkeep is excessively arduous.
For straight and wavy textures, Harris recommends brushing twice every day to minimize tangles and monster snarls.
Gantt recommends sectioning your hair into four and working the shampoo in each section.
The same goes for conditioning: section off the hair, add the product, rinse, and repeat.
She recommends using aclarifying shampooas well since it will thoroughly cleanse the hair.
While conditioning, she suggests using aDenman brushto get through any snarls and knots in the hair.
Gantt suggests a similar routine, noting you could simply sleep on asilk pillowcaseif that’s easier.
For straight textures, wrapping it up before sleeping is the way to go.
As for products, both recommend anything that issulfate-free.
Harris also says to avoid parabens and alcohol as well because they can dry out the hair.
Alcohol can also ruin the microbeads and loosen their hold.
How often do you’re gonna wanna get micro-links reinstalled?
The frequency of your touch-ups or timing of your reinstallation can vary.
Gantt suggests four, six, or eight weeks for the readjustments.
She offers tightening services depending on what’s needed and how the hair looks.
If you want a cut, she’ll remove the beads, do the trim, and reinstall everything.
She recommends switching those out at around the six-month mark.
Gantt says after six months, she recommends new hair because by then the extension may not be useable.
How much do micro-link extensions cost?
As with many hair extensions, micro-links cost a pretty penny.
Though it depends on the stylist, keep in mind you’re paying for the hairandthe service.
Some stylists will offer hair while others ask you to buy your own ahead of the install appointment.
The cost will ultimately depend on the length and density you desire.
Gantt’s prices range $500 to $2500.
TL;DR: store your coins if you plan on getting these extensions.
