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You finally got the seamless, voluminous length you’ve been dreaming of — now let’s make sure your micro links look just as good in week ten as they did on day one.
Micro link extensions (also called micro beads, micro rings, or i-tips) are one of the most natural-looking, low-commitment ways to add length and density to your hair. Tiny strands of 100% human Indian Remy hair are secured to small sections of your own hair using a soft silicone-lined bead — no glue, no heat, no braiding, no bonding. The result moves, washes, colours, and styles like hair that grew straight out of your scalp. The trade-off? They reward you for treating them well. Here’s exactly how.
How Micro Links Actually Work
A stylist threads a small section of your natural hair, plus a matching strand of extension hair, through a silicone-lined micro bead, then clamps the bead closed to hold everything in place. Because the bond is mechanical rather than chemical, micro links are gentle on your hair and fully reversible — the beads simply open and reposition as your hair grows.
- No glue, heat, or braiding — the install is comfortable and damage-conscious.
- Reusable hair — quality Remy strands can be moved up and reinstalled over multiple cycles.
- Truly versatile — wash it, heat-style it, even colour it (within reason) like your own hair.
Want the full picture before you book? Start with our guide to everything you should know about Indian Remy hair, then browse the micro link collection.
The Golden Rules of Micro Link Maintenance
Beyond the general aftercare every set of extensions needs, micro links have a few non-negotiables. Follow these and your install will stay smooth, secure, and slip-free.
- Wait 48 hours before the first wash. Freshly fitted beads need time to settle. Washing too soon can loosen the bond before it’s had a chance to set.
- Wash no more than twice a week. Over-washing dries the hair and works the beads loose. Two gentle washes a week is plenty.
- Wash in one direction. Smooth shampoo and water down the hair shaft from root to tip. Skip the vigorous scrunching and circular lathering — that’s how you end up with matting and tangles at the bead line.
- Be extra gentle when wet. Hair contracts slightly when it’s wet, which can leave beads a touch looser and prone to slipping. A leave-in conditioner adds slip and meaningfully lowers the risk of slippage.
- Brush from the bottom up, and mind the roots. Hold your hair above the beads and work tangles out from the ends first. Tugging directly on the beads weakens the bond over time.
- Use professional, residue-free products. Heavy oils, silicones, and waxy conditioners build up around the beads and cause slippage. Keep oils on the mid-lengths and ends, away from the attachment points.
- See your stylist every 2–3 weeks. As your natural hair grows, the beads travel away from the scalp. Regular move-up appointments keep the placement discreet and the bond healthy.
Choosing the Right Hair for Your Micro Links
Micro links work best when the extension hair matches the behaviour of your own — and that comes down to hair type, not anything else. Fine hair pairs beautifully with lighter, smaller strands so the beads stay invisible; coarser or curlier hair can carry denser strands for fuller results.
A quick note on what you’re actually wearing: at Prarvi, only three of our textures are genuinely natural — straight, natural wave, and natural curl. Every other curl pattern is gently steam-set, never chemically permed. Our natural shade is Natural Black (#1B); lighter shades are achieved by professional lift and bleach. If you want truly raw, unprocessed hair in its natural black colour and natural texture, explore the natural & virgin collection. Curious about the difference? Read raw vs processed human hair.
Not sure which shade or texture matches your hair? Order a swatch first through our shade & texture match service — it takes the guesswork out of blending.
Micro Links for Fine or Thinning Hair
Because each bond is small and weight is distributed across many tiny attachment points, micro links are a popular choice for adding discreet density to fine hair. If you’re wearing them to disguise thinning, it’s worth being clear-eyed: extensions are a cosmetic hair piece, not a medical treatment. They don’t diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or reverse hair loss or any scalp condition — they simply give you fuller-looking hair while you wear them. For more on cosmetic volume options, see our guide to hair extensions for thin hair.
Salon & Stylist Note
If you’re a stylist or salon offering micro link services, consistent strand quality and reliable bead behaviour are everything for a slip-free, repeat-friendly result. We supply professional-grade Indian Remy hair to salons and educators — learn more about partnering with us through our wholesale program.
Micro Links FAQ
How long do micro link extensions last? With proper care and move-up appointments every 2–3 weeks, an installation typically lasts several months, and quality Remy hair can be reinstalled across multiple cycles.
Can I colour my micro links? Human hair extensions can be coloured, but lifting or bleaching is best left to a professional and isn’t recommended on already-bleached strands. When in doubt, match your shade up front instead of colouring after install.
Will the beads damage my own hair? Because the bond is mechanical — no glue or heat — micro links are among the gentler methods. The key is not over-washing, not yanking on the beads, and keeping up with regular move-ups.
How do I stop the beads from slipping? Avoid washing in the first 48 hours, use a leave-in conditioner, keep heavy oils away from the roots, and be gentle when your hair is wet.
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References & further reading
- I-Tip Hair Extensions: All You Need to Know
- Indian Remy Hair: All You Should Know
- Hair Extensions for Thin Hair
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