Micro Bead Hair Extensions Pros And Cons
Taking the plunge to get hair extensions is not just a fashion commitment, but also a financial one.
So it’s only right to do your research to find out which style of extension is the best for your hair type!
If it’s your first time choosing what kind of extensions you want installed, you may feel overwhelmed with how many different options you’re offered.
There are tape-ins, sew-ins, fusion extensions, and weaves, each with its own benefits and areas where they may fall short.
Among your choices of extensions is also the microbead application (aka the i-link or i-tip extension), a form of hair treatment that’s been gaining ground in recent times for possibly the most seamless application.
It’s so popular, in fact, that extension veterans try them out once and never go back.
But what makes the microbead hair extension so desirable, and more importantly, where might they cause issues?
So, what are microbead extensions, and what are their pros and cons?
These extensions are held to the root of your natural hair by small beads. The discretion, longevity, and gentle application process are all worth celebrating, but the potential damage, upkeep, and installation costs may not be for you.
Clearly, there are a lot of things you need to keep in mind before booking your microbead appointment, so we’ve put together our master list of pros and cons (in detail) you may encounter on your extension journey.
What Are Micro Bead Extensions?
Microbead extensions are a great, low-damage way to add discreet volume and fullness to your hair (without the hassle of adhesives, tapes, or glues).
Because of their gentle nature, they’ve become a beloved extension option among hair enthusiasts worldwide.
But how do they work? Unlike other extension processes that may involve excessive heat and chemicals, microbead extensions are done on your hair via the attachment of super-small beads placed near your hairline.
These beads are meticulously made to hold the perfect amount of your natural hair, as well as the weight of the bundles your stylist will add in.
The use of the beads to begin with makes this type of extension stand out amongst the rest.
By attaching the extensions with this method, you’ll be eliminating the need for chemical or heat-related exposure to your locks when it comes time to maintain your extensions.
During application, your stylist will thread your natural hair through the bead and insert the extension tip into the same bead.
And use a special pair of styling pliers to flatten or crimp the bead, keeping the extension securely in place.
It sounds easy enough, but it’s quite time-consuming, especially when done correctly.
Remember that the microbeads are, well, micro, and how many you need depends on the thickness of your hair and the final look you want.
That means you could be in the chair for multiple hours, making installation an all-day affair.
If you’d like to see how the process works, we’ve found this great YouTube tutorial from DreamCatchers Hair Extensions. Check it out below!
The Pros
1. Discreetness
If you’ve been looking into hair extensions for a while, you may be put off by how restricting some types of extensions are.
They may keep you from putting your hair into intricate styles you may want, or they could even prevent you from doing something as simple as a ponytail.
Unfortunately, if you have thinner or finer hair, microbead extensions may not be a good choice.
Because your locks are low-density, even the smallest of microbeads could peek through your strands (even when your hair is down).
For a truly seamless option that works with your hair type, we suggest fusion treatments.
However, should you decide to go with the microbead extension, you don’t have to worry about anything prohibiting you from styling your hair to the nines.
The application process is very intricate, with smaller beads resting around the visible parts of the hairline, and the thicker, heftier beads working their magic on the middle of your scalp.
That means that, unless they’re looking for them, no one will be able to know you’re wearing extensions in the first place.
The “crimp” of the microbead also contributes to the seamless look of this extension.
Because your hair technician will squeeze the bead to its maximum flatness, the faux hair will lie flat against your scalp, mimicking the look of your natural hair as flawlessly as possible.
And unlike the look of tape-ins and clip-ins, your extensions will “sway” just as your real hair would.
But let’s disregard how your extensions may look to others, because how discreet they are to you may be more important.
If you’ve had other treatments done in the past, you may not be able to shake the memory of how heavy your head felt post extension application.
Or, you may still cringe at the feeling of the glue in your hair when you tried shampooing. Thankfully, you won’t have any of those issues with microbead extensions.
They’re lightweight, durable, and, since they involve no chemical treatment, you can truly forget you even have them in (and do so with the peace of mind that your hair still looks great).
2. Longevity
With proper maintenance, a single installation of microbead extensions can last 3-6 months.
A bulk of how well these extensions stay in your mane is reliant on how good you are at personal upkeep.
Obviously, if you’re rough with your locks or aren’t mindful of your hair’s health, you can shorten the longevity of your treatment by a notable amount.
Since the average head of hair grows about half an inch a month, it may take you upwards of six to eight weeks in order for your growth to warrant a visit to the salon.
While that’s the average, it’s vital to keep your hair’s growth in mind and prioritize your comfort.
If the beads are becoming more obvious in your strands, or they’re pulling on your natural locks in a way that bothers you, don’t be afraid to book an appointment with your stylist for a quick check-in.
They’ll be able to plan out a schedule of readjustment that works best with your hair.
While you can keep a single installation for up to half a year, we don’t recommend letting it get that far. Instead.
Check in with your extension technician at the 3 month mark (if nothing has warranted a visit already), to see if you have some work that needs to be done.
3. Damage-Free
We’ve mentioned it earlier in the article, but you’re about to hear it from us again.
Among all the types of extensions out there on the market, we have to say that the microbead extension is probably one of the least damaging extensions out there.
When installed professionally, the beads crimped onto your natural hair don’t cause any tension or stress on your scalp.
This is important, and something that other types of extensions don’t place enough importance on.
Even when you don’t have extensions in, keeping your scalp healthy is the key to having healthy hair in general. It’s best to deal with any issues at the (quite literal) root of the problem.
Some hair extension methods involve exposing your natural locks to extremely high temperatures (we mean over 400°F) to achieve a lengthy do.
While the results are Rapunzel-worthy, the damage done to your strands definitely isn’t anything to cheer about.
The same goes for exposing your natural hair to the likes of hair adhesive or hair glue, which can cause hair to tangle or even burn your strands.
If done correctly, this type of hair extension is damage-free. And we mean it! These extensions can be removed, leaving no trace of harm or impairment to your original lengths.
The Cons
1. Potential Damage
Improper installation of microbead extensions can be detrimental to your locks in several ways.
Firstly, installing the beads too close to the root of the hair (instead of about a centimeter down where they’re supposed to be) will put too much tension on your scalp.
Not only will this be extremely painful, but it will also cause breakage, and your locks may even fall off immediately.
With your natural hair falling out, but the extension staying in place, you’ll have less real hair to carry the weight of your faux hair.
This heaviness can ultimately cause the remaining hairs left on your head to rip, leaving you with breakage (or a bald spot).
Be diligent in your care routine when you have extensions in, because failure to address potential issues when they first appear can lead to problems down the road.
Going back to what we mentioned earlier about checking in with your hairstylist around the 3-month mark.
Taking the time to check in with your stylist about moving your extensions up at the appropriate time will save you from some pretty serious knots.
Because the bead keeps your hair locked together, letting it grow out for longer than the recommended time is a surefire way for your hair to mat, making the removal process extremely difficult.
2. Upkeep
If you don’t already have a hair care routine in place, having microbead extensions is one way to kickstart your routine.
Getting extensions in the first place is a clear indicator that you love having healthy-looking locks.
But you may need to make a few slight adjustments to ensure you’re keeping your new extensions in mind as well.
We know how great a good deep conditioning treatment feels, and in any other instance, we would be all for a weekly hair mask to inject your locks with some much-needed moisture.
Unfortunately, slippery strands may not bode well for your microbeads.
The beads need some friction to hold onto your locks. We’re not saying you need to go longer between washes.
We’re not even saying you should skip conditioner altogether. We just warn against giving your hair too much slip.
That goes for hair oils as well. If your ends are dry and need some moisture, by all means, apply your favorite oil to the problem areas.
But if you were the type to run oil through your locks from root to tip, you may need to switch up your routine. Again, the slipperiness will cause your faux strands to fall prematurely.
For all of our gym fanatics, be careful when tying your hair up into tight styles.
We know you want to keep your strands from falling into your face, but too much tension on your extensions can cause breakage. Instead, opt for a loose braid or twist.
The sweat from your workout may also prove problematic.
So if you’re the type who likes to take a breather after your gym session, you may need to switch to showering immediately after your workout.
This will prevent tangling and protect the beads from sweat damage.
3. Cost Of Installation
Because they’re so sought after and deliver results unlike any other salon extension type, the price point and financial commitment of the microbead extension may seem daunting.
Firstly, you’ll need to pay for the extensions themselves.
The hair used in microbead extensions is specially made for the treatment, and since you’ll be able to treat them like real hair, you’ll be paying for high-quality strands.
Expect to pay upwards of $300 for all of the extensions.
Of course, this price could go as high as $3,000 depending on how many bundles you’re purchasing and the quality of the hair you want on your head.
Because the microbead extension is primarily targeted at those with medium-density hair, the average customer will spend around $500-$1k on the extensions alone.
On top of the extension price is installation. Again, this depends on the salon you go to, but don’t sacrifice treatment quality for a lower price point!
When it comes to beauty treatments, you’re paying for the quality of the final result.
The installation can range from $400 to even $1k, depending on where you go.
All in all, it’s not uncommon for people to spend as much as $2,500 on their initial installation of microbead extensions. But, thankfully, you only need to pay that much one time (with proper upkeep, of course).
Depending on the condition of your extensions and how well they were installed to begin with, you can reuse them during your second maintenance session and onward.
Going back to the salon to maintain your hair will cost another couple of hundred dollars per session.
As you can see, choosing microbead extensions is a serious commitment, but for many, the end result is worth the dollars spent.
Related Questions
Can people with curly hair get microbead extensions?
Absolutely! Microbead extensions work on straight, wavy, and even super curly hair.
If your hair is on the super curly end, however, your technician may need to straighten it to make the installation process easier and faster.
The only time we would tell someone with curly hair to look at another extension option is if their hair is super thick.
It’s all too easy to accidentally lose beads and extensions in thick hair, so we recommend going for sew-ins or a weave instead.
How long does it take to install microbead extensions?
This depends on how many bundles are being installed in your head and on the final thickness you’re aiming for.
If your hair is on the finer side of medium, the average time you’ll be in the chair is about 1-2 hours.
For those with thicker or textured hair, the process can take upwards of 5 hours.
Maintenance sessions should be faster, but even then, expect to be in the salon for 1-2 hours with each appointment following your initial one.
