Micro Links vs. Fusion Hair Extensions: Everything You Need Know

 

Sep 07, 2020 |  SL Raw Virgin Hair
Micro links left and Fusions right. Learn the difference in this blog article

With the additional length, volume, maybe even a pop of color, hair extensions can quickly make any hairstyle more exciting and beautiful. And we often prefer to have these extensions done in the most discreet and professional manner.

That’s where micro links and fusion hair extensions come in. These are two popular and very discreet methods for hair extensions that quickly add length, volume, color, and last for months.

So, let’s quickly break down the differences between the two to clear up any confusion you may have and decide which one you’re going to try.

Micro links vs. fusion hair extensions – what’s in the name?

The name of the extensions basically explains the extension process. Micro links mean that the extensions are linked to your natural hair, whereas fusion hair extension describes the process of fusing the extension to your hair. They both take anywhere between 4-7 hours to complete, depending on the length and volume of your hair. The cost can range from $1000 to $3000 depending on hairstylist and location.

 



 

 

 Both processes are seamless hair extensions, and when done professionally, it’s very difficult to notice the difference between the extension and your natural hair.

 

What are micro links hair extensions?

Applying micro link hair extensions

Micro link hair extensions involve attaching tiny keratin pre-tip of hair with silicone lined beads at the end to small sections of your natural hair. Your natural hair is threaded through the bead along with the hair extension, and then both are tightened – linked – together. This is done by clamping the silicone beads onto your hair using professional stylist pliers or another clamping tool. A benefit of this method is that heat is not required, so you can avoid any potential heat damage.

Both application and removal should be done professionally because:

  • if the beads are tightened too much, they can cause pressure on your roots
  • if the beads are not removed properly, your hair can be pulled out

You can see a quick demonstration of professional micro links installation on relaxed hair here, or read more in our in-depth post on micro links.

 

What are fusion hair extensions?

Fusion hair extension are applied with heat versus micro link

Fusion hair extensions are often called pre-bonded or bonding hair extensions. This is a hair extension method where pre-tipped hair extensions are fused to individual strands of your natural hair using an adhesive like keratin glue.

The best types of hair for this extension method are normally tipped with non-damaging keratin glue. It’s safest to use 100% human hair for versatility, meaning you can dye it, comb it, wash, and generally take care of your hair while the fusion extensions are in.

Treatment of micro link and fusion hair extensions

Both extension methods are perfect for ladies who have sensitivity with sew-ins and braids. These two processes prevent irritation of the scalp as they’ll allow you to be able to access and care your scalp while wearing the extensions. Both methods also allow you to care for your hair extension just as you would your normal hair.

But you should avoid oil-based products near the attachment areas, and over-styling.

You also need to remember that both types of extensions may need repositioning every 4-6 weeks as your natural hair grows and the beads or where the hair is bonded moves.

 



 

 

Ready to change up your look with epic hair extensions?

Both hair extension methods are very versatile. For example, if you want highlights but want to avoid damaging chemicals in your hair, then both processes can allow you to add highlights as extensions to your own hair.

Now, for the best results, you should choose quality natural hair and have the styles professionally installed. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your natural hair, even with the micro link which doesn’t have any glue or heat applied.

But, once they’re in, you can expect them to last anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on your hair growth. They are semi-permanent extensions, so you don’t have to take them out every night like clip-ins.

If you’re ready, try one of these hair extension methods, then check out our 100% human hair extensions already designed for micro-links.

 

Written by:

Yvette J Haughton

20” Natural Black Straight I-tip hair extensions for strand by strand micro-links. Sold as a bundle pack of 150 strands or 250 strands. Recommend to buy 250 strands for a full head. Great for women with fine hair.
Natural black hair swatch
Beautiful neat up-close micro link install by Stylist lee mixing of jet black and natural black 20
Beautiful hair results - back of head up close before and after of SL Raw virgin Seamless Natural black keratin i-tips
Bundle of SL Raw Virgin HAir Seamless I-tip hair extensions Natural Black 20
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Beautiful women wearing fusion hair extensions in 20
20” Natural Black Straight I-tip hair extensions for strand by strand micro-links. Sold as a bundle pack of 150 strands or 250 strands. Recommend to buy 250 strands for a full head. Great for women with fine hair.
Natural black hair swatch
Beautiful neat up-close micro link install by Stylist lee mixing of jet black and natural black 20
Beautiful hair results - back of head up close before and after of SL Raw virgin Seamless Natural black keratin i-tips
Bundle of SL Raw Virgin HAir Seamless I-tip hair extensions Natural Black 20
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20
Beautiful women wearing fusion hair extensions in 20

20" Natural Black Straight I-Tip Hair Extensions

$399.97
Best Selling Soft Kinky Curly I-tip Hair links (3B-4A Curl pattern) for micro links and Hot fusions sold in 50 pieces. This hair was featured in Popsugar - only available for purchase online at SL Raw Virgin Hair
SL Raw Soft Kinky Curl I-Tip (50pcs)
This is up close texture shot of SL Raw Soft Kinky Curly I tip hair extensions. These tips can be used for micro links, Fusions, or Brazilian knotting. Hair texture matches great with 4A-4c hair types 50 pcs Beautiful Texture shot of SL Raw Natural Black #1B Kinky Soft 50 pcs I-tip hair extensions
How to Micro-Link Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links Learn how to properly install Keratin I-tips (I-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair for beginners in this easy-to-understand micro-link illustration. Follow the instructions step by step. #microlinks #itips #microlink #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
How to Fusion Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links In this simple-to-follow illustration, learn how to correctly install Keratin stick tips (k-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair® for beginners. Follow step-by-step instructions #fusions #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
Beautiful before and after picture of customer installing the Soft Kinky Curly hair 16 inch I-tip hair extensions as Micro-links by SL Raw Virgin Hair. Customer also colored hair blonde and chestnut
This is 50 pcs of SL Raw Soft Kinky Curly I-tip link hair extensions. These tips can be used for micro links, Fusions, or Brazilian knotting. Hair texture matches great with 4A-4c hair types
This is 50 pcs of SL Raw Soft Kinky Curly I tip hair extensions. These tips can be used for micro links, Fusions, or Brazilian knotting. Hair texture matches great with 4A-4c hair types
Best Selling Soft Kinky Curly I-tip Hair links (3B-4A Curl pattern) for micro links and Hot fusions sold in 50 pieces. This hair was featured in Popsugar - only available for purchase online at SL Raw Virgin Hair
SL Raw Soft Kinky Curl I-Tip (50pcs)
This is up close texture shot of SL Raw Soft Kinky Curly I tip hair extensions. These tips can be used for micro links, Fusions, or Brazilian knotting. Hair texture matches great with 4A-4c hair types 50 pcs Beautiful Texture shot of SL Raw Natural Black #1B Kinky Soft 50 pcs I-tip hair extensions
Lovely hair video of black woman getting SL Raw Soft Kinky Curly 20 inch  I-tips installed as Micro links also known as cold fusions to add length and vollume on natural fine hair for her wedding. Hair was silk pressed straight. 300 i-links installed. hair sold at SL Raw Virgin Hair
How to Micro-Link Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links Learn how to properly install Keratin I-tips (I-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair for beginners in this easy-to-understand micro-link illustration. Follow the instructions step by step. #microlinks #itips #microlink #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
How to Fusion Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links In this simple-to-follow illustration, learn how to correctly install Keratin stick tips (k-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair® for beginners. Follow step-by-step instructions #fusions #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
Beautiful before and after picture of customer installing the Soft Kinky Curly hair 16 inch I-tip hair extensions as Micro-links by SL Raw Virgin Hair. Customer also colored hair blonde and chestnut
This is 50 pcs of SL Raw Soft Kinky Curly I-tip link hair extensions. These tips can be used for micro links, Fusions, or Brazilian knotting. Hair texture matches great with 4A-4c hair types
This is 50 pcs of SL Raw Soft Kinky Curly I tip hair extensions. These tips can be used for micro links, Fusions, or Brazilian knotting. Hair texture matches great with 4A-4c hair types

SL Raw Soft Kinky Curl I-Tip (50pcs)

$109.50
Kinky Curly I-Tip Hair (50 pcs)
Kinky Curly I-Tip Hair (50 pcs)
Essence Beauty Award Winning Curly I-tip hair Extensions . Displayed is SL RAW Keratin I-tip Kinky Curly i-tips 50 pcs in Natural Black #1b . har is used for fusions or micro link install
Beautiful kinky curly I-tip install using SL Raw Kinky Curly I-tips in 18inch on natural curly hair custom colored and straightened. 200 i-tip links installed using the micro-link method
Beautiful black woman wearing Kinky Curly Hair Micro links by SL Raw Virgin Hair in 18 inch cut into a cute layered style.
How to Micro-Link Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links Learn how to properly install Keratin I-tips (I-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair for beginners in this easy-to-understand micro-link illustration. Follow the instructions step by step. #microlinks #itips #microlink #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
How to Fusion Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links In this simple-to-follow illustration, learn how to correctly install Keratin stick tips (k-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair® for beginners. Follow step-by-step instructions #fusions #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
Kinky Curly I-Tip Hair (50 pcs)
Side by side of SL Raw Kinky Curly Hiar I-tip extensions washed and unwashed . see before and after
Displayed is SL RAW Keratin I-tip Kinky Curly i-tips 50 pcs in Natural Black #1b . har is used for fusions or micro link install
Displayed is SL RAW Keratin I-tip Kinky Curly i-tips 50 pcs in Natural Black #1b . har is used for fusions or micro link install
Kinky Curly I-Tip Hair (50 pcs)
Kinky Curly I-Tip Hair (50 pcs)
Essence Beauty Award Winning Curly I-tip hair Extensions . Displayed is SL RAW Keratin I-tip Kinky Curly i-tips 50 pcs in Natural Black #1b . har is used for fusions or micro link install
Essence Beauty Award Winning Curly I-tip hair Extensions . Displayed is SL RAW Keratin I-tip Kinky Curly i-tips. Watch video of natural hair 4A-4B curl type get Kinky Curly I-tip micro link hair extensions installed. 200 i-tip links was install to allow a full natural hair movement. Hair is being comb/brushed while wet. This hair is beautiful soft and natural looking. Hair sold at SL Raw Virgin Hair
Beautiful kinky curly I-tip install using SL Raw Kinky Curly I-tips in 18inch on natural curly hair custom colored and straightened. 200 i-tip links installed using the micro-link method
Beautiful black woman wearing Kinky Curly Hair Micro links by SL Raw Virgin Hair in 18 inch cut into a cute layered style.
How to Micro-Link Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links Learn how to properly install Keratin I-tips (I-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair for beginners in this easy-to-understand micro-link illustration. Follow the instructions step by step. #microlinks #itips #microlink #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
How to Fusion Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links In this simple-to-follow illustration, learn how to correctly install Keratin stick tips (k-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair® for beginners. Follow step-by-step instructions #fusions #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
Kinky Curly I-Tip Hair (50 pcs)
Side by side of SL Raw Kinky Curly Hiar I-tip extensions washed and unwashed . see before and after
Displayed is SL RAW Keratin I-tip Kinky Curly i-tips 50 pcs in Natural Black #1b . har is used for fusions or micro link install
Displayed is SL RAW Keratin I-tip Kinky Curly i-tips 50 pcs in Natural Black #1b . har is used for fusions or micro link install

Kinky Curly I-Tip Hair (50 pcs)

$109.50
Best Selling Lao Curly I-tip Hair links (2A-2C Curl pattern)for micro links and Hot fusions sold in 50 pieces. This hair was featured in Women's Health mag and Popsugar - only available for purchase online at SL Raw Virgin Hair
SL Raw Lao Curly I-Tip (50pcs)
This is up close texture shot of SL Raw Lao Curly I tip hair extensions. These tips can be used for micro links, Fusions, or Brazilian knotting. Hair texture matches great with 3A-3C hair types 50 pcs
How to Micro-Link Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links Learn how to properly install Keratin I-tips (I-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair for beginners in this easy-to-understand micro-link illustration. Follow the instructions step by step. #microlinks #itips #microlink #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
How to Fusion Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links In this simple-to-follow illustration, learn how to correctly install Keratin stick tips (k-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair® for beginners. Follow step-by-step instructions #fusions #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
Before and after  micro-link install  using 26
side by side micro-link install using SL Raw Lao Curly i-tip links on natural hair 3b-3c curl hair type. 200 hair links used. blown out straight
100% Raw Virgin Curly I-tip Hair Extensions Micro Links. Perfectly matches well with natural curl patterns 2A-2C
100% Raw Virgin Curly I-tip Hair Extensions Micro Links. Perfectly matches well with natural curl patterns 2A-2C
Best Selling Lao Curly I-tip Hair links (2A-2C Curl pattern)for micro links and Hot fusions sold in 50 pieces. This hair was featured in Women's Health mag and Popsugar - only available for purchase online at SL Raw Virgin Hair
SL Raw Lao Curly I-Tip (50pcs)
This is up close texture shot of SL Raw Lao Curly I tip hair extensions. These tips can be used for micro links, Fusions, or Brazilian knotting. Hair texture matches great with 3A-3C hair types 50 pcs
Beautiful micro-link install video using SL Raw Lao Curly i-tip links on natural hair 3b-3c curl hair type. 200 hair links used. SL Raw Virgin Hair
SL Raw Lao Curly I-Tip (50pcs)
How to Micro-Link Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links Learn how to properly install Keratin I-tips (I-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair for beginners in this easy-to-understand micro-link illustration. Follow the instructions step by step. #microlinks #itips #microlink #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
How to Fusion Install Using SL Raw Virgin Hair® Keratin I-Tip Links In this simple-to-follow illustration, learn how to correctly install Keratin stick tips (k-tips) using Award-winning hair extensions by SL Raw Virgin Hair® for beginners. Follow step-by-step instructions #fusions #slrawvirginhair #naturalhair #howto #curlyhair
Before and after  micro-link install  using 26
side by side micro-link install using SL Raw Lao Curly i-tip links on natural hair 3b-3c curl hair type. 200 hair links used. blown out straight
100% Raw Virgin Curly I-tip Hair Extensions Micro Links. Perfectly matches well with natural curl patterns 2A-2C
100% Raw Virgin Curly I-tip Hair Extensions Micro Links. Perfectly matches well with natural curl patterns 2A-2C

SL Raw Lao Curly I-Tip (50pcs)

$97.94

3 comments

  • lilliestrowbridge@gmail.com Apr 04, 2022

    I would like to no about infusion

  • SL Raw Virgin Hair Nov 14, 2021

    Hi Christine,

    Thank you for reading our Blog on “Micro Links vs. Fusion Hair Extensions: Everything You Need Know”.

    Responding to your question – Yes, once the tips are heated and fused to hair it does become hard for fusion hair to stay in place.

    However, Ideally, I would suggest the micro link method. You can use the same I-Link tips that we carry here at SL Raw Virgin Hair, but instead of hot fusions, you can use Micro-links beads to attach the I-link tips to your hair.

    The removal process is easy and doesn’t require acetone like the fusion method.

    Nice talking
    www.slrawvirginhair.com

  • Christine JenkinsNov 14, 2021

    Are the fusion style hard where the glue adheres to your hair or should the glue all be soft?

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