Microlink Starter Sets: What You Need for a Textured I-Tip Install
If you are getting microlink extensions for the first time, choosing the hair is only one part of preparing for your install. You also need to think about how much hair you may need, which texture will blend with your own hair, the installation beads and how you will protect the extensions once they are installed.
That is why we created our Microlink Starter Sets: to bring together a starting quantity of textured I-Tip hair, microbeads and nighttime protection in one place while still giving you the flexibility to add more hair when your density or desired fullness calls for it.
What Do You Need to Get Started with Microlink Extensions?
Each SL Raw Microlink Starter Set includes 3 packs of textured I-Tip extensions, 200 black microbeads and a Slimline™ Satin Tie Bonnet. You can choose from Lao Curly, Soft Kinky Curly or Kinky Curly depending on the texture and finished blend you want.
The important part: three packs are a starting quantity, not a guaranteed full-head amount for everyone. Your natural density, desired fullness, extension length and finished look can mean that you need additional packs.
Below, we will help you understand what comes in the sets, how much I-Tip hair to consider and how to choose between the three textures before you order.
What Comes in a Microlink Starter Set?
We built the sets around three things that matter at different points in your microlink experience: the extension hair itself, the beads used during installation and protection for the hair once you go home.
3 Packs of Textured I-Tips
Choose Lao Curly, Soft Kinky Curly or Kinky Curly based on the texture you want to blend with your natural hair and the finished result you are trying to create.
200 Black Microbeads
Microbeads are used by the installer to secure individual I-Tip extension strands without glue or tape.
Slimline™ Satin Tie Bonnet
Nighttime protection helps reduce unnecessary friction against the extension hair while you sleep and becomes part of your maintenance routine after installation.
Bringing these pieces together makes shopping easier, especially if this is your first microlink install. But there is one decision you should make before checking out: is three packs enough hair for the result you want?
Are 3 Packs of I-Tips Enough for a Full Microlink Install?
Sometimes—but not for everyone.
The Starter Set gives you three packs of I-Tip hair as a foundation. The total amount needed for a complete install depends heavily on your natural density and how much length or fullness you are adding.
As a general starting point for our traditional I-Tip extensions:
If three packs are not enough for your desired installation, you can add individual packs of the same I-Tip texture. Your stylist may also recommend a different quantity after evaluating your natural hair, desired length and finished fullness.
Longer extensions can also require more hair to keep the finished result from appearing too thin through the ends. Before choosing your length, use our Hair Extension Length Guide to see how different extension lengths fall and what to consider before ordering.
Which Curly Microlink Texture Should You Choose?
Choosing a curly I-Tip texture is not simply about picking the curl you like best in a product photo. The goal is to think about the hair that will remain visible around and between the extensions and how the two textures will work together.
Curl typing can give you a useful starting reference, but it should not be the only thing you consider. Curl diameter, natural density, styling habits and the amount of natural hair left visible can all affect the final blend.
| Starter Set | Texture Reference | Consider It If You Want | Overall Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lao Curly | Approximately 2C–3A | Looser curl movement and airy dimension | Soft, organic and naturally dimensional |
| Soft Kinky Curly | Approximately 3B–4A | Fuller curl definition with softness and movement | Textured, full and naturally defined |
| Kinky Curly | Approximately 4A–4B | More defined coily texture and fuller visual density | Bold, textured and voluminous |
If you are deciding between two textures, compare them in our Hair Extension Texture Matching Guide before ordering.
Still unsure? You can also send us photos through our Texture Matching Concierge for personalized guidance.
Compare the 3 Microlink Starter Sets
Once you have considered your natural texture and desired finish, here is a closer look at each option.
Lao Curly
Choose Lao Curly when you want looser curl movement with an airy, organic finish. It works especially well when your goal is dimension and movement rather than a tightly defined curl pattern.
Shop Lao Curly Set
Soft Kinky Curly
Choose Soft Kinky Curly when you want more natural curl definition and fullness while still keeping softness and movement through the finished style.
Shop Soft Kinky Curly Set
Kinky Curly
Choose Kinky Curly when you want more defined coily texture, stronger curl presence and fuller visual density throughout the finished look.
Shop Kinky Curly SetTwo people who both identify their natural hair as the same curl type can still need different extension textures. Look at curl diameter, density and the natural hair that will actually remain visible once the microlinks are installed.
Are Microlink I-Tips Right for Your Hair?
Before choosing a Starter Set, make sure microlinks make sense for your natural hair and the result you are trying to achieve.
For I-Tip installations, we generally recommend having at least 4 inches of natural hair. Your natural hair needs enough length and coverage for your stylist to place the extensions and blend the finished result.
Extension length matters too. Choosing hair dramatically longer than your natural hair can make blending more difficult and may require more extension hair to create a balanced finish. As a general guideline, staying within about 4 inches longer than your natural hair can make the transition easier to blend.
Your stylist should ultimately evaluate your hair before installation, particularly if your natural hair is fragile, thinning, damaged or experiencing significant breakage.
What Do Microlink Extensions Look Like Once Installed?
If you have never worn I-Tips before, understanding the finished result can be more useful than looking at extension hair in its packaging.
Microlinks attach individual extension strands throughout the natural hair using small beads. When the texture, quantity and placement work together, the result can add length and fullness while allowing the hair to move more freely than some traditional extension methods.
Our Microlink Hair Extensions Before & After Guide shows what to expect from the method, including blending, volume and movement.
How to Prepare for Your Microlink Installation
Buying the extensions is only part of preparing for your appointment. A little planning beforehand can make the installation process much smoother.
- Confirm your texture: Compare the extension texture with the natural hair that will remain visible after installation.
- Confirm your quantity: Ask your stylist whether three packs are appropriate for your density and desired result or whether you should add more.
- Choose a realistic length: Consider your current natural-hair length and how much additional length you are trying to create.
- Arrive with clean, detangled hair: Follow your installer's preparation instructions and avoid heavy oils or waxy buildup around the roots unless your stylist tells you otherwise.
- Work with an experienced installer: Proper sectioning, bead placement and tension matter. Microlinks should feel secure without feeling painfully tight.
- Plan your maintenance before installation: Know how you will detangle, protect and maintain the extensions between appointments rather than waiting until problems appear.
Why Are Microbeads Included?
I-Tip extensions are installed strand by strand using small beads. Including 200 black microbeads gives you an installation component alongside the hair rather than leaving you to discover after ordering that beads are also needed for the method.
Your professional installer may have a preferred bead type, color or technique, so it is always worth confirming their requirements before your appointment.
Your stylist can review the hair, quantity and beads and tell you whether anything additional is needed for the installation they have planned for you.
Why Is a Satin Bonnet Included?
The installation may happen in the salon, but extension care continues every night at home.
The Slimline™ Satin Tie Bonnet is included because nighttime friction can contribute to tangling, dryness and unnecessary wear. Protecting the hair while you sleep helps support the maintenance routine your extensions need between appointments.
A bonnet will not replace proper detangling, cleansing or professional microlink maintenance, but it gives you one of the basic tools you can use from the first night of your install.
Not Sure What to Choose? Start Here
You do not have to figure out texture, length and blending all at once. Use the part of our guidance library that matches the decision you are trying to make.
Compare Curl Patterns
See our extension textures side by side and learn why curl type is only one part of finding a natural-looking match.
Read the Texture Matching GuideChoose Extension Length
Compare extension lengths and consider how your current natural-hair length affects the finished result.
View the Hair Length GuideAsk for a Recommendation
Send us photos and information about your hair when you want personalized help before choosing your extensions.
Get Texture Matching HelpMicrolink Starter Set FAQs
What comes in an SL Raw Microlink Starter Set?
Each Starter Set includes three packs of textured I-Tip hair, 200 black microbeads and a Slimline™ Satin Tie Bonnet. Choose from Lao Curly, Soft Kinky Curly or Kinky Curly.
Are three packs enough for a full microlink install?
Three packs may be enough for some customers with fine density or lighter fullness goals, but they are not a guaranteed full-head quantity for everyone. As a general starting point, fine density may use 3–4 packs, medium density 4–6 packs and coarse or fuller density 6–8 packs. Your stylist should help determine the appropriate quantity for your hair and desired result.
Can I buy additional I-Tip packs with my Starter Set?
Yes. If you need more than the three packs included in the Starter Set, you can add individual packs of the corresponding I-Tip texture based on your desired fullness and your stylist's recommendation.
Which Starter Set should I choose?
Lao Curly is approximately 2C–3A and offers looser, airy curl movement. Soft Kinky Curly is approximately 3B–4A with fuller natural definition. Kinky Curly is approximately 4A–4B with a more defined coily texture and fuller visual density. Curl typing is only a starting reference, so also consider curl diameter, density and the natural hair that will remain visible.
How long should my natural hair be for I-Tip extensions?
We generally recommend at least 4 inches of natural hair for I-Tip installations. Enough natural length and coverage are needed for placement and blending, although an experienced stylist should evaluate your individual hair before installation.
How long should my I-Tip extensions be?
Your desired look matters, but choosing extensions dramatically longer than your natural hair can make blending more difficult. As a general guideline, keeping the extension length within about 4 inches of your natural-hair length can help create a more balanced transition.
Do I need a professional stylist to install I-Tips?
We recommend working with a professional experienced in microlink or I-Tip installations, particularly someone comfortable working with your natural texture. Proper sectioning, bead placement and tension are important for both the appearance and comfort of the installation.
Why does the Starter Set include a bonnet?
Nighttime care begins as soon as your extensions are installed. The included satin bonnet helps reduce friction while you sleep and supports your regular extension-care routine.
What if I cannot tell which curly texture matches my hair?
Start with our Hair Extension Texture Matching Guide. If you are still deciding between textures, use our Texture Matching Concierge to send photos and receive personalized guidance before ordering.
Start with the Set That Makes Sense for Your Hair
Choose your texture, confirm how much hair you need and prepare for your installation with the hair, beads and nighttime protection brought together in one starting set.