What is the Micro Ring?

Very similar to Thermal Bonding but without any resin or glue, a few strands of extension hair are attached at a time using a small ring – the Micro Ring – which is clamped to tightly hold the extension hair to the natural hair.

The Micro Ring method originated in Japan in 1992. However, by 1994 the method was abandoned by hundreds of salons due to a problem with rusting rings. The original material that the rings were made of was copper or similar that, after washing, would rust, causing allergies and hair breakage on removal.

Today, Micro Ring technology has advanced considerably. Re-developed using different materials the problem of rusting has been eliminated and application removal by trained technicians is perfectly safe.

Suitability

People that enjoy the free-flowing effect delivered by attaching a few extension strands at a time may find the Micro Ring suitable. Also those that have come across Thermal Bonding but are not comfortable with the idea of glue or resin seals, will find that the Micro Ring is a superb ‘Green’ alternative that offers the same results.
The Micro Ring method is suitable for all European and Asian hair types although it is not recommended for use on hair that has been overly processed, is brittle or on Afro hair.

The Process

A few strands of extension hair along with the client’s natural hair is crocheted through the Micro Ring using a small latch-hook or wire eye instrument . The ring is then closed flat using a ‘connector/disconnector’, sealing the extension and natural hair together.

The rings are compact and flat and are usually a colour that matches the hair too (i.e. Brown rings would be used to attach brown hair to keep the extension connection as hidden & unnoticeable as possible). They lie flat and can be less bulky than some thermal resin bonds. Micro Rings come in up to five sizes. Normally a medium size ring is used on ‘normal’ hair. Thicker hair may use large size rings. Smaller rings may be used closer to the hair line or fringe or on thinner hair.

Micro Rings, like Thermal Bonded extensions, will last 3 months, however you should expect a few to fall out during this time. It is advised that you replace or remove your Micro Ring extensions after 8-10 weeks to keep them in their best condition and to stop them from becoming visible as the natural hair continues to grow.

It is important to get your Micro Rings removed by a qualified technician as trying to pull them out yourself can cause hair breakage. Proper removal is very quick, easy and leaves minimal damage to your own hair.

Caring for Micro Ring Extensions

These extensions can last for up to 3 months (or longer) although it is recommended to re-apply them after 8 weeks in order to maintain their original look. Your natural hair during these 8 weeks will continue to grow, thus the rings will move lower and lower down, and the rings will become more noticeable.

It is recommended that clients wash the ring extensions once to twice a week at most. Suitable shampoos and conditioners should be used during the time you wear the extension hair - your extension stylist should be able to advise you on the correct cleansers. Unlike with Thermal Bonded extensions, you can use conditioner near the ring attachments close to your scalp as it does not affect the rings. However, you must ensure you rinse this out thoroughly as conditioner can cause clogging at the attachment point.
As long as the extension hair used is 100% human, you may use heated appliances to curl or straighten the hair as you please.