What is the difference/ pros /cons among:

Hi Anna,

I've used all 3 types of rings and would be happy to give you my personal opinion.

Proshells:

They crimp down very flat, flatter than any other ring I've ever used.  For most people, they stay in the hair pretty well without slipping prematurely.  I've used the regular and small size and between the two sizes, I like the small.  With these kind of rings, you want to use the smallest size possible, keeping in mind that the tip of your hair needs to be able to fit in the hole.  By using the smallest diameter that you can, you reduce the risk of slipping my having the extension hair you the client's hair 'tightly packed' in the tube.

To reopen the ring, I like that tool that rounds the ring.  I think I bought mine on hairpiece.com.

No real downside to the protubes.

Extendtubes:

I don't like them too much because I feel that they are more prone to slipping for some reason.  I guess if you used the advice above and used the smallest possible ring that you could get away with, than they might be ok.

sillicone microrings:

I am totally in LOVE with these rings.  The sillicone lining really reduces their potential to slip and also protects the hair against any rough edges that may have formed in the crimping process.

I have installed these rings on 4 clients now without any problems.  I just received an order from the supplier to get a 2mm inside diameter ring, and they are wonderful.  I had previously purchased the large 2.6mm ring, and they are good, but too big in the hair I think.

The supplier also sent me samples of the long 2mm microring which looks promising.  It's the length of a protube, with the sillicone lining and a 2mm diameter.  Some people think that a longer length tube has better holding power in the hair.

I also received a sample of the microring with a 1.5mm diameter.  These guys are tiny.  They would require a very small threading wire to thread them on the hair.

Anyway, AMM sells the 2.6mm ring  on her www.shrinkies.net and I am sure she will soon be selling the smaller sizes as well.

Good luck!

I have tried the plastic threader tool with the sillicone rings and I didn't like it because it makes some of the sillicone inserts to slip out.

I use the small latchhook tool that AMM sells.  For the tiniest microrings, I'd probably have to make my own tool with thin beading wire.  I just got my 1.5 mm sample, so tomorrow I'll experiment with it and see what tool works best.  It would be my guess that even the smallest latch hook will be too big for the 1.5 mm ring.