Banishing Bad Hair Days since 1997!™
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Microlinks vs. fusion vs. shrink(DIY)
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

Microlinks vs. fusion vs. shrink(DIY)

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
stephsims View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: February 27 2008
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 15
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stephsims Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Microlinks vs. fusion vs. shrink(DIY)
    Posted: May 01 2008 at 11:17am
I'm just wondering from the point of view of all the DIYers out there which they feel is the best to do extensions yourself.  I've had fusion done to me, and done microlinks on myself. 
 
I was thinking about going blonde for the summer, which means new hair (Yaay!) but was looking at the heat methods of applying them.  My concern is that fusion would be difficult to do on myself (I'd only consider it if I got the U-tip hair), and even then I'd be concerned that it may not work well because I would not heat the glue up to the proper temperature, or heat it up too much, or who knows. 
 
I also wanted to know about the shrink tube type method...never seen it done, but it seems slightly more foolproof than fusion....
 
What do you guys think for minimizing the opportunity for disaster.  Microlinks were fine, but I'm trying to see about a method that will be a tad easier on my hands...those little rings are harder to crimp than they look!  Of course, I'm not opposed to doing them again, but I thought maybe there was a slightly less painful option....
 
Thanks as always you guys!
Back to Top
Poose View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: September 09 2005
Status: Offline
Points: 520
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Poose Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 01 2008 at 2:50pm
Microlinks are the best for DIY.
^..^
Back to Top
B.B. View Drop Down
Junior Member
Junior Member
Avatar

Joined: October 12 2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 138
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote B.B. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 01 2008 at 3:05pm

When I started doing my own I started w/gluing in wefts, then links, then shrinkies, and now fusion.  Fusion is my fave but you really need to have a setup whereby you can be hands free w/a mirror in front and back of you so you can see exactly what you're doing.  I used a handheld mirror I won't tell you how many times and it's really a pain, not to mention a waste of all that time!  lol

Is your hair fine or do you have some texture to it?  If mine wasn't so fine I would use shrinkies (probably) because they're quicker to install and usually easier to take out and if you use a drop of nail glue on the I-tips you can sometimes reuse the hair.  That said, fusion is really the only method where I don't feel nervous about the attachment method showing.
 
There's nothing wrong with using shrinkies for the underneath and then fusion on the top layers of the same install either.  That's sort of the best of both worlds.  That way you'll know how the shrinkies work out for you.
 
Heating the U-tips for fusion really is really easy.  You'll be able to see when the glue is melted enough and learn quickly how much is too much because it'll be runny and cause long bonds.  You can do it! 
rockin' hair one head at a time!
Back to Top
stephsims View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: February 27 2008
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 15
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stephsims Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 01 2008 at 4:25pm

B.B.

My hair is quite fine and stick straight, so really very little texture.  It makes it difficult to hide the microlinbks...and I'm worried that it will be even more difficult with blonde...So far, with dark brown it's not bad. 
 
I've experienced no slipping so far with the links (even less than I did with fusion) but they are silicone-lined. 
 
I was thinking maybe adhesive lined shrinks?  but I'm nervous about heating the bonds....with the links, I know that I can squeeze them as tight as I can with pliers and they'll be secure...with heating anything, it requires a bit of timing and technique...I've heard people say how if they're not heated properly they can go white, or crack, or just not hold...
 
But the idea is really neat and I'd sure not mind giving it a shot.  Which is more invisible in your opinion - fusion or shrinks?  I could just try it on tip and do links where it's more hidden in the back....
 
Thanks!
Back to Top
stephsims View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: February 27 2008
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 15
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stephsims Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 01 2008 at 4:31pm
Another quick question:
 
I've notices on the shrinkies.net site that they come in extended and micro length, and well as different colors.  I'm not sure what reasons you would have for choosing a long vs. short length, but also, why you would choose colored when they have clear.  Wouldn't that be the best?
 
Opinions?
Back to Top
fakeizme View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: February 28 2008
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 683
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote fakeizme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 01 2008 at 6:19pm
Originally posted by B.B. B.B. wrote:

...There's nothing wrong with using shrinkies for the underneath and then fusion on the top layers of the same install either.  That's sort of the best of both worlds.  That way you'll know how the shrinkies work out for you......

 
B.B. I think that's a genious idea. Why not try it out by doing one method on the bottom and another on top? You can't lose that way...well...you might lose a few strands, but....LOL
Love clip-ins and tape!
Back to Top
Ms.Honey View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: December 12 2006
Status: Offline
Points: 1108
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ms.Honey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 02 2008 at 3:07pm
It's just a personal preference. While fusion has less steps some may not like working with the heat wand. The links don't require heat but it may be harder for some to do the steps to the back of your head. And shrinks incorporate both. I personally prefer fusion. You may have to try them all to pick your fave.
ALL EYES ON ME
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down