Choosing between beaded installs and fusion installs is one of the most common decisions our customers face when looking for semi-permanent hair extensions. Both methods deliver beautiful, long-lasting results - but they work very differently, and the right choice depends entirely on your hair type, lifestyle, and what you're comfortable with during maintenance.
Beaded installs (also called micro link, microlink, micro bead, or micro loop extensions) use small silicone-lined beads to attach extensions without heat or glue. Fusion installs use keratin bonds that are either heated (hot fusion U-tips) or clamped cold (I-tips with micro rings). Each method has real strengths and real trade-offs, and we want to help you understand both before you commit.
"We get this question more than almost any other - beaded or fusion? The honest answer is that neither method is universally better. Beaded installs are gentler and more flexible, but fusion gives you the most invisible bonds. The best method is the one that matches your hair type and the level of maintenance you're realistically willing to do."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
Beaded Installs (Micro Link / Microlink Extensions)
Beaded installs, also known as micro link or micro bead extensions, attach individual strands of hair to your natural hair using small silicone-lined beads that are clamped shut with pliers. No heat, no glue, no chemicals - just a mechanical hold that can be opened and adjusted as needed.
This method has become increasingly popular because of how gentle it is on natural hair. The silicone lining inside each bead protects your strands from friction, and because there's no adhesive involved, there's no risk of chemical damage during installation or removal.
How beaded installs work
Section and prepare
Your stylist sections the hair into thin, horizontal rows. Each row is carefully mapped to ensure even weight distribution and natural-looking coverage.
Thread the bead
A small silicone-lined bead is threaded onto a thin section of your natural hair using a loop tool. The bead is positioned close to the scalp with a small gap for natural movement.
Insert the extension
The I-tip extension strand is inserted into the bead alongside your natural hair. The bead is then clamped flat with crimping pliers, creating a secure hold.
Repeat and blend
This process is repeated strand by strand (typically 100-200 strands for a full head). Once complete, your stylist blends and layers the extensions with your natural hair.
Pros of beaded installs
- No heat or chemicals - The gentlest semi-permanent method available. Nothing touches your hair except the silicone-lined bead.
- Reusable extensions - I-tip strands can be removed and reinstalled 3-4 times, making them more economical over time.
- Easy adjustments - Beads can be opened with pliers and repositioned as your hair grows, without removing the entire installation.
- Works across hair types - Suitable for straight, wavy, and curly textures. Especially good for fine to medium hair where heat-based methods pose more risk.
- Natural movement - Individual strand attachment means extensions move independently, just like your own hair.
- Faster maintenance appointments - Move-ups typically take 1-2 hours compared to a full reinstallation.
Cons of beaded installs
- Beads can slip - On very fine or silky hair, beads may slide down over time if not clamped firmly enough.
- Slight learning curve for styling - You may need to adjust how you brush near the beads, especially in the first week.
- Not fully invisible - While discreet, the beads can sometimes be felt (and occasionally seen) with certain updos or parting patterns.
- More frequent maintenance - Beads need adjustment every 6-8 weeks as your hair grows out from the scalp.
- Initial installation time - A full head of individual beaded strands takes 2-4 hours depending on strand count.
Who beaded installs are best for
Beaded installs are an excellent choice if you have fine to medium hair and want something gentle. They're also ideal if you prefer a method that doesn't involve heat or adhesives, if you want reusable extensions to save money long-term, or if you like the flexibility of being able to move up individual strands during maintenance rather than doing a full removal and reinstallation.
If you have very thick or coarse hair, beaded installs still work but you may need more strands to achieve full coverage, which increases both cost and installation time. In those cases, beaded weft extensions (where a full weft track is sewn onto a beaded row) can be a more efficient option.
Fusion Installs (Keratin Bond Extensions)
Fusion installs bond individual extension strands to your natural hair using keratin - the same protein your hair is made of. There are two methods: hot fusion (U-tips) uses a heated tool to melt the keratin bond, while cold fusion (I-tips with micro rings) skips the heat entirely.
Hot fusion (U-tip) installation
U-tip extensions have a pre-formed keratin bond at the top shaped like a fingernail. Your stylist uses a fusion heat tool to melt this bond, then wraps it around a small section of your natural hair. As it cools, the keratin hardens and creates an extremely secure hold that's nearly invisible.
Hot fusion creates the most discreet bonds of any individual strand method. The flat, transparent keratin blends with your hair's natural color and lays completely flat against the scalp. This is why fusion is often called the "gold standard" for natural-looking extensions.
Cold fusion (I-tip) installation
I-tip extensions can be installed two ways: with micro ring beads (which is essentially a beaded install using I-tip hair) or with keratin glue pebbles and heat. When installed with beads, this method is technically the same as a beaded install - you get the gentleness of a mechanical hold with the quality of fusion-grade hair.
This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of I-tip extensions. You can choose your installation method based on your hair type and comfort level, and switch between methods on reinstallation if you prefer.
Pros of fusion installs
- Most invisible bonds - Keratin bonds are transparent and lay flat, making them virtually undetectable even in updos and ponytails.
- Extremely secure hold - Hot fusion bonds don't slip, shift, or loosen between appointments. Ideal for active lifestyles.
- Long-lasting - Fusion installs can last 3-6 months between full reinstallations with proper care.
- Versatile styling - The flat, invisible bonds allow for any hairstyle including high ponytails, braids, and updos without visible attachment points.
- Works beautifully on thick hair - The strong keratin bond holds securely even in dense, heavy hair.
Cons of fusion installs
- Heat involvement (hot fusion) - The tool reaches high temperatures. Improper application can damage natural hair.
- U-tips can't be reused - Once the keratin bond is broken during removal, U-tip strands need fresh bonds for reinstallation. I-tips are reusable.
- Higher upfront cost - Both the hair and installation tend to cost more than beaded methods, especially for hot fusion.
- Longer installation - A full hot fusion install can take 3-5 hours for 150-200+ strands.
- Removal requires solvents - Keratin bonds must be dissolved with a professional-grade solvent, which adds time and cost to maintenance.
- Requires a skilled stylist - Hot fusion is one of the most technically demanding installation methods. A less experienced stylist can cause real damage.
Who fusion installs are best for
Fusion is the right choice if you prioritize the most natural, invisible result above all else. It's especially well-suited for medium to thick hair that can comfortably support the weight of keratin bonds, for people with active lifestyles who need extensions that absolutely won't move, and for anyone who wants maximum styling versatility without visible attachment points.
If you have fine or thin hair, fusion can still work - but I-tip cold fusion (with beads) is typically recommended over hot fusion U-tips, since it avoids heat and distributes weight more gently. Our thin hair extensions guide covers the safest options in detail.
Beaded vs. Fusion: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Beaded (Micro Link / Microlink) | Fusion (Keratin Bond) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat required | No | Yes (hot fusion) / No (cold fusion with beads) |
| Adhesives/chemicals | None | Keratin adhesive |
| Bond visibility | Small bead visible up close | Nearly invisible (transparent keratin) |
| Installation time | 2-3 hours | 3-5 hours |
| How long it lasts | 6-8 weeks between move-ups | 3-6 months between full reinstalls |
| Reusable? | Yes (3-4 reinstalls) | I-tips yes, U-tips no |
| Damage potential | Very low | Low-moderate (higher if improperly applied) |
| Best for hair type | Fine to medium hair | Medium to thick hair |
| Maintenance frequency | Every 6-8 weeks | Every 8-12 weeks |
| Removal process | Beads unclamped with pliers (quick) | Solvent to dissolve keratin (slower) |
| Cost range | $$ (hair + install: $300-$800) | $$$ (hair + install: $500-$2,000+) |
| Styling freedom | Good - beads can be felt in updos | Excellent - bonds are undetectable |
How to Decide Between Beaded and Fusion
Rather than thinking about which method is "better," think about which method matches your specific situation:
Choose beaded installs if:
- You have fine or delicate hair and want the gentlest option
- You prefer a heat-free, chemical-free method
- You want reusable extensions that save money over multiple installs
- You don't mind slightly more frequent maintenance appointments
- You want the flexibility to adjust individual strands during move-ups
Choose fusion installs if:
- You want the most invisible, undetectable bonds possible
- You have medium to thick hair that can support keratin bonds
- You lead an active lifestyle and need extensions that absolutely won't shift
- You want maximum styling freedom including high ponytails and updos
- You prefer longer intervals between maintenance appointments
A Note for Stylists
If you're a professional stylist weighing these methods for your clients, consider building proficiency in both. Having beaded and fusion installation skills in your toolkit means you can make personalized recommendations based on each client's hair type rather than defaulting to whichever method you know best.
Our Pro Stylist Program offers wholesale pricing and educational resources for both installation methods. And if you need specific tools, our fusion heat tool and crimping pliers are designed for professional-grade installations.
Not Sure Which Extensions Are Right for You?
Take our quick quiz to get a personalized recommendation based on your hair type, lifestyle, and styling preferences.
Take the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of micro bead hair extensions?
The main pros of micro bead (beaded) extensions are that they use no heat or chemicals, the extensions are reusable for 3-4 installations, and they're gentle enough for fine hair. The cons are that beads can occasionally slip on very silky hair, they need adjustment every 6-8 weeks, and the beads may be slightly visible in certain hairstyles. Overall, micro bead extensions are one of the lowest-damage semi-permanent methods available.
Do beaded extensions damage your hair?
When installed correctly, beaded extensions cause minimal to no damage. The silicone lining inside each bead protects your natural hair from friction, and since there's no heat or adhesive involved, there's no chemical stress. Damage typically only occurs from beads clamped too tightly, leaving extensions in too long without maintenance, or from a stylist using beads without silicone linings.
How long do micro link extensions last?
Micro link (also called microlink or beaded) extensions last 6-8 weeks between maintenance appointments, where the beads are moved up to account for hair growth. The extensions themselves can be reused for 3-4 installations (roughly 6-12 months total), depending on care. After that, the hair may start to thin out and need replacing.
Is fusion or beaded better for thin hair?
Beaded installs are generally better for thin or fine hair. They're lighter, use no heat, and the beads can be positioned to distribute weight evenly. If you prefer fusion, cold fusion I-tips with micro ring beads are a good middle ground - you get fusion-quality hair without the heat of hot fusion. Hot fusion U-tips are typically not recommended for very thin hair because the keratin bonds can add weight and the heat application poses more risk. See our complete guide to extensions for thin hair for all your options.
Can you switch from beaded to fusion (or vice versa)?
Yes, and this is one of the great things about I-tip extensions. The same I-tip strands can be installed with either beads or keratin bonds. So you could start with a beaded install to see how you like semi-permanent extensions, then switch to a hot fusion install later if you want more invisible bonds. The hair stays the same - only the installation method changes.
What's the difference between micro links and beaded wefts?
Both use beads, but the attachment is different. Micro link extensions attach individual strands one-by-one using small beads. Beaded weft extensions use a row of beads to create an anchor, and then a full weft (track of hair) is sewn onto that anchor. Micro links give you more precise placement; beaded wefts add more volume per row and install faster. Read our weft extensions guide for a deep dive on beaded wefts.
How much do beaded vs. fusion extensions cost?
Beaded installs typically cost $300-$800 total (hair + professional installation), depending on strand count and length. Fusion installs range from $500-$2,000+, with hot fusion being the most expensive due to the longer installation time and specialized tools required. Keep in mind that beaded extensions are reusable, which lowers the cost of subsequent installations since you only pay for the labor, not new hair.
Ready to Choose Your Method?
Whether you go with the gentle flexibility of beaded installs or the invisible security of fusion bonds, the most important factor is working with a skilled stylist who knows the method well. At Perfect Locks, we offer professional-grade micro link and fusion extensions made from 100% ethically sourced Remy human hair.
Not sure which is right for your hair? Take our quiz for a personalized recommendation, or send us a photo for a free consultation - we look at every request personally.