Microlocks Extensions on Natural Hair: The Real Deal for Long-Lasting Hairstyles

By Bigways Salon | Hair and Beauty Culture

Microlocks are a beautiful long-term hairstyle, but one of the biggest challenges for many people is the waiting period.

Natural hair needs time to grow. Depending on your hair growth rate, reaching your desired length can take years. For some clients, the early stages of Microlocks can also feel difficult because the hair may look much shorter or less established than they imagined.

At Bigways Salon, Microlocks extensions provide another option.

Our approach allows you to begin your Microlocks journey while enjoying additional length from the beginning—without losing sight of the long-term goal of growing and enjoying your own natural hair.

Our Microlocks extensions are handmade with great skill using high-quality 100% human hair, giving clients an opportunity to experience length, styling versatility and a more established look while their natural Microlocks continue to grow.

What Are Microlocks Extensions?

Microlocks extensions are additional hair incorporated into the Microlocks installation to create extra length.

They can be especially useful for clients who want to start their Microlocks journey but don’t want to spend years waiting for their natural hair to reach their desired length.

Extensions can provide:

* Immediate additional length
* More styling possibilities
* A more established appearance from the beginning
* An opportunity to experiment with color on the extension hair
* A practical bridge while your natural hair continues to grow

However, extensions should not simply be added without considering the client’s natural hair.

The condition, strength, density, length and history of the natural hair all matter when determining the appropriate installation approach.

Handmade Microlocks Extensions at Bigways Salon

At Bigways Salon, we believe the quality of the extension hair matters.

Our Microlocks extensions are handmade with great skill and attention to detail using high-quality 100% human hair.

They are not simply about adding hair. The craftsmanship, consistency, length, appearance and integration with the client’s natural hair all matter.

We take the time to create extensions that can work as part of the client’s overall Microlocks journey.

Crafted by Hand. Installed With Skill.

Our focus is not simply to give you longer hair on installation day.

We think about the entire journey—from installation and maintenance to styling, coloring, natural hair growth and, eventually, the possibility of continuing with your own natural Microlocks.

Why Microlocks Extensions Can Be a Game Changer

One of the biggest advantages of extensions is that you don’t necessarily have to choose between starting your Microlocks now and waiting years for length.

You can start your journey and enjoy additional length at the same time.

For many clients, this can make the early stages easier to embrace.

Some people are perfectly comfortable trusting the process and allowing their natural Microlocks to grow from the beginning.

Others want a longer, more established look immediately.

Both are valid choices.

You Can Trust the Process or Choose Extensions

Microlocks extensions are optional.

If you are comfortable with your natural hair’s starting length, you can choose to trust the process and allow your Microlocks to grow naturally.

But from our experience at Bigways Salon, some clients struggle with the early stages because they don’t want to settle for the shorter or less mature appearance that can come with starting Microlocks.

For those clients, extensions can provide an opportunity to move beyond that early-stage appearance and enjoy more length from the beginning.

The goal isn’t to hide the journey. The goal is to give you choices within the journey.

Why We Recommend 6 Inches at Bigways

One of the approaches that makes the Bigways Microlocks extension journey unique is our recommended starting length.

For many suitable clients, we recommend starting with approximately 6 inches of Microlocks extensions.

Why?

Because the goal is not simply to make the hair as long as possible on day one.

We want to create a balance between:

* Desired length
* The strength of the natural hair
* Weight of the extensions
* Installation quality
* Future maintenance
* Styling possibilities
* Long-term natural hair growth

Six inches can provide a meaningful amount of additional length while allowing us to think about the client’s natural hair and the long-term Microlocks journey.

The appropriate length is always determined according to the individual client’s hair.

Longer is not automatically better.

What If You Already Have Long Natural Hair?

If your natural hair is already longer and healthy enough for the installation approach, there may be another option.

At Bigways Salon, depending on the client’s individual situation, we can leave approximately 2–4 inches of the client’s own natural hair as part of the installation while incorporating the Microlocks extensions.

This means your natural hair remains part of the journey while the extensions provide additional length.

As your natural hair continues to grow, the balance between your own hair and the extension hair changes over time.

That is where the long-term vision becomes important.

The Bigways Microlocks Extension Journey

Think of it as a bridge.

Start with approximately 6-inch extensions → Your natural hair continues growing → Your Microlocks mature → Your own hair gains more length → Extensions may eventually be removed → You continue your journey with your natural Microlocks.

For example, after approximately two years, depending on your individual hair growth and maintenance, your natural Microlocks may have gained significant length.

At that stage, if appropriate, the extension hair can be skillfully and professionally removed, allowing you to continue enjoying the growth of your own natural Microlocks.

Two years is only an example—not a guarantee. Hair growth varies from person to person.

The important idea is that extensions don’t have to define the entire journey.

They can be part of the journey while your own hair grows.

Start With Extensions. Grow With Your Own Hair.

Microlocks Extensions Also Give You More Color Options

Another advantage of choosing Microlocks extensions is the opportunity to explore color while being more strategic about your natural hair.

Many clients love colored hair, but chemical coloring can increase the risk of dryness, weakening and breakage, particularly when hair is repeatedly processed or not properly maintained.

Since the purpose of starting Microlocks is often to enjoy a long-term hairstyle and maintain the health of your natural hair, it is worth considering where the color is applied.

When appropriate, Bigways can apply your desired color to the extension hair rather than chemically coloring your own natural hair.

This gives you another way to enjoy color while keeping the long-term condition of your natural hair in mind.

You can choose to:

* Keep your extensions in their natural color
* Choose colored extensions
* Add color later, depending on the hair and extension type
* Discuss your desired color with our team before installation

Color the extensions. Protect the journey.

What Makes a Good Microlocks Extension Installation?

Extensions are only as good as the installation behind them.

A professional installation should consider:

1. Your Natural Hair

We assess the condition, density, length and strength of your natural hair.

2. Extension Length

The extension length should be appropriate for your natural hair and your desired result.

3. Weight

Excessive length or weight can place unnecessary stress on the natural hair.

4. Sectioning

Proper and consistent sectioning is essential for creating an organized Microlocks foundation.

5. Installation Technique

The extensions need to be incorporated carefully so that the natural hair and added hair work together appropriately.

6. Your Long-Term Journey

We don’t only think about how your hair looks when you leave the salon.

We think about how it will be maintained, styled, treated and grown over time.

Can Microlocks Extensions Be Styled?

Yes. One of the reasons many clients choose extensions is the additional styling flexibility they can provide.

Depending on the installation, hair condition and style, Microlocks extensions may allow you to enjoy different looks while your natural hair continues to grow.

However, styling should always be approached with care.

Excessive tension, heavy styles or poor maintenance can place unnecessary stress on the hair.

At Bigways Salon, styling is considered part of the overall Microlocks journey—not something separate from hair health.

Microlocks Extensions Need Maintenance Too

Extensions don’t mean you can forget about your hair.

Your natural hair continues to grow, and your roots need proper attention.

Regular maintenance and retie appointments help keep the Microlocks organized and allow your stylist to assess the condition of your hair and roots.

The appropriate maintenance schedule varies from client to client.

Rather than following someone else’s schedule blindly, your stylist should consider your hair, installation method, growth and overall condition.

Take Care of Your Microlocks

A long-lasting hairstyle still needs proper care.

We recommend paying attention to:

* Regular maintenance
* Scalp cleanliness
* Proper washing
* Appropriate moisturizing and treatments
* Avoiding unnecessary tension
* Avoiding excessive product buildup
* Careful styling
* Professional assessment when you notice changes in your hair

Your Microlocks are a journey—not just an installation.

Who Are Microlocks Extensions Suitable For?

Microlocks extensions may be suitable for clients who:

* Want longer Microlocks from the beginning
* Don’t want to wait years for natural hair growth
* Prefer a more established look during the early stages
* Want additional styling options
* Are interested in experimenting with color through extension hair
* Want to start their Microlocks journey while allowing their natural hair to grow

However, extensions are not automatically suitable for everyone.

A professional consultation is important before installation.

Extensions or Natural Microlocks: Which Path?

There is no single way everyone has to start their Microlocks journey.

You can choose to:

Start Naturally

Begin with your own natural hair and trust the process as your Microlocks grow.

Start With Extensions

Begin with additional length while your natural hair continues growing.

At Bigways Salon, we respect both approaches.

The right choice depends on your hair, lifestyle, desired appearance, expectations and long-term goals.

The Bigways Approach

At Bigways Salon, we see Microlocks as more than a hairstyle.

We consider the entire journey:

Quality of hair → Installation → Extension length → Maintenance → Retie → Treatments → Styling → Color → Natural hair growth

This is why our approach to Microlocks extensions is not simply:

“How long do you want your hair?”

The bigger question is:

“How can we create the length you want while keeping your natural hair and long-term Microlocks journey in mind?”

That’s the difference between simply adding hair and building a hair journey.

Why Choose Bigways Salon?

At Bigways Salon, our Microlocks extension service is built around craftsmanship, consultation and long-term thinking.

You get:

* Handmade Microlocks extensions
* High-quality 100% human hair
* Professional consultation
* Individual hair assessment
* Careful consideration of extension length
* Professional installation
* Microlocks maintenance and retie
* Styling
* Treatments
* Coloring options
* A long-term approach to your natural hair journey

We don’t just want your Microlocks to look good today.

We want you to understand the journey you’re starting.

Ready to Start Your Microlocks Journey?

You don’t have to wait years before enjoying the length you desire.

And you don’t have to use extensions if you prefer to trust the natural growth process.

The choice is yours.

If you are considering Microlocks extensions, the best place to start is with a professional consultation.

We will assess your natural hair, discuss your desired length and look, explain your options, and help you understand what your Microlocks journey can look like.

BOOK A MICROLOCKS EXTENSION CONSULTATION →

Bigways Salon
Hair and Beauty Culture
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Where beauty is experienced. Learn and live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Microlocks extensions be installed on natural hair?

Yes. Microlocks extensions can be installed on natural hair when the client’s hair is suitable for the chosen installation method. A professional assessment is recommended before installation.

Why does Bigways recommend 6-inch extensions?

For many suitable clients, approximately 6 inches provides a balanced starting point between additional length, styling possibilities and consideration for the natural hair. The appropriate length can vary depending on the individual.

Can I use Microlocks extensions if my natural hair is already long?

Yes. Depending on your hair’s condition, length and strength, Bigways may be able to incorporate extensions while leaving approximately 2–4 inches of your natural hair as part of the installation.

Can I eventually remove the extensions?

Yes. When appropriate, extension hair can be professionally and skillfully removed as your natural Microlocks grow. The timing depends on the individual hair journey.

Can I color Microlocks extensions?

Color options depend on the extension hair and the desired result. Discussing color before installation allows the appropriate approach to be planned.

Do Microlocks extensions require maintenance?

Yes. Your natural hair continues to grow, so regular maintenance and retie appointments remain important.

Do I have to use extensions?

No. Extensions are completely optional. You can also start with your natural hair and trust the process of growing your Microlocks naturally.