London Hair Extensions
Micro ring vs nano ring hair extensions comes down to size: nano rings are the smaller, more discreet option for fine hair, while micro rings are sturdier and suit medium to thick hair. Hair Made Easi puts them at around 2.5mm and 3.5mm.
This post compares the two cold-fusion methods side by side, shows where the sources disagree and explains what to ask at a consultation. For the wider picture, see our guide to the types of hair extensions and our page on micro ring extensions.
What is the difference between micro rings and nano rings?
The method is the same and the attachment is the difference. Cliphair’s salon expert says both attach a small strand of hair to your own hair with a ring or bead, and neither uses heat or glue. Nano beads are almost twice as small as a standard micro ring, which is what makes them more discreet and comfortable.
Hair Made Easi gives the sizes as around 2.5mm for nano and 3.5mm for micro. Other suppliers quote different measurements, so treat the figures as a rough guide and ask your stylist which beads they use.
Which suits fine hair and which suits thick hair?
All three sources agree on the main split. Nano rings are designed for thin or fine hair because they are small and easy to hide, so they can sit close to the hairline and work well if you wear your hair up. Micro rings suit medium to thick hair, where they hide in the natural thickness.
Cliphair says micro rings can be seen in very thin hair around the hairline, so its expert avoids them there. It also says nanos are not the best choice for thick hair, because so little hair goes into each ring that application takes a very long time.
Micro ring vs nano ring: how do they compare?
| Nano rings | Micro rings | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Around 2.5mm (Hair Made Easi) | Around 3.5mm (Hair Made Easi) |
| Best for | Fine or thin hair, wearing hair up | Medium to thick hair |
| Visibility | Hardest to see | Can show in very fine hair |
| Application time | Longer, as less hair goes in each ring | Faster, as rings hold more hair |
| Refit | Around every 6–8 weeks | Around every 6–8 weeks |
Where do the sources disagree?
Mainly on hold and cost. Cliphair lists nanos as not as sturdy as micro rings, with more coming loose between services, and as more expensive. Cooviphair says nano rings are less likely to slip than micro rings, especially on fine hair.
Cliphair puts both at around £80 per package, with length, application and the amount of hair changing the final cost. Cooviphair says rings last up to 12 weeks with good care, and that micro rings may need a full removal and refit every three months. These are suppliers, so use the figures as a starting point only. Our London cost guide covers what drives salon prices.
How do you choose between micro rings and nano rings?
- Start with your natural hair: fine and thin points to nano, medium to thick points to micro.
- Think about how you wear it. If you often tie your hair up, the smaller ring hides better.
- Ask how long the fitting takes and what a refit costs, because smaller rings take longer to fit.
- Ask your stylist which size they work with most. Hair Made Easi says many extensionists offer both so they can match the method to the client.
Our post on how long hair extensions last explains how refits fit into the cost over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither is better for everyone. Cliphair and Hair Made Easi both say nano rings suit fine hair and discretion, while micro rings suit medium to thick hair. The better choice depends on your hair density, how you style it and what your stylist is experienced with.
Hair Made Easi says nano rings are lighter at the root, which reduces tension on the natural hair, and are preferred for fragile hair. Both methods use no heat or glue, according to Cliphair. Ask your stylist how they check for tension at each refit.
Hair Made Easi says both methods typically need a refit every 6–8 weeks as your own hair grows. At a refit the stylist loosens each ring, slides the hair up towards the root and closes it again. Your stylist will set the interval that suits your hair.
Yes. Cliphair says both nano and micro rings offer discretion when hair is worn up, with nanos hiding best close to the hairline. If you wear ponytails often, tell your stylist so they can place the rings sensibly.
Where to go next
When you are ready to compare stylists, you can find a salon by borough and method, compare methods or browse the blog.
How we prepared this post: we compared Cliphair, Hair Made Easi and Cooviphair, all read on 15 November 2026. They are suppliers with products to sell, so follow your own stylist’s advice for your hair. The photographs are stock images from Pexels.
Ready to compare salons? Browse by London borough. Prime and Takeover placements are paid; this article is independent.