Hair extensions are a popular cosmetic solution for individuals looking to enhance their appearance by adding length and volume to their hair. They provide an immediate transformation but come with potential risks. It’s crucial to understand the importance of proper application and maintenance to avoid damage and loss. This comprehensive blog will explore the relationship between hair extensions and hair loss, outlining safe practices for using them and discussing alternatives that pose less risk.
In 2023, the hair extension market was worth more than $4.5bn globally, with demand increasing year-on-year. Hair extensions are popular accessories for women, enhancing volume and appearance. Women are always looking for longer and thicker hair.
What Are Hair Extensions?
Hair extensions are specialised products designed to enhance the volume and length of your natural hair. They offer a dramatic transformation by providing fuller and longer hair. There are various types of hair extensions, each with its benefits.
Types of Hair Extensions
Celebrity weave is a quick and ideal method for events. This temporary styling option involves sewing hair extensions into your natural hair for an immediate, fuller look.
Fusion bond uses a keratin-based adhesive to bond extensions for a discreet, natural appearance. Though durable, it requires careful maintenance to avoid heat damage.
Micro rings and nano rings are alternative methods. These attach extensions using tiny rings, allowing for natural movement and a nearly invisible look.
Tape weft uses double-sided tape to adhere extensions quickly, making it effective for lengthening and thickening.
Each method requires specific care and proper application to avoid hair loss and maintain healthy hair.
Do hair extensions ruin your hair?
Unfortunately, for thousands of women who rely on hair extensions, they can damage hair. Studies have shown they are responsible for hair thinning, ranging from lack of density to full-blown traction alopecia. The good news is this really happens with sustained use. Occasionally using them, like once a month, is unlikely to cause long-term negative effects.
How Hair Extensions Can Cause Hair Loss
When hair extensions are attached to existing hair and the scalp, there is a possibility of damaging hair follicles if applied incorrectly. Here are examples of how extensions cause hair loss.
Traction Alopecia:
Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss associated with the overuse of hair extensions. It is characterised by constant pulling on the hair due to tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, and cornrows. This differs from conditions like trichotillomania, which is the compulsive urge to pull hair. If stopped early, it can be reversible, but long-term tension can permanently damage hair follicles, leading to permanent bald spots. Cases have been reported since the 1970s in people with various ethnic backgrounds. It can be treated with a hair transplant in the area that has thinned.
Weight of Extensions:
The weight of extensions worsens the pull on natural hair, adding stress to hair follicles. This pull causes potential loss of natural hair.
Chemical Damage:
Adhesives and bonding agents used to attach extensions can contain harsh chemicals that weaken the hair shaft and damage the scalp. This can lead to hair loss by hindering natural hair growth.
Improper Application and Removal:
It is important to be careful when applying and removing extensions. You can pull and break hair shafts, eventually damaging hair to the point of loss.
Allergic Reactions:
Materials and adhesives used in extensions can cause allergic reactions, resulting in inflammation that affects the scalp and hair follicles. Be extra careful if you have scalp eczema or psoriasis. Patch tests are important before putting on extensions.
Poor Hygiene:
Lack of proper cleaning and maintenance can cause buildup of dirt and oils under extensions. This accumulation creates an ideal environment for microbes to thrive, causing scalp inflammation and infections. Maintaining proper scalp and hair hygiene helps prevent complications like Scalp folliculitis, Tinea Capitis, and Piedra.
Recognizing Signs of Hair Loss from Hair Extensions
Wearing hair extensions can enhance your look, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks to hair health. To prevent permanent damage, watch for these signs:
Broken Hairs Around the Forehead:
Noticeable short, broken hairs around the hairline can be the first sign of damage from tight hairstyles.
Receding Hairline:
If your hairline starts to move back or thin around the temples and forehead, this might be due to stress from extensions.
Patches of Hair Loss:
Look for small bald spots or thin areas where the hair is styled tightly. This is a clear indicator of pulling on the scalp.
Pain and Discomfort:
If your hairstyle causes pain or discomfort from being too tight, it stresses your hair and scalp, causing headaches or disrupted sleep.
Stinging or Tenderness on the Scalp:
Any stinging or soreness on the scalp indicates skin stretching or a reaction to products.
Scalp Crusts:
Buildup or crusts on the scalp may indicate inflammation or skin damage, which can lead to hair loss.
Tenting of the Scalp:
When sections of your scalp appear pulled upwards during tight hairstyles, it shows severe traction and stress on the hair roots.
Notice these signs and change your hairstyle immediately to reduce tension. Allowing your hair to rest and recover can prevent further damage and potential permanent hair loss. Regularly checking for these signs can help you maintain healthy hair and enjoy the versatility of hair extensions.
The negative effects of hair extensions
Relying on hair extensions often leads to a vicious cycle. Your hair is thin, so you use extensions to boost volume and thickness, giving flexibility in how you style your hair. Unfortunately, repeated use of hair extensions can cause hair to become thinner by putting sustained pressure on your hair follicles. Over time, this action causes the hair follicle to stop producing hair, leading to bald patches and broken hairs. This makes your hair even thinner, making you rely on extensions more. This can result in visibly thin, unhealthy natural hair. Worse, traction alopecia can become permanent if you don’t stop putting pressure on your hair follicles.
Hair damage from extensions in pictures
Women who wear hair extensions are more likely to experience the side effects of thin, damaged hair, including women’s hair loss. Female celebrities have revealed the impact of wearing hair extensions often. Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison unveiled a large bald spot on the side of her scalp caused by hair extensions. Knowing how much are hair extensions can help in making informed choices.
Why is my hair so thin after using hair extensions?
The mechanism of hair loss caused by hair extensions is simple. The weight of hair extensions loosens natural hair shafts from their follicles, causing hair to fall out and creating the appearance of hair thinning. Hair extensions pull on dozens of hair follicles at the same time, dislodging multiple hairs and leading to noticeable bald patches. Using hair extensions repeatedly can lead to irreparable hair follicle damage and stop producing hair. There’s a greater risk of developing traction alopecia if your hair is relaxed or chemically treated. Research shows black women who wear protective styles for long periods are at high risk. The type of hair extensions used also affects the level of damage.
Hair loss from extensions: will it grow back?
The good news is that hair extension-related hair loss isn’t always permanent. Stopping or reducing the use of hair extensions can allow follicles to recover and start producing healthy hair again. Alongside reducing your use of hair extensions, certain treatments like Minoxidil can help speed up hair regrowth. It has been shown to improve traction alopecia symptoms and promote hair growth.
Which type of hair extension is the most damaging?
Regardless of the type you choose to use, using hair extensions puts you at risk of developing traction alopecia. However, some types are more likely to cause problems than others.
Least damaging hair extensions
Non-permanent hair extensions like clip-ins are the healthiest type. They aren’t necessarily risk-free, as wearing them continuously can cause traction alopecia due to the clips adding bulk and weight, piling pressure on follicles. However, they can be removed with ease and worn less frequently, which minimises the risk of hair loss and thinning. Tape-in extensions are also among the least damaging types, though they might tear out healthy hair when removed. When considering how long do hair extensions last, it varies by type and care.
Most damaging hair extensions
Hot fusion extensions can damage hair by applying hot glue to the hair roots. Cold fusion extensions and weaves use beads, rings, and thread, which add extra weight and additional pressure. Unlike clip-ins and tape-ins, these types of extensions should be removed by a professional to avoid further hair damage. The least damaging hair extensions are clip-ins and tape-ins since they can be easily removed by the wearer.
Safe Practices When Using Hair Extensions
For those considering hair extensions or weaves, it’s crucial to adopt safe practices to protect your natural hair and scalp. Here are some tips:
Prepare Your Hair
Before installing extensions, ensure your natural hair is healthy. Wash and condition your hair to remove product buildup and keep it moisturised. It’s important to maintain this routine even with hair extensions.
Proper Application
It’s best to opt for a skilled stylist to install or remove extensions. They know how to apply them properly to minimise hair damage. If the hairstyle feels too tight and causes discomfort, let your stylist know immediately to prevent traction alopecia from excessive pulling. Learning the correct method yourself can be beneficial. Choosing lighter, temporary extensions can also lessen the stress on your scalp and hair follicles.
Maintain Scalp Hygiene
Keep your scalp and hair clean while wearing extensions. For those using clip-ins, remove them before washing to thoroughly cleanse your scalp. Use gentle shampoos and conditioners to avoid irritation and keep the scalp hydrated.
Care for Your Edges
The area with baby hairs along your hairline is particularly delicate. Avoid harsh styling products and excessive heat. Opt for water-based gels and regularly apply conditioner to these areas.
Rotate Styles
Limit the duration you wear extensions to a maximum of two to three months to prevent undue stress on your hair and scalp. Afterward, switch to a less demanding hairstyle to give your hair a rest.
Loose Ponytails or Buns
These styles put less tension on the hair compared to tight versions. Ensure the hair tie is not pulling tightly on the roots.
Soft Braids
Try looser braids like loose French braids or loose fishtail braids that do not pull tightly on the scalp or hairline.
Twists
Styles like loose two-strand twists or flat twists are gentler than tight braids and can be a stylish, protective option.
Natural Waves or Curls
Embracing your natural hair texture without manipulating it with heat or tight styles can reduce stress on your hair.
Low Manipulation Styles
Hairstyles that require minimal handling or styling, such as a simple tuck and pin style or a loose, messy updo, reduce the frequency of stress on the hair from styling tools and products.
Satin or Silk Accessories
When tying up your hair for sleep or styling, use satin or silk scrunchies or headbands, which are less likely to cause breakage compared to rubber bands or other materials.
Are hair extensions worth it?
Hair extensions are useful for giving thin or fine hair a boost on special occasions. Unfortunately, if they last for weeks or months, they are likely to take a toll on your hair, leading to damage, thinning, and bald patches. If you’re worried about hair loss, consider temporary clip-in extensions. They can be removed at night and after work, causing less permanent damage.
Conclusion
Hair extensions can be a fantastic way to enhance the appearance of your hair by adding volume and length. However, they come with potential risks, such as hair thinning, traction alopecia, and damage if not applied and maintained properly. It’s crucial to use safe practices, consult professional stylists, and choose less damaging types like clip-ins and tape-ins. Regularly rotating styles and maintaining good scalp hygiene can help minimize the risk of hair loss. While extensions can temporarily boost your hair’s look, understanding and mitigating the associated risks is essential for maintaining healthy, natural hair in the long term.
FAQ’s
Why is my hair so thin after extensions?
Unfortunately, repeated use of hair extensions can cause hair to become thinner by putting serious and sustained pressure on your hair follicles. Over time, this action causes the hair follicle to stop producing hair, leading to small bald patches.
Will hair extensions ruin my hair?
Fortunately, if applied correctly, luxury hair extensions should not cause damage to your natural hair. It’s important to consult a professional stylist who is experienced with extensions and can properly assess your hair type and condition.
Do hair extensions stop your hair from growing?
Extensions do not directly affect the speed of hair growth. They can provide a protective layer for your natural hair. Proper nutrition, blood circulation, and personal care are essential for maintaining healthy hair growth, whether you have extensions or not.
How much hair is normal to lose after extensions?
It is acceptable to have some amount of hair shedding after extensions. This generally equates to approximately 20% of the hair originally used to apply each extension.
