Hair extensions are a great way to add volume to your hair or enhance your natural length. In recent years, however, more than one scientific study has linked the frequent use of extensions and hair loss, which has left us to question – do hair extensions cause hair loss?
While hair extensions do not cause hair loss when they are used properly, overusing or incorrectly applying hair extensions can put strain on your hair follicles, which can weaken and permanently damage your hair if left unremedied. As long as you are mindful of how often you wear hair extensions and always apply them according to their directions, they are completely safe and entirely fabulous!
Types of Hair Extensions
There are many different kinds of hair extensions for any occasion. When choosing between them, you should keep in mind your budget, how you’ll be wearing them, and how long they should stay in. You may also want to consider what type of hair extensions look the most natural.
Clip-in
Clip-in hair extensions are perfect for first-timers or those who like to change up their look. As the name suggests, they simply clip into your hair and can be removed whenever you feel like it! In addition, because they’re temporary, these extensions put the least stress on your hair and can easily be removed at the end of the day.Our range of clip-in extensions includes hairpieces from scrunchies to fringe clips and even drawstring extensions like the Lola human hair ponytail from Rene of Paris.
Tape-in
Again, the name gives it away here. Rather than a clip, the wefts of hair are attached at the roots using a type of tape. These are a bit more permanent, typically lasting six to eight weeks.
Fusion
Each strand of hair in a fusion extension is tipped with keratin, which is gently heated, bound to the natural hair and allowed to cool. These usually last between three and six months.
Sewn-in
Finally, sewn-in extensions are one of the most permanent forms of hair extension. Best used with thicker hair, the natural hair is braided across the head, and the extensions are quite literally sewn into the braids. These can last for up to six months.
Hair Extensions and Alopecia
Traction alopecia is a form of alopecia that is commonly attributed to the overuse of hair extensions. It is caused by repeated pulling on strands of hair, which weakens the hair follicles and can lead to thinning or bald patches.
It is important to note that although hair extensions can cause alopecia, they are not the most common cause. You are likelier to lose your hair to traction alopecia from consistently pulling it back into tight hairstyles, such as braids, ponytails, or cornrows.
If traction alopecia is identified early, within a few weeks or months, it can often be cured by simply removing the strain on the hair. Once you remove the hair extensions, the alopecia will hopefully go. If the issue persists long-term, however, it can lead to permanent hair loss.
How to Avoid Hair Falling Out After Extensions
While frequent or careless use of hair extensions can cause hair loss, wearing extensions responsibly can have many benefits for the wearer. Carefully integrating different colours or styles of hair extensions into your natural hair can save you from damaging your hair through constant bleaching or heat as you attempt to perfect its style.
If you are concerned about your extensions causing hair loss, follow these top tips to ensure that your hair extensions keep working for you!
Give your hair a break.
If overused, clip-in extensions do cause hair loss.
They are not designed to be used daily, and you should never sleep in them.
For all kinds of hair extensions, give your hair some time to recover once they’ve been removed.
Look for quality.
Hair extensions are not the place to look for the best bargain.
While a full head of extensions for £5 might sound amazing, they’ll most likely look unnatural and tangle easily, and they may not be safe to wear.
Don’t do it yourself.?
For semi-permanent extensions, you should visit a hairdresser or trained extensionist to ensure that they are put in securely and to minimise the risk of any damage. Clip-in extensions are the exception to the rule because they’re designed to be easy to use yourself.
Proper upkeep.
Make sure you’re maintaining your extensions just as you would your natural hair or a human hair wig. With certain styles of hair extensions, like sewn-in extensions, we would recommend that you wash your hair less often (up to twice a week) to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the hair.
For any semi-permanent hair extensions, please speak to your hairdresser or extensionist about what care they recommend for your style.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for an everyday solution to bald patches or thinning hair, why not try a wig? We have wigs in every length and style, whether you’d prefer to stick close to your natural look or branch out into something different!
Hopefully, we have managed to put to bed any fears you might have had about hair extensions causing hair loss. As long as you apply them properly and limit the amount you wear them, hair extensions are perfect for experimenting with different styles, lengths, and volumes, while hair enhancers can help disguise existing thinning hair or bald patches.
If you have any more questions about extensions and hair loss or caring for wigs and hairpieces, please get in touch with our wig experts today. We’ll be happy to uncover your perfect hair solution and help you unleash your inner fabulousness!
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THE AUTHOR
My name is Liv, and I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of women who wear wigs. With extensive experience in wig consultations and customer service, I am dedicated to helping each customer find their perfect look.
Hello Roe,
Thank you for your enquiry.
From the hair loss that you have described, I think that an enhancer would be a great option for you.
Hair enhancers are known differently across the industry such as toppers, toupees, hairpieces. They all achieve the same goal and provide coverage where the customer needs this.
For an enhancer to fit in perfectly with your own hair, it is best to ensure the best coverage, style and colour is chosen. Most do need to be trimmed by your hairdresser to personalise them and make sure that they fit into your own hair seamlessly.
If you would like help with some suggestions, please feel free to send in some pictures of your hair via email and we can have a look for you. Or if you would prefer, give our team a call on 01484 844 557 and we will help as much as we can!
My hair loss is located at the front less than an inch from my hairline. I can see my scalp now. I have read there are toppers and toupees available for women. My hair is white in the front where I need coverage. It is course and used to be thick all over, especially, at the back of my head. I usually wear my hair wavy and layered at shoulder length with bangs. But since I can see my scalp, it’s become difficult to wear bangs. I would like to wear bangs again. My questions are the following: 1. What is the difference between a topper and a toupee? 2. Which would be better for covering my kind of hair loss? Are there hair pieces made for course white hair? Thank you.