Hair extensions can cause hair loss, but usually only when installed incorrectly or if they weren't looked after. Proper installation and aftercare are key for minimising hair loss. But some types of extensions, like nano rings, are more likely to cause hair loss than others, such as micro rings.
The Damage To Be Done
Whether you're wearing temporary or semi-permanent hair extensions, they will always be adding weight onto your hair - this is where the damage can be done. Over time, the consistent damage made to the hair follicle can cause hair loss that can quickly become permanent.
The additional pressure from the extensions can lead to a condition known as ``traction alopecia.'' This is a type of hair loss that occurs when hair is consistently pulled or subjected to tension, which can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair thinning or loss.
But don't stress! There are lots of ways to help it bounce back. Use a nourishing hair oil, hair masks, and leave-in products to strengthen and hydrate your strands. Make sure you're eating foods with protein, iron, and biotin - those really help hair health.
Hair extensions are human hair and can split, break off, and color fade. They are not connected to your head internally, so they can't grow back. Over time, extensions will continue to shrink and shed. This is a normal process, requiring new hair every couple years/months depending on care.
Say you've been wearing extensions for 4 months. By the time you go in for a move up, you would have naturally shed around 12,000 hairs. The majority of them will be caught within the bonds. When the extensions are released or removed, there will be a little pile of hair for your stylist to comb through.
Most, but not all, hair extensions can damage your hair. Hair extensions that attach directly to your natural hair cause pulling, snagging, and damaging weight to follicles. This stress on your follicles can cause traction alopecia and severe breakage at the root.
1. How often should I take a break from hair extensions? It's recommended to take a break every 2-3 months, depending on the type of extensions and the health of your natural hair.
When wearing extensions your "fallen hair" are trapped by keratin bonds or the glue, and upon removing the extensions it is common to feel like you have lost much hair, when in fact you are just used to feel it with so much fuller due to the extensions and the trapped hairs.
Things To Consider With Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
- You may have read that micro rings can cause damage to finer hair, but this will only happen if they are improperly fitted and/or not looked after correctly by not following the right advice and using the right products.
A biotin deficiency may lead to hair loss, and supplements may aid hair growth. However, evidence has not shown that biotin supplements can boost hair growth in those without a deficiency. Biotin is an essential B vitamin that helps the body get energy and nutrients from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
No. But hair extensions can damage hair growth if not applied or cared for properly, potentially leading to hair loss and thinning over time.
Natural shedding contributes to hair extensions appearing shorter. Extensions can shift with natural hair growth, making them seem shorter. Proper care and maintenance are crucial to prevent damage and maintain length.
Clip-ins are considered to be the least damaging type of hair extension because they also have the least permanent installation process. They don't require any heat or chemical treatments and can be easily removed when not in use.
Hair recovery does not happen overnight and will take time, so be patient. It took almost a year until I finally felt like my hair was looking and feeling good again, but now that it is, I take such good care of it!
If k tip extensions are not applied correctly by a skilled stylist, it can put excessive tension on the natural hair, leading to breakage and damage.
Shedding from your hair extensions is a normal part of the process, however, if at any point you do become concerned, contact your hair extensionist to talk it through with her.
How Long Do They Last? If you regularly use your clip in hair extensions and care for them well, they can last you anywhere between 3-6 months and sometimes even over a year.
To give you and example pre-bonded hair extensions we recommend removing after around 3 to 4 months as the bonds will have grown down your own hair.
You will lose some bonds during the time your extensions are in. Again, this is to be expected and happens with all bonded extensions. On rare occasions some people manage to not lose any bonds, but typically you should expect to lose up to a dozen or more bonds.
While a weave or extensions can be a great way to switch up your hairstyle, they can damage your natural hair and even cause hair loss if proper precautions and care are not taken.
One of the most common hair extensions fails is poor blending between the extensions and natural hair. Whether it's mismatched colors, textures, or lengths, the result is often an unnatural, obvious look that screams “bad extensions.” The Fix: Professional stylists emphasize the importance of a custom approach.
Dermatologists recommend using Viviscal Pro, Nutrafol, and Rogaine for their clinical effectiveness. Prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements can also help. Ask a dermatologist before considering alternative treatments that may cause harm to your health.