Why is my hair so thin after sew in extensions?

Author: Kylee Corkery  |  Last update: Friday, July 25, 2025

Unfortunately with repeated use, hair extensions can cause your hair to become thinner by putting serious and/or sustained pressure on your hair follicles. Over time, this action causes the hair follicle to stop producing hair, leading to small bald patches.

Why is my hair thinner after extensions?

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.

Do sew in extensions make your hair thin?

Sew-ins can place tension and pull on your edges, causing your edges to thin out. This is called traction alopecia. Traction alopecia starts out temporary, but can become permanent if you continue to place tension on the hairline. Sew-ins were meant to be temporary hairstyles.

Will my hair go back to normal after extensions?

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.

How do I repair my hair after extensions?

Treat your scalp weekly

Diaz also suggests a weekly application of coconut oil or aloe vera gel to the scalp before shampooing. This will nourish the hair follicles and may help counteract some of the pressure-related damage inflicted by the extensions.

THIN HAIR HACK✨ + TRADITIONAL SEW-IN | Is my hair too thin????

How long does it take for hair to break after extensions?

To maintain healthy hair, it's important to give your hair a break from a weave or extensions. Wear these styles for two or three months at most, then give your hair a break by switching to a hairstyle without them.

What are the vitamins for hair growth?

Key Vitamins for Hair Growth
  • Biotin. Biotin is a critical vitamin for healthy hair growth, and deficiency will lead to thinning hair. ...
  • Vitamin D. ...
  • Vitamin A. ...
  • Vitamin C. ...
  • Vitamin E. ...
  • Folic Acid. ...
  • Iron. ...
  • Magnesium.

How to thicken hair after hair extensions?

Start by using volumizing products. Look for a volumizing shampoo and conditioner with ingredients that can plump up your hair strands. Then, work in a volumizing mousse when your hair is damp before blow drying. This adds lift and hold without weighing your fine hair down.

How much hair loss is normal after extensions?

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.

Can hair extensions permanently damage hair?

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.

What are the disadvantages of sew-in hair extensions?

What are the disadvantages of sew-in hair extensions?
  • If the hair extensions are sewn too tight, they might provoke pain and headaches, weaken the roots, and even lead to hair fall.
  • The wrong weight (this is especially true for a more rough machine weft) can also greatly damage natural hair and lead to hair loss.

Why do my hair extensions look thin?

You will need to have just as much hair past where your own hair ends in order for it to look natural. So, if the extensions aren't thick enough, they will look stringy at the bottom, and it will be more obvious that you are wearing hair extensions.

What is the best hair regrowth product?

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.

Can sew-in extensions cause hair loss?

Hair extensions can cause hair loss, but usually only if they were installed incorrectly or if they aren't properly looked after. Some types of hair extensions are naturally more damaging than others, but won't necessarily cause hair loss unless proper precautions aren't taken.

Why does my hair look shorter after extensions?

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.

Do biotin help your hair grow?

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.

Is it normal for hair to feel thin after extensions?

Unfortunately with repeated use, hair extensions can cause your hair to become thinner by putting serious and/or sustained pressure on your hair follicles. Over time, this action causes the hair follicle to stop producing hair, leading to small bald patches.

Do extensions limit hair growth?

While 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.

Why are my extensions shedding so much?

Hair extensions shed due to improper care, low-quality hair, or rough handling during washing and brushing. Understanding the reasons behind this problem and adopting the right techniques can help you keep your extensions looking fabulous for longer.

How often should you take a break from hair extensions?

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.

What vitamins are good for hair?

If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements. Iron. Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen to your hair follicles so your hair can grow. Iron supplements may be recommended if you have hair loss as well as iron deficiency that is confirmed by laboratory tests.

What is the secret vitamin for hair growth?

1 - Vitamin A:

Role in Hair Health: Essential for cell growth – including your hair. It also keeps your scalp moisturized by supporting sebum production. Natural Sources: Leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin.

Which fruit is best for hair growth?

Banana: The biotin and potassium content in a banana is known to promote thick and shiny hair. Lemon Juice: The Vitamin C present in lemon juice is known to increase iron absorption. It has a rich source of antioxidants, which keeps the scalp healthy. Papaya: Papaya is known for keeping hair shiny and smooth.

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