Hair Extensions and Hair Loss

If you’ve never thought about hair extensions before, there are some great benefits to using them. For instance, they can make thin hair look fuller and more voluminous, and they can make short hair instantly longer. For anyone who has trouble growing their hair out, hair extensions can be a great solution to the constant battle of debating over whether or not hair has actually grown or not.

However, one thing to consider is that hair extension damage is a common issue, so it’s important to understand what you are getting yourself into before you take the plunge. For one, hair extensions are not cheap, and once you start using them, it can be hard to go back to the hair you had before you started using them.

We’re here to help you decide if hair extensions are right for you, and also guide you through what to do if your hair has already been damaged by extensions.

Types of Hair Extensions

1. Clip in Extensions - They are temporary extensions that you can put in and take out whenever you want, and you don’t have to have a professional put them in your hair.
2. Fusion Extensions - They are one of the most popular methods of extensions, and also one of the more traditional. They are sometimes referred to as “hot fusion,” or “glue-in,” although not all hair professionals use glue to apply them. The extensions feature a keratin protein bond at the top, which is solid until melted with a hair extension tool. The hairstylist will then shape the melted keratin around the hair, and when it cools, the keratin hardens and creates a durable bond. This type of extension can last anywhere from three to six months.
3. Micro Link Extensions - Micro link extensions are applied strand by strand to hair and contain a coating on the inside that helps the link grip the hair. A professional stylist needs to apply these extensions, and they will weave your real hair into each link, along with the fake hair. You will have to get these adjusted every six weeks or so to accommodate hair growth, so remember to take that into account when thinking about which hair extensions you want to get.
4. Hair Weft Extensions - A hair weft, sometimes referred to as a hair curtain, is another type of hair extension. It is commonly known as a hair curtain because of the way that it looks. It is usually seen as long sections of hair glued to the scalp or attached in another manner. Most hair wefts cover a limited amount of area, so four to six wefts are usually needed to create a uniform appearance.

Can Hair Extensions damage your hair?

While hair extensions can be a major confidence booster, they can be damaging to the overall growth and health of your hair if not properly cared for.

One thing to avoid when getting hair extensions is making sure that the hair extensions aren’t heavier than your own hair. If the extensions are too heavy, they can cause your hair to break off. Hair extension damage can also happen when the extensions are attached too tightly. This combination of weight and strain on the hair follicles can cause the hair to fall out, which is officially known as traction alopecia. When hair is frequently pulled, either by braids, extensions, or very tight ponytails, the hair around the hairline begins to recede, and permanent hair damage can occur.

To prevent traction alopecia from occurring, it’s important to make regular trips to your salon when you have hair extensions in, so that the extensions can be removed and replaced as necessary. Even more crucial, is taking hair extensions out the moment you see they are causing damage to your hair.

If you're suffering from traction alopecia then it would be best to go check with your GP if there isn't any other causes. In the meantime you can cover the hair loss with Dermmatch Scalp Concealer. It camouflages the scalp but also can help your hair look thicker and fuller.