Do Hair Extensions Cause Hair Loss?

The answer is yes and no.

Hair extensions can cause hair loss. However, this happens if it needs to be properly installed, looked after, or is overused. While many people complain about experiencing hair loss after installing hair extensions, others have no complaints at all.

The texture of your hair and the kind of hair extension you use will determine whether or not you will experience hair loss. If you have thin/fine hair, avoid any hair extensions that will add tension to your natural hair.

You can avoid hair loss caused by hair extensions if the application is done precisely as it should be and maintained properly. If you are used to wearing hair extensions, these tips will help you avoid hair loss.

But first, let's learn more about the damage caused by using hair extensions.

Can Hair Extensions Cause Hair Loss?

Hair extensions add volume and length to one's hair. They've long been a product that enhances your appearance and gives you confidence by transforming your look.

Yet, people have experienced hair loss after using it. While that's true, it would be wrong to conclude that hair extensions directly cause this damage because that would be false—it's the wrong application and improper care that lead to hair loss (traction alopecia).

Traction alopecia is a hair loss caused by regular pulling of the hair or putting the hair under tension. When you strain your hair follicles by putting your hair into certain styles like ponytails for a long time or installing the hair extensions incorrectly, your roots become damaged and your hair, weak.

In a nutshell, you must do it right whenever you install your hair extensions and this will depend on the type of hair extensions you want to use. Also, caring for your hair after installation is compulsory. (Find some tips later in this post).

If you take the necessary precautions, hair loss will be a tale you only see online.

Other Ways Hair Extensions Cause Hair Loss

1. Adhesives

If the adhesive or chemical used to bond the hair extensions contains harsh ingredients, they might damage your hair and affect your scalp. That’s why you must be careful of what products are used on your hair.

2. Scalp Irritation

Likewise, adhesives can cause scalp irritation, which leads to itching that can escalate and lead to hair loss.

Hair extensions could also cause itchiness, especially when allergic to them. If this happens, you might disrupt your hair growth and damage your follicles.

3. Weight of Hair Extensions

Your hair extensions shouldn’t be heavy, especially if you have thin hair. The weight of the hair extension becomes an issue if your hair can’t handle it. It causes stress for the hair follicles, and constant pulling of this weight into different styles further leads to hair loss.

4. Improper Maintenance

Taking care of your hair saves you from dealing with hair loss. That’s because improper care accumulates dirt, sweat, and oils in your hair. This buildup prevents moisture and nutrients from reaching your hair and scalp, which leads to different issues. Some are that it gives room for infections, inflammation, and the clogging of your hair follicles.

What are the Different Types and Least Damaging Hair Extensions?

The severity of damage may differ based on the type of hair extension you use. Let’s get to know the types of hair extensions, and which of them are likely to cause more damage than the other.

1. Tape In Hair Extensions

Tape-ins are quick and effective. They come with a glue that allows you to attach them easily to your hair. These wefts are usually glued to your roots to make them look natural and last long.

While that might have been a red flag since you don't want any tension on your scalp, they are mostly lightweight.

You can opt for this type if you have thick hair. They will stay up to eight weeks. Still, install it properly to minimize the risk of damaging your hair.

 Related Read: Tape In Vs Sew In Extensions, What's The Difference

2. Clip-In Hair Extensions

This is one of the most popular types of hair extensions. The extensions are attached using the clips that come with them and can be removed whenever you feel like it.

As a beginner, the clip-ins will be a good choice for you. That’s because they are more like a temporary option and are easy to use and remove. But, make sure you don't sleep, swim or shower while they are still in your hair. They also aren't the best choice for women with thin hair.

3. Fusion Bond Extensions

Also known as the glue-in, this type uses a keratin-based adhesive to glue the hair extensions to your hair. This process requires carefulness, making it take time to install them.

What's more, it also requires careful maintenance to avoid damage. However, this makes it last up to six months.

We won't consider this type one of the least damaging since there are a few risks.

4. Sew-In Hair Extensions

Sew-ins are another popular type and are considered a permanent option. The wefts are usually sewn with thread to your braided hair, giving your hair some kind of shield. Sew-ins are a good option as they promote hair growth.

But precautions are still important. So, be sure the braids are not tight, and take proper care of your hair.

Related Read: 12 Best Stunning Sew In Hairstyles For Black Women

5. Microbead Extensions

This technique uses little beads to attach the hair extensions to your hair in small sections. While they last up to three months and give you a natural look, they can damage your tresses if not done properly.

6. Nano Rings

Nano rings utilize small little rings to install your hair extensions. This makes it look natural and loved by many.

They are quite a good option for those with thin or sensitive hair. However, similar to other hair extension types, without proper care and installation, they can cause hair loss.

From what we’ve said so far, it’s clear that each hair extension type poses a risk somehow. While a few may be safer than the other, none is without any risk. So, how do you prevent hair damage? See a few tips below.

How to Avoid Hair Loss When Using Extensions

1. Prepare Your Natural Hair

What the preparation stage does is to set your hair and remove buildups. So, take time to wash, condition, and moisturize your hair before you install the extensions. You can also add volumizing spray to enhance the fullness of your hair.

2. Do a Patch Test

Patch test is more important than you think–it will save you from experiencing allergies that lead to itching and other issues. So, take a weft and install it. Notice if there are reactions before you install the remaining extensions.

3. Proper Application

Here’s where you have to be extra careful and take your time. The installation process is one of the main parts that determines if you’ll experience hair loss. Doing it wrongly will ruin your hair so ensure they are done properly. You can visit a professional stylist to install them for you. That way, you know there will be minimal damage and they will stay secure.

4. Choose Quality

Don’t go for less quality because you want a good bargain. They might cause more damage than you expected. Apart from looking unrealistic, they may tangle, causing you to pull on your hair. In other words, go for good-quality hair and you won’t have to be bothered by pulling your hair out while you comb.

5. Take Care of Your Scalp and Hair

Your scalp needs to remain clean after installing the hair extensions.

If you use clip-ins, remove them before washing your hair and scalp. Permanent ones like sew-in need to be washed once every two weeks. You don’t have to enter the shower every day to wash your hair. For semi-permanent extensions, contact your stylist to know how you can care for them.

Also, keep them tangle-free, sleep with a silk bonnet on, and oil them properly.

6. Avoid Products that Contain Harsh Chemicals

From the shampoo you use to the conditioner and gel, make sure they do not have chemicals that can damage your hair in them. Choose products that moisturize and nourish.

7. Take a Break

After wearing your hair extensions for weeks or a few months, remove them and rock a protective style. This will help grow your hair. That’s because styling hair extensions often can be too stressful for your scalp and roots, but a protective style minimizes manipulation, which is the best for our hair.

8. Go for Versatility

One benefit of installing hair extensions is their versatility. This benefit is a blessing, as you can style it in many ways and avoid styles that tug on your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do hair extensions ruin fine hair?

Hair extensions can cause damage to any type, including fine hair. However, you can take the necessary precautions to avoid that. So, as we’ve said, care for your hair, go for comfortable styles, and use lightweight hair extensions.

2. How do I regrow my hair?

We will advise you to leave your hair to grow naturally. While this will take time, if you are patient, you will see results. You can also use hair products that promote hair growth.

Conclusion

Using hair extensions can give you a drastic look and transform your appearance. But with it, comes maintenance and other responsibilities to avoid hair loss.

Follow our tips in this post to maintain your scalp and hair health. If you have any other concerns, do let us know.