Can Extensions Cause Hair Loss?

Wanting long, luxurious hair is something a lot of people lust after for years. There is no quick fix to growing your hair overnight so many people turn to the quick fix of hair extensions. Hair extensions are a simple and easy way to add length and thickness to your hair in no time at all.

Hair loss is very common and it can happen for a number of different reasons from genes to stress. We often get asked questions about extensions and hair loss, as well as more information about dying hair, certain styles and everything else. This is because there is so much confusion around hte real impact your habbits and style choices have on your hair. Today the experts here at Harley Street Hair Clinic are looking at the question: Can extensions cause hair loss?

Hair Extensions Are So Popular!

Hair extensions are an accessory that can be added to your pre-existing hair in order to add extra length and thickness to your natural hair. Hair extensions can be purchased in a variety of different colours, and can also be dyed to match your hair and can be made from either real or synthetic hair.

Hair extensions come in a number of different types and they can be added to the hair in a number of different ways including; clipped, weaved, glued, taped, and even micro looped. The different types of hair extensions and hair loss all have different relationships because of the ways they are designed. Similarly, you can wear different hair extensions for a varying amount of time and this also has a massive impact on hair loss and hair health.

But Are Hair Extensions Safe?

As discussed above, there are many different types of hair extensions, all of which are applied with different methods, some are safer and cause less damage to the hair than others. We’re going to walk you through the different types and the pros and cons of each.

Clip In Hair Extensions And Hair Loss

One very popular hair extension method is having the extensions clipped into the hair. Clipped hair extensions are semi-permanent and the extensions are attached by clipping small sections of the fake hair to sections of your real hair.

Clip in extensions are good as you can put them in and remove them as and when you wish, the semi-permanent method means you can wear them for a special occasion and then take them out straight after. However, if you wear the extensions on a daily basis the clips and hair can become quite heavy and put a strain on the hair they’re clipped into. This means clip in extensions and hair loss have a strong relationship, because they can cause hair close to the head (where the clips are) to become thin, giving off the appearance of shedding.

Glue In Hair Extensions And Hair Loss

Glue in hair extensions are simply sections of hair that are glued to the scalp, as closely to the hairline as possible. These extensions are a more permanent solution, as they have to be removed by the use of a solution to dissolve the glue. If the extensions are not placed in the right place, the glue can damage your real hair and during the removal process some hair can get caught and pulled out. When considering glue in extensions and hair loss, the best thing to do is to get them professionally done. This will minimise any risks and ensure that any harmful chemicals are handled properly.

Weaves And Hair Loss

Weaves are created by braiding the hair into cornrows across the parting and then using a needle and thread extensions are attached. Weaves are very long lasting, however, if they are applied too tight, they can put a huge strain on the scalp which if repeated can lead to thinning and balding around the weave. Similar to clip in extensions the overuse of getting a weave can cause traction alopecia.

Micro Loops And Hair Loss

Micro loops are one of the most popular types of hair extensions and can last for 6 to 9 months. Small strands of hair are looped around your natural hair and then clipped. Micro loops if fitted properly are the least damaging to your hair. However, depending on the number of strands you have added to your hair they can put a great deal of weight and strain on the hair and scalp. This means this kind of hair extension can cause hair loss.

Top Tips For Getting Extensions That Don’t Cause Hair Loss

Like most things to do with our hair and health, it is ok in moderation. Hair extensions can cause strain on our hair, which can, in turn, lead to traction alopecia if you continue to have hair.

We always advise that you get your hair extensions applied by a professional, this will lower the risk of the extensions putting any strain on your natural hair causing hair loss.

If you’ve suffered with hair loss that you believe is due to wearing hair extensions please feel free to contact us for a no obligation consultation where one of our hair loss specialists will assess your hair loss and find a suitable treatment for you.