Can hair extensions lead to hair loss?
To offer our customers and clients the most up to date and successful service, our goal is to keep ahead of issues concerning hair loss and its causes. In recent articles, we have highlighted how various hairstyles (such as in braids) can lead to excess stress on hair follicles and lead to hair loss. For some time now, there has been growing concern over ever-popular hair extensions.
Usually, a fashion adopted by teenagers or young women, hair extensions are more popular than ever. However, it seems that there is clear evidence to suggest that hair extensions can lead to hair loss later in life. This must be a message that gets promoted as many women could be using them without knowing about the possible damaging effects. Mostly used to change up the style, add volume or length to a look, hair extensions could actually cause more suffering than they are worth.
Hair extensions and partial baldness
Only this week, there was a report in the ABC News of a young girl of 22 in Houston who decided to have a weave-in cap in her hair to hold the extensions. Apparently, in Houston, the traditional cost of treatment would be $200, but she decided to go for a cheaper option at $60.
The first time she realized there was something desperately wrong was only a couple of weeks later when she noticed there was blood on her pillow. On trying to remove the extensions, she found her own hair began to come out too, and her scalp had been severely infected. The young girl in question is now partly bald.
Check out your technician’s qualifications
In this case, the further investigation suggested that unsanitary utensils were used during the process. Experts, therefore, strongly advise not to go the cheap route when having extensions and to make sure the practitioner can show some form of certificate to verify they have the qualifications to carry out the procedure. Also, make sure you ask how the stylist ensures all utensils used are kept clean and sanitary.
Even if you go to a reputable hair extensionist, please bear in mind the possible consequences. Scientists now know there is a secure connection between regular use of hair extensions and hair loss.
More recently, in 2017 a woman in New York describes being left with bald spots all over her head after wearing clip-in extensions for 10 years.
Alopecia Traction
Traction alopecia is a common issue with women who wear heavy, thick or weighty extensions for long periods of time. The pull from hair extensions can lead to ‘alopecia traction’. This condition causes the hair to fall out as it has undergone increased tension on the hair follicles.
As well as patchy hair loss and permanent damage, there have also been stories of women who have reported blinding headaches. Neurologists are asking women to approach hair extensions with caution and seek out the full story before having the process done.
How to avoid hair loss from hair extensions
- Do your research into the brand and company and find real reviews. Don’t just go for the cheapest option.
- Give your hair a break from extensions every so often.
- Treat your hair well and use gentle hair products.
- Learn to love and embrace your natural hair
At Skalp we offer scalp micropigmentation treatment for hair loss. Our most popular treatment is the shaved head look, but we can also add density to thinning hair.
If you would like to know more about Skalp Micropigmentation click here
Skalp® has Scalp Micropigmentation clinics around the world. We have clinics in Los Angeles, London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.
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