Can Hair Extensions Cause Hair Loss? We Tapped Experts to Find Out
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Loading... - Marie Sadou
- 11 Aug 2022
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Hair extensions have long been used to boost the appearance, fullness, and length of one's hair. Wigs were often considered social markers of one's social status, attractiveness, health, and standing.
In 1952, Christina M. Jenkins invented something known as the "HairWeeve," which she patented as “a method and apparatus by which commercial human hair [could] be securely attached to the live hair on the head," and thus the modern-day weave was born. Weaves are one form of hair extension, sewn into natural hair braided on the scalp. Today we also see less-permanent options such as clip-in extensions, and more permanent options such as bonding.
While hair extensions may add to the appearance of one's hair, are they subtracting from hair and scalp health? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Ahead, trichologist Dominic Burg, Ph.D., board-certified dermatologist Stephen Shapiro, MD, and Eternal Hair & Esthetics founder Abe Ayesh share their takes on how hair extensions can impact hair loss.
Types of Hair Extensions
When it comes to types of hair extensions, the limit does not exist. Just kidding... sort of. "There is a huge range of hair extensions available," Burg shares. "Tape in, clip in, halo, ponytail, fusion, keratin, weaves, microbeads, weft, etc. These can be made of human hair or synthetic hair. They differ in quality, length of use, ease of application (professional or at home), and the potential to damage your hair and root."
So, what exactly are all of the above?
1.Tape-in extensions: Tape-in extensions adhere to the hair's root using medical-grade tape. The bond is nearly-unbreakable, resulting in long-lasting extensions that need to be professionally removed.
2. Clip-in extensions: Clip-in extensions are temporary extensions that clip into the hair on your head. They can be installed at home.
3. Halo extensions: Halo extensions do not attach to the hair, but are rather shaped like the crown of your head and sit on the hair with a hidden wire. Halo extensions can easily be placed on the head at home.
4. Ponytail extensions: Ponytail extensions are pre-made ponytails that attach to your hair using clips or elastics and do not require professional help.
5. Fusion/keratin extensions: Fusion/keratin extensions are attached strand-by-stand and have glue pre-installed at the top of each piece to adhere to the hair. They are then attached with a tool that fuses the extension to your natural hair. Fusion and keratin extensions must be applied and removed by a professional.
6. Bead/weft extensions: Bead/weft extensions are made from real human hair, and are attached by a professional via a bead that clamps and lays flat to the head.
Can Hair Extensions Cause Hair Loss?
While the reasons, severity, and details may vary, the general answer to this question is: Yes, hair extensions can in fact cause hair loss. "Hair extensions can instantly add volume and length to your hair so we can appreciate the temptation to use them, however, the answer is yes—they absolutely can cause hair loss," says Ayesh. "Traction alopecia is hair loss due to pulling of the hair follicle from the scalp. It can be caused by the overuse of hair extensions or improper use of hair extensions."
Different types of extensions may present a different level of hair loss risk, the experts note. "The main culprits in this regard will be weaved in extensions and microbead-type extensions. These are often applied quite close to the root and worn for extended periods (many months) and, if done incorrectly or too tightly, can damage the follicle, aka the root," Burg explains. "Each follicle has a small muscle attached to it called the arrector pili muscle which can be damaged with repeated or prolonged pressure from tight weaves or incorrectly applied extensions."
He continues: "Once the muscle is damaged and detached from the root, the root may die, resulting in hair loss. It's also important to note that very long and heavy extensions can also have the same impact on the follicles regardless of the type of extension, as the sheer weight of the added hair can damage the root, especially if the weight is pulling on a small or isolated number of strands."
When asked if some people are more susceptible to hair loss from extensions than others, the experts again agreed that the answer is yes. "If you are already experiencing unwanted hair loss, wearing extensions can exacerbate the issue," says Shapiro. "Weakened hair may be more susceptible to this strain. If you have other causes of hair loss, make sure to be especially careful with hair extensions, avoiding excessive strain on your hair." Read More...
