Hair Extensions: Reasons You Should Have Them Removed

Hair extensions, once seen only on high fashion runways and amongst the Hollywood elite, are now a popular style accessory among everyday women and men as well. Hair extensions can be applied to natural hair to add length, or to add volume to short, thin, or damaged hair. There’s no denying that these hair extensions can give you a glamorous, full head of gorgeous hair that could rival celebrity locks, so long as their quality is good... but at what cost?

Though good hair extensions are sure to give you the beautiful hair you desire, they can do a world of damage to your own natural hair. After the excitement of having luscious locks wears off, many women find that their own hair has suffered from the use of extensions.

Initially, due to the popularity of hair extensions, most women did not think twice about the possible dangers of using them, and it's not uncommon to find people who have tried hair extensions at one point or another. It is not until the damage does occur, some of which is irreversible, that women realize hair extensions may do more harm than good. Ultimately, after experiencing or learning about the dangers of hair extensions, many women make the decision to have them removed.

Types of Hair Extensions

There are different types of hair extension systems. There are several types of application techniques, as well as different types of hair. Hair can be synthetic or natural, lightweight or heavy, thin or thick, open or solid. In general, the heavier the hair and the thicker it is, the more damage it can cause to the scalp and your natural hair, due to the weight and constant pressure it causes. Hair extensions that are lighter and have a more transparent application process tend to be the safest, but even these pose a risk to the natural hair and scalp.

Bonding

Of the various ways in which hair extensions can be attached, the bonding technique is the most common. With bonding, a heavy glue is used to bond the extensions to the real hair shaft near the root. The glue that is applied on the hair extension starts out hard and softens when it is heated up. While the glue is soft, it fuses the extension to the hair and as it dries, the glue becomes hard again. This is what bonds the extension onto the hair shaft.

Bonding sometimes goes by other names such as fusion or sealer. Most of the glue used in bonds contains harsh chemicals that damage the natural hair underneath the extensions. Additionally, the hair extension removal process requires the use of acetone, which creates further damage to the hair. Both the chemicals in the glue and the acetone can also cause damage to the scalp such as irritation, rashes or burns.

Bonding is the most popular application technique because, when applied properly, it is very effective. Unfortunately, this method is also one of the most dangerous. Almost all bonded extensions will result in breakage and damage to natural hair. In many cases, having hair extensions applied with this technique can even cause the hair to permanently fall out in patches, due to constant pressure being applied to the hair follicle.

Other Hair Extension Techniques

Sewn-in hair extensions are also popular. This technique involves sewing the extensions onto the natural hair shaft. The same damage that occurs with bonding can occur with this technique. Also somewhat common are micro-links, which are metal attachments that are crushed and linked onto the natural hair shaft. This technique often results in broken and pinched hair that can lead to hair loss.

Why You Should Remove Your Hair Extensions

Hair Extensions Require Special Care

Many people mistakenly believe that spending the extra money on human hair extensions will make it easier to care for their hair. Although human hair looks more natural than synthetic hair, the reality is that both synthetic and human hair extensions require a lot of special care and maintenance.

 

Many of the processes that can be used on your own hair are not safe for hair extensions. Both synthetic and human hair extensions come preprocessed, so using any type of hair dye on them can result in irreversible damage.

Using dye on synthetic hair is a waste of time and money, as it will not work at all. On human hair, though the dye may work, it will likely lead to damage and breakage. If a curling iron or other heating device is used on synthetic hair, it will melt. Though heating devices are safe to use on human hair, over time it can lead to damaged hair.

Hair extensions also require special brushes that are designed to brush the hair without pulling out the extensions. Generally, it is recommended that a milder shampoo is used so as not to loosen the bond. The hair must be brushed often and tangles kept at bay.

Hair Extension Upkeep is Expensive

Depending on the type of extensions that are used, the price can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. The specialty brushes, shampoos and conditioners also don’t come cheap. Most extensions last, on average, for 3 to 4 months. That means you’re looking at 3 to 4 applications per year if you want to maintain the same look, which can quickly add up. Many women get hair extensions for a special occasion such as a wedding, with no intention of leaving them in permanently. But having long, luscious locks can become addictive, and many times women want to keep their extensions in permanently.

Because of the damage that extensions cause to natural hair over time, when they are removed, women may find themselves with hair that is very thin, sparse and damaged. They may also find bald patches on their scalp where the root was permanently damaged and hair does not grow back. At this point, they feel as they have no choice to add more extensions to cover up the damage, which then can cause further damage, and so the cycle continues.

Hair Extensions Can Cause Permanent Baldness

A condition known as traction alopecia can occur form the use of hair extensions, especially when done over the long term. With this condition, the weight of the extension actually loosens the hair shaft and causes chronic inflammation at the follicle. The weight of the extensions and the constant pulling and pressure on the hair follicle causes hair loss that results in balding. This condition permanently damages the hair follicle and hair is no longer able to grow, resulting in unsightly bald patches.

Irritation is Common with Hair Extensions

Many women find that after they apply hair extensions, they experience irritation at the scalp. Hair extensions can cause contact dermatitis, itchiness, rashes, red spots, irritation and even allergic reactions. In rare cases, the chemicals that are used to bond the extensions to the hair can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. This can also occur as a result of the chemicals used in the removal process. Are you willing to accept this kind of medical risk just to achieve the look you desire?

They are a Pain in the Neck

Even the most lightweight hair extensions can be heavy. Not only does the weight of the extensions cause damage to the hair follicle, but it can lead to headaches, neck stiffness, pain when sleeping, and neck and shoulder pain. For some women, these symptoms go away roughly one week after application, but for others, it can last the entire time the extensions are in place.