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.