You’re thinking of getting hair extensions.
Or you already have them and you’re worried that it might slow down your growth.
There are of course different types of hair extensions, so based on the type, the answer will differ.
This post is going to answer all your questions regarding hair loss and hair damage.
Do hair extensions stop your hair from growing?
Hair extensions do not stop your hair from growing because hair grows from the root, and hair extensions are attached to the hair shaft.
However, they can cause hair damage and hair loss if the hair root gets damaged – this happens due to the prolonged stress and strain of the excessive weight of the hair extensions.
However, there is more to it than that.
Let’s dive in.
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Do clip-in hair extensions stop your hair from growing?
No. Clip-in hair extensions are attached to the hair about 0.5-1 inches from the hair root and the hair-extension weight is evenly distributed along the hair shaft if you use multiple clips.
Although it does add to some hair weight and hair strain, it doesn’t stop your real hair from growing, because hair grows from the root – so hair growth won’t be affected in the least.
Prolonged usage of hair extensions however can make the hair weak and wear the hair out.
It’s not a problem if you take regular breaks and don’t wear your clip-in hair extensions 24/7.
Can semi-permanent hair extensions stop your hair from growing?
No. Hair growth occurs at the root.
But hair extensions and semi-permanent types of hair extensions that glue to the hair or are fused can cause hair damage.
For instance, if the natural hair is tightly pulled or there is too much weight on the hair (and your hair is very fine), your hair can get damaged.
Excess pulling and strain can cause the hair strands to break, become fine, or fall out.
Now, if the hair follicle (the root inside the scalp) is permanently damaged, then the hair won’t grow back – meaning it will lead to permanent hair loss.
Please note that if you wear hair extensions occasionally, you will face no issues. But if you wear it continuously for years, without taking it out and giving your hair any breathing space, it will lead to hair loss due to so much hair tension.
The added weight and stress on the hair follicles, stretch the hair making it wear and causing it to fall out.
In order to avoid hair damage and hair loss, you need to take proper precautions:
- See a professional hair stylist: Based on your hair texture and hair type (fine or coarse), your hair stylist will suggest the proper hair extensions for you. This is very important if you want to ensure good hair health and pain-free hair extensions.
- Keep your hair really clean: Once you get hair extensions done, you have to regularly clean your hair with a clarifying shampoo and condition it so that it’s soft, healthy, and hydrated. There should be no product buildup on the scalp otherwise it can cause more damage to your scalp leading to weak hair and an itchy scalp.
- Protect baby hair: Never let any hair stylist touch your baby hair or edges. This hair is very sensitive and will easily suffer hair damage if you bleach it, pull it, apply heat to it or strain it. Professional hair stylists will never style or touch your baby hair or edges.
- Give your hair a break every 3 months: If you love hair extensions, and use them a lot, give your hair some room to breathe every 2-3 months. This will allow your hair to heal and take a break. Don’t wear hair extensions for more than 3 months at a time. It will cause hair damage and hair loss.
Can hair extensions make thinning hair worse or cause hair loss?
Because hair extensions are attached to the hair and cause so much added weight and strain to the hair strands, there is a chance of your hair becoming weak at the root and falling off entirely.
Clip-in hair extensions are okay because they aren’t permanent and you are taking them off at night – these are safe.
However, semi-permanent hair extensions that are taped in or glued to your hair can cause more damage because the glue has to be heated to attach the hair extensions and when these are taken off, they do sometimes pull the hair out.
It’s inevitable.
So, it can cause hair thinning.
Hair extensions that are attached using micro-beads can also cause damage because these are applied strand by strand at the roots.
This continuous strain and tension can cause hair loss because the hair follicle slowly gets damaged at the roots – leading to permanent hair loss.
If your hair root is affected and damaged, your hair won’t grow back.
This is why you need to be very careful and go to a professional when you’re getting hair extensions done.
So, how can you avoid hair damage with hair extensions?
1. Go to a Professional Hair Stylist
The professional hair stylist will analyze your hair and understand whether you have fine or coarse hair. Based on this, they will recommend the right type of hair extension for you.
Make sure the method applied is suitable for you.
2. The method of application is also a huge factor
If your hair is thin, and the hair extensions are too heavy or it is applied too tightly, you risk hair damage and hair loss.
So, make sure the person who is putting in your hair extensions is a professional and knows what they are doing.
3. Do not get hair extensions if you already are suffering from hair loss
If you are suffering from hair loss, do not get hair extensions.
Because your hair roots are already weak and your hair cannot take the added stress and strain of the hair extensions.
So subjecting your hair to that kind of strain is simply going to worsen the situation.
I hope this post helps you understand that hair extensions don’t actually stop your hair from growing, but prolonged use can cause hair damage and eventually hair loss.
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