Hair Extensions May Be Killing Your Hair
Today’s question comes from Heather whose experiment with professional hair extensions turned into a nightmare:
Heather writes:
I got hair extensions out almost two years ago. I paid four thousand dollars for the kind that are put on individually with clips, which need to be put in and taken out with a tool that only salons have¦they have to be adjusted every month.
After about nine months, as the stylist was adjusting the clips, I noticed that my hair was coming out along with the extensions! There just was no more hair below the clip of hair extension hair. My hair was just GONE. It all broke off at hundreds of different places where the clips were attached. It looked like a horror film!
I cried for months. Now my hair is still growing from my roots, but it’s not getting longer. Is there anything I can do to help strengthen my hair and stop it from breaking? If I were a multi-millionaire, would there be some way? Do movie stars have some way they repair their hair we don’t know about?
The Brains Respond:
Heather, your story is really touching and we`re so sorry for what you`ve gone through. Based on your description, you have a condition known as Traction Alopecia a type of hair loss that is caused by pulling on hair. In some cases this can be caused by wearing your hair in a pony tail, in your case it`s caused by the weight of the extensions. Over a long period of time, this pulling stress can cause the follicle to atrophy and stop producing normal hairs. Depending on the intensity and duration of the stress the follicle may or may not recover. (You should consult a dermatologist to confirm this is really your problem.) For more details please read this summary on Traction Alopecia from emedicine, you may find it helpful.
Hopefully you had the extensions removed in time and your follicles will recover and begin producing thick, strong hairs again. But if your follicles were permanently damaged, there`s not much you can do. Sadly, there is no secret millionaire`s product that can solve your problem; there is no known medical treatment for late-stage Traction Alopecia.
One thing MIGHT help increase hair strength, though is treatment with pure coconut oil. As the Brains have said before, that`s one of the few natural oils that has been shown to penetrate the cortex and provide some strengthening effect to hair. It won`t make your hair grow any thicker, but it might help protect your thinner weaker strands.
We wish you the best of luck “ write back and let us know how your hair turns out.
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Jan Says:
Wow. That is awful. A true buyer beware story.
RIVKA FRIEDMAN Says:
The one & only hair extensions that will not kill your hair is the ‘Hair Infusion” a hair extensions system created by the famous New York hairdresser Rodolfo Valentin, named by the press as the New YOrk Society Hair Designer. His infusion, hair extensions technique is trademarked by Rodolfo and till the present only you can have it done at his salon. It is safe to your own hair!, see by yourself by visiting his website and also reading the hundreds of customers’ testimonials, that like myself they are extremely happy. I am wearing them from over a year and my hair is healthier than ever before!
http://hairinfusion.com
or
http://haironpieces.com
or
http://www.rodolfovalentin.com
ENJOY!
thebeautybrains Says:
Somehow I’m skeptical that hair extensions created by a famous hairdresser would be any better than any other hair extensions. Hairdressers know about cutting and shaping hair. That doesn’t mean they know anything about making hair extensions. It’s like a mechanic. Just because they know how to work on and fix cars doesn’t mean they could create one from scratch.
And testimonials are nice, but of course people are going to say nice things after they just spent hundreds of dollars on hair extensions. Saying anything bad about them would be akin to admitting that you were a sucker and someone took advantage of you. Testimonials mean very little unless they are negative.
But I’m open minded. Feel free to prove this side of the beauty brains wrong.
thebeautybrains Says:
I think it’s a bit harsh to imply that everyone who says something nice in a testamonial is either a liar or a sucker. I think some of these people honestly like the hair extensions they have. The point of the post is to recognize that you MAY be causing damage to your hair. Just because 1 person has a problem doesn’t mean extensions are bad for everyone; and conversely, just because several people give a positive testamonial doesn’t mean extensions are good for everyone.
Right Brain
thebeautybrains.com » Can Eye Lash Extensions Damage Your Lashes Says:
[...] We’ve never seen any data that shows permanent lash extensions can damage your natural lashes, but we do know that follicles can be damaged by pulling or stressing scalp hair. Read this horror story about Heather who lost her hair from extensions. We wouldn’t be surprised if lash extensions had the same effect on your lashes. (And before you ask, no, we don’t think that Jan Marini can make your eyelashes grow faster! Sorry, we just had to add that comment.) [...]
Sanora Says:
OMG, I can’t believe that happened. Was your hair previously damaged or permed before you clipped in your hair extensions? I am going to research this for an article on my blog.
christina Says:
hey ladies, i’m located in NY and I’m a certified hair extension specialist…i’m not going to sit here and convince you what I do isn’t bad for your hair, but it’s not, because I have living proof! All my clients are actually growing the hair extensions out..Check out my website and make sure you read along the FAQs so you understand how it does not break your hair…there is abolutely NO glue, tracks, protein, or braiding…if you have any questions email me at xxhairgoddessxx@aol.com and I’ll be happy to answer any questions
Christina
thebeautybrains.com » Blog Archive » Your Hair Style Could Be Causing Hair Loss Says:
[...] Beauty Brains have previously talked about traction alopecia. It is a condition in which a constant pulling action loosens hair from its follicular roots. The [...]
10 Things You Should Know About Scunci Hair Extensions | Beauty Secrets Blog Says:
[...] certainly get interesting questions from the Beauty Brains community! We’ve blogged about the dangers of hair extensions before, but we’ve never stopped to think about what synthetic hair is made of. So, we did some [...]
Wendy Says:
I just had extensions removed after 5 weeks. They were breaking off my natural hair, which is very fine and thin. The result is that my hair is half as thin as it was, since hair attached to the extensions and the resultant residue from the bond was pulled out during the removal process. I am very sad….and advise those with fine thin hair to stay away from this!
Terri Says:
I have had Great Lengths hair extensions on and off for the past three years. Although Great Lengths is not supposed to be damaging I am worried they have pulled out some of my own hair. I would love anyone’s advice on this. I love they way they look, but can they be continually taken out and replaced for years without causing permanent damage?
Thanks for any input!
The Magazine of Cuckolding For Women Says:
[...] But if you want extensions, you have more to consider than whether you want to use Jessica Simpson’s or Paris Hilton’s — you need to consider whether it’s okay for your hair. [...]
Fake Hair Facts - Answers to Beauty Science Poll 27 | The Beauty Brains Says:
[...] negative effect. Since brushing actually tugs on the hair fibers you could be in danger of getting traction alopecia which could lead to permanent hair loss. Frequent brushing is damaging to the hair so we [...]
Sharon Says:
I had the same thing happen as Heather with two different types of hair extensions. The adhesive/fusion type and the metal clamp on type. My hair is falling out by the root again, as it did with the first ones. I think stylists should do a test with a couple of extensions for a few weeks before the put them on a full head. My hair apparently cannot take the weight. From Pennsylvania
Hairy Says:
If you have traction alopecia, there is hope!
You CAN reverse the effects by hair restoration. It is a surgical procedure where they take hairs from the back of your head and transplant them to the thinning areas. As long as you discontinue traction, your hair should be restored. It isn’t cheap, but in the long run is an investment and better than coverage products. It will also help give you your confidence back. Definitely find a reputable surgeon and look into it.
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