Do Hair Extensions Cause Hair Loss and Baldness?

Hair loss is a common phenomenon that affects men and women as they age. Baldness can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. It can cause a loss of confidence, which can lead to low self-esteem and distress.

Sometimes bald spots can be concealed with hair extensions. But the use of certain styling techniques, especially without following proper procedure, can, in turn, lead to loss of hair. In this article, we look at factors that can trigger baldness and how to avoid damage to the scalp when using extensions.

Common Causes of Hair loss

Hereditary and aging are the two most common factors responsible for baldness. Hair typically thins and falls off from the front part of the head. They also work together with other factors, to cause bald spots including:

• Nutrition: Follicles are mainly composed of protein material. Lack of protein in the diet will cause the follicles to enter a resting phase, and hair loss will start to fall off. Low vitamin levels can also affect the healthy growth of your follicles.
• Medication: Treatments such as chemotherapy can take a toll on certain biological functions. Usually, loss of hair is throughout the body, and it often grows back once you stop taking the medication.
• Hormones: Hormones cause loss of hair in several ways. Abnormal hormonal levels can cause disruptions in your biological systems. Some people are genetically sensitive to certain hormones. Also, thyroid issues may trigger imbalances in the body.
• Emotional Trauma: Severe mental distress can also trigger a condition known as Telogen Effluvium. The hair follicles enter into a resting phase. Follicles begin to fall, and you may notice your hair thinning.

Can Hair Extensions cause Hair Loss?

Whether hair extensions are responsible for the bald patches or the thinning hair you noticed recently, depends on certain factors. Some people have a tough scalp, while for others, even gentle tagging will irritate them.

Even tying a bandana or headscarf too tightly can cause loss of follicles. Tension on the scalp will force your body to react to the perceived threat. The reaction comes in the form of inflammation, which releases chemicals such as histamine and prostaglandins. The chemicals will cause swelling, which will, in turn, lead to the damage of the scalp.

When the damage is caused by tensions, it is important to release the scalp from that stress as soon as possible. The follicles can heal naturally as long as you give it time. Also, your hair extensions should never be tied too tight. You may also want to give your scalp some time to breathe before you go for hand-tied extensions again.

Preventing Hair Loss and Follicle Damage

Hair extensions can be used safely if the stylist avoids some common mistakes. Tape-in human hair does not exert a lot of tension on the scalp. The wefted extensions distribute the stress more evenly. However, your stylist should observe caution when removing them, as tugging can destroy the root of the follicles.

You also need individual hair extensions to correct thinning and bald spots. As we’ve seen before, many factors can cause baldness. Hormonal changes, medication, and stress are some of the common culprits. A hair loss problem that persists should be checked by a dermatologist.

Indeed some issues are temporary, and a professional stylist can use a number of techniques to address the problem. Styling can conceal some of the bald spots on your scalp without using a technique that exerts weight.

Most professional stylists working in any reputable hair extensions salon are trained to choose the right hair extensions for your scalp. They can inform you when they notice skin and scalp issues that may be causing thinning and bald spots.

In Conclusion

Many factors cause hair loss and boldness. Hair extensions can exacerbate the problem if caution is not taken when styling. Consider consulting a professional stylist when you need extensions. A professional can advise you on non-damaging extensions and the style that is suited for your scalp or hair.