Hair Extensions

Hair Extensions

I felt I needed to say a few words about hair extensions since they are glorified on television and the problems that can be created by extensions are never discussed.
First, if you are choosing hair extensions, the hair must be extremely clean with bugs and bacteria eliminated. Some stores allow customers to try on hair and wigs. This can cause transfer of all types of hair problems.
Some people are allergic to some hair. If you are allergic, you may notice itchy skin or scalp. If you scratch, you will, over time cause skin injury and edema. This is not a good situation and the hair should be removed as soon as possible and your own hair washed and dried.
Some women, especially black women, may pull their hair too tight to get the hair straighter or pulled into a braid. This will cause hair loss at the scalp and follicle damage over time, which can not be reversed. Usually you will see a receding hairline. This is terrible for kids, and I often see kids who are losing their hair due to excessive traction. It is not worth the hair loss and kids should not be subjected to this type of pulled hairstyle. In addition, the tight hair styles can cause headaches, which people will treat with pain-killers. The only way to really stop the pain is to stop the tight hair pulling.
Clip on extensions should only be worn "on occasion." Clip on hair will cause hair breakage which can go down to the scalp. Usually the hair breakage will be greatly noticed by 6 months of clip usage. Once you completely discontinue the clips, the hair will regrow in about a year. You will need hair trims for split ends and hair weakness.
Asian hair is often coarser and can tolerate hair extensions better. People with weak hair will usually have more problems with extensions. Hair that is dry, colored, or relaxed will have more problems. Learn how to create hair styles that have little to no tension and don't need extensions to give your hair a conditioning break.