Hair Extensions

Fixing the damage caused by poorly applied hair extensions

We should all be asking “Please could somebody ban synthetically bonded hair extensions”, but in reality most salons are glad of all the business they do trying to rectify the damage that has been done by them.

If the salon they see countless examples of poorly applied extensions that have literally pulled the clients hair out and left small bald spots. This is because they have been applied too tightly, causing what is known as traction alopecia. In most cases this hair will grow back, however, in some instances the constant pulling created by these extensions can do some permanent damage.

If this is something that has happened to you then there are ways to get back to normal. Nioxin have a really effective range of treatments for hair loss which will help to promote new hair growth in these circumstance.

Even if the client does not suffer any hair loss as a result of traction and the extensions have been applied correctly, they will most definitely experience a varying degree of breakage where the bond has been created in the hair. There is no easy way to remove these hair extensions. The recommended technique is to use the appropriate solvent remover and gently twist the bond until the hair and extension are separated. Speaking from experience, there is nothing gentle about removing these synthetically bonded extensions and no matter how careful you are, there is no avoiding some degree of breakage.

Quite often hair can be left with a weakened ‘crease’ in the shaft where it was bonded. Depending on how well this is treated will determine whether it regains some of it’s strength, or breaks. Joico have an extremely effective series of shampoos, conditioners and reconstructants in their k-pak range which are ideal for strengthening these weak spots.

The important things to remember if you are considering having hair extensions applied are;

• Use a reputable salon, somewhere that will listen if a problem should arise.
• Use recommendations. Don’t take the persons word for it, ask if you can see their nape hair line and look for any tell tale breakages or bald spots.
• When having extensions applied, tell the stylist if it feels comfortably tight, or pinched, it should not hurt!
• Make regular hair appointments. Some clients think that extensions are low maintenance and they don’t need trims or special treatment when the opposite is true, your stylist can check for signs of traction alopecia and breakage.
• Use good quality products to help prevent damage.

This artilce may not please many people but the good news is that there are lots of different hair extensions and pieces that don’t involve bonding the hair.

Hair weaves are either synthetic or made of human hair and can be stitched into the hair, or applied temporarily with slides or clips. These extensions can be used again and again and cause no damage whatsoever. Pony tail extensions also just clip in the hair and you can now get hair extensions which can be applied with hair clamps and ‘banana’ slides which can look great if you match the colour up properly.