Hair extensions can add the volume to your hair you’ve always dreamed of having. But sometimes that volume comes at a cost—getting extensions can damage your hair. Leaving them in for too long may pull at your roots and even cause hair loss.
Fortunately, you can heal your hair back to how it used to be before your extensions. Here’s how to repair your hair after extensions have been removed.
Pros and Cons of Extensions
Obviously, using hair extensions makes your hair look the way you want it to. But you need to balance that with the negatives.
Here are the pros and cons of using most hair extensions.
Pros
- They add volume to your hair, something that is incredibly hard to achieve with just hair products.
- Extensions come in different colors, so you can add many shades and colors to your hair without committing to a dye job.
- Most extensionslast a long time, usually between three and four months.
- Some extensions are reusable, so you can put them in and take them out as you please.
Cons
- Extensions sometimes need to be refitted and take a lot longer to take care of than your own hair, making them pretty high-maintenance.
- Extensions can be incredibly noticeable if not done professionally.
- They can damage your hair and your roots (which you probably already know if you’re reading this).
- Extensions can cause headaches and even scabbing when attached to the root of your natural hair.
What Kind of Hair Extensions Are the Least Damaging?
Not everyone will lose hair from their extensions, but some extensions make it more likely to lose hair.
There are four main types of hair extensions: weave, tape-in, clip-in, and fusion. Of these types, clip-in and tape-in extensions are the least damaging. But let’s go into how each extension type may damage your hair.
Weave
In weave extensions, small sections of your hair are braided to be the base of your extensions. Your extensions are then sewn into those braids
If you have thinner hair to begin with, the weight of the extensions can pull at your roots, which can cause breakage and even hair loss. Additionally, the braids of your natural hair may be made too tight, which can also cause bald spots.
Tape-In
Tape-in extensions use adhesive strips to stick in between the layers of your hair. There is no heat or glue in this process, so it won’t damage your hair. However, the weight from the extensions may pull slightly at your hair and cause breakage.
Clip-In
Clip-in extensions use clips to attach extensions to your hair. These clips will usually go behind your ears and on the back of your head. And because these extensions don’t adhere or attach tightly to your other hair, they cause very little damage.
Fusion
The most expensive and time-intensive extension application, fusion extensions, fuses individual strands of synthetic hair onto your strands of hair. The application process uses a lot of heat, which can add a great deal of damage to your hair.
Do Extensions Stop Hair Growth?
Your hair can grow while you wear hair extensions, but you may hear some people claim that extensions stop hair growth entirely. What they’re likely referring to is the hair loss that some can experience from using hair extensions.
To avoid hair loss, you should make sure to take your extensions out if using clip- or tape-in extensions. If you’re interested in fusion or weave extensions, get those professionally done at a salon.
Should I Give My Hair a Break from Extensions?
If your hair is brittle, thin, or otherwise extremely damaged, it’s a good idea to take a break from hair extensions until your hair is healthy again. Although you may want to keep using your extensions to mask your damaged hair, this won’t do your natural hair any favors.
How to Repair and Regrow Your Hair After Using Extensions
When you take out your extensions, you may notice your hair isn’t as thick or vibrant as before. You’re probably not imagining it—your extensions may have caused mild hair loss and fried your hair. But not to worry, here’s how to repair damaged hair after extensions.
Work from the Roots
Seeing your hair dry and frizzy can make you think you’ve killed your hair. Well, we have good news for you: Your hair is already dead. Technically, the only “living” part of your hair is your hair follicles. So, if you want to improve your hair health, you need to nourish your scalp.
Look for products that contain nourishing oils, like avocado or coconut oil. Aloe vera-based products can also do the trick. Treat your scalp weekly with these products for the best results.
Hydrate Your Hair
Damaged hair will feel dry and brittle, and hydrating it can make it easier to manage. Condition your hair several times a week.
If you live in hotter climates where your hair is exposed to a lot of sun, you can also consider using hair sunscreens. These protect your locks from harmful UV rays that could dry out your hair even more.
Keep Away from Hot Styling Tools
Speaking of heat, you need to lay off the heat treatments for a while. Curling irons and excessive blow-drying can do even more damage to your hair that’s already on the fritz. Forgoing these styling tools can help your hair recover faster and start looking the way you want it to. Once your hair is back to normal, then you can get back to your favorite styles.
Use Hair Regrowth Products
So how do you grow hair back after extensions rip it out? Consider using hair regrowth products like Eluxe. You can spot heal those bald patches to rejuvenate the follicles and get your thick hair back again.
Go to the Salon
Your stylist will know how to work with your hair, no matter what state it’s in. So even after you’ve tried everything to get your volume and bounce back, a trip to the hair salon can do way more good than what you can accomplish on your own.
How to Protect Your Hair when Using Extensions
Minimize the damage to your natural hair by preparing it before attaching extensions and taking proper care of it while using extensions.
Before Getting Extensions
- Stop using hair dyes and harsh chemicals, like curl relaxers or hairspray. These treatments can damage your hair and cause easier breakage when you get your extensions.
- If you have a dry or flaky scalp, use a medicated shampoo to nourish it. This ensures your extensions have a good base to attach to and will limit the damage extensions can do.
While Using Extensions
- Wash your hair regularly with a quality shampoo and moisturize with conditioner. It’s essential to wash your extensions and gently comb the shampoo through the strands. This will keep your extensions from matting or getting any knots.
- Make sure your extensions aren’t too tight. If you feel them tugging at your roots or you feel like they’re giving you a headache, take them out for a while. If you got a weave done at the salon, you may need to ask your hairdresser to loosen your braids.
- Use vitamins to nourish your hair. Applying vitamin-rich oils and taking supplements can help keep your hair looking its healthiest.
Get Your Healthy Hair Back
If you’ve used extensions and haven’t been happy with your hair since getting them removed, check out Eluxe’s products to see how we can help you. Our products can help heal your hair and get it back to the way it used to be.
